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Rikuzentakata City

Rikuzentakata City is a town on the Sanriku Coast of Iwate Prefecture that has been reborn as a new tourist destination following its reconstruction after the Great East Japan Earthquake.The "Miracle Pine Tree" (Kiseki no Ipponmatsu), a single pine tree that narrowly survived as an earthquake relic, is a symbol of recovery visited by many people from both Japan and abroad. The adjacent Takata Matsubara Tsunami Reconstruction Memorial Park also houses facilities that convey the memory of the disaster.Furthermore, the restoration of Takata Matsubara, a scenic spot with beautiful white sands, is underway, and it is cherished as a peaceful...

Iwate
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Iwate

Nishiwaga Town

Nishiwaga Town, located on the border with Akita Prefecture in Iwate, is a town characterized by rich nature, hot springs, and a unique culture born of its status as a heavy snowfall area.The main tourist attraction is the Yuda Onsen Gorge, which is steeped in the atmosphere of a secluded hot spring (hitō). Inns are scattered along the river, offering distinctive hot springs such as the historic Yukawa Onsen and Sawauchi Onsen, where the culture of hot spring cure (tōji) still remains.Kinshūko Lake, located in the center of the town, creates a particularly beautiful landscape as the fresh greenery of...

Iwate
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Iwate

Karumai Town

Karumai Town, located in northern Iwate Prefecture, is a highland town surrounded by abundant nature.This town is known as the birthplace of Haruichi Furudate, the author of the popular volleyball manga "Haikyu!!" Places that served as models for the high school, gymnasium, and school routes appearing in the work are scattered throughout the town, making it a pilgrimage site visited by many "Haikyu!!" fans.Leveraging its cool climate, the town is known for the active production of millet and other grains as its specialty product.

Iwate
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Iwate

Hanamaki Onsen Village

The cluster of hot springs located in the mountains of western Hanamaki City, Iwate Prefecture, along the Daigawa and Toyosawa River, is collectively known as the "Hanamaki 12 Hot Springs" (Hanamaki Jūnitō). This is one of the largest hot spring areas in the Tohoku region, with each hot spring resort possessing a distinct charm.Its greatest appeal is the variety of accommodation options, ranging from traditional hot spring cure inns (tōji-yado) to large resort hotels, allowing visitors to choose according to their travel purpose.Historically rich and charming hot springs are particularly popular, such as Namari Onsen, famous for its "Shira猿 no...

Iwate
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Iwate

Hanamaki City

Hanamaki City, Iwate Prefecture, is known as the hometown of the poet and children's author, Kenji Miyazawa, and is home to many related tourist spots.Visitors can experience the worldview of his works at the Kenji Miyazawa Fairy Tale Village and the Kenji Miyazawa Memorial Museum. Furthermore, the Hanamaki Onsen Village in the southern part of the city features charming hot springs such as Ōsawa Onsen and Namari Onsen, which are popular as hot spring cure resorts (tōji-ba).Traditional culture, such as Nambu Ironware and the spectacular Deer Dance (Shishiodori) performed at the Hanamaki Festival held in August, can also be enjoyed...

Iwate
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Iwate

Kitakami Tenshōchi Park

This is one of the leading cherry blossom viewing spots in the Tohoku region, and has been selected as one of the Top $100$ Cherry Blossom Spots in Japan. A row of cherry trees stretches for about $2text{ km}$ along the left bank of the Kitakami River, drawing large crowds during the cherry blossom season. Furthermore, the red and white azaleas begin to bloom in May.

Iwate
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Nature
Spring

Iwate

Koiwai Farm

Koiwai Farm, spreading across Shizukuishi Town in Iwate Prefecture at the foot of Mount Iwate, is one of the oldest private comprehensive farms in Japan.In the tourist area, "Makiba-en," visitors can enjoy various activities such as interacting with sheep and cows, horseback riding, and carriage rides across the vast grounds. Exquisite local foods, including soft-serve ice cream and omelet rice (omurice) made with fresh milk and eggs, are also popular.The farm features scattered historical buildings designated as National Important Cultural Properties, and its beautiful landscape is famous as a location for dramas and films. The contrast between the solitary cherry...

Iwate
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Iwate

Yukotan no Mori

An "Inn in the Forest" for healing in great nature. Yukotan no Mori is where the natural environment—including trees, flowers, and animals nurtured by clear water and air—merges with abundant hot spring water and a tranquil lodge. The "Mori no Yu" (Forest Bath) is our pride, offering high-quality hot spring water and the warmth of wood to relax both body and mind. From the guests-only observation bath, "Ten no Yu" (Heaven's Bath), you can enjoy the magnificent view of the southern foothills of Mount Iwate.

Iwate
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Iwate

Takinoue Onsen Takimikansō

Takinoue Onsen Takimikansō is an inn nestled deep in the mountains of Hachimantai, Iwate Prefecture. It is a secluded hot spring (hitō) brimming with atmosphere, where guests can savor free-flowing hot spring water directly from the source while gazing at the seasonal scenery.

Iwate
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Iwate

Kunimi Onsen Moriyamasō

This hot spring boasts a rare emerald green, clear, green-colored water that is unusual nationwide. Guests particularly enjoy the scenic indoor bath (uchiyu) constructed entirely from Hiba cypress, and the observation open-air bath (rotenburo) which overlooks the seasonal mountain ranges and valleys.

Iwate
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Iwate

Hotel Mori no Kaze Ōshuku

This resort hotel with a Western-style exterior stands at the entrance to the hot spring village. The aerial open-air bath on the $2text{nd floor}$ offers a sense of floating and a panoramic view of the great outdoors, thanks to its structure protruding outside the building. Free events are held daily at the Festival Plaza (Omatsuri Hiroba).

Iwate
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Iwate

Ōshuku Onsen Kawachō

A pure Japanese-style inn offering the warmth of wood and tranquility. A blissful hot spring retreat. This calm inn, built on a small hill, has a home-like atmosphere. Its somewhat nostalgic Japanese setting allows guests to relax and unwind fully. Surrounded by nature, it provides a blissful rest that enriches the soul and offers deep healing.

Iwate
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Iwate

Hotel Ōshuku

This inn is located at the very back of Ōshuku Onsen and features $100text{%}$ natural hot spring water.In addition to the indoor baths (uchiyu), there is a garden open-air bath (rotenburo) surrounded by the colors of the four seasons, available for bathing $24text{ hours}$ a day.

Iwate
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Iwate

Ōshuku Onsen

Ōshuku Onsen is a quiet hot spring resort located at the southern foothills of Mount Iwate. Legend has it that the spring was discovered about $450text{ years}$ ago when a hawk was observed healing its wounds there, which is the origin of the name.The water quality is a gentle alkaline simple hot spring, boasting abundant water volume and high efficacy, and it has long been popular as a hot spring cure resort (tōji-ba). Near the hot spring town, where ryokans (inns) are clustered, there is Lake Gosho, offering opportunities for lakeside walks and leisure activities. Its relatively close proximity to...

Iwate
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Iwate

Hachimantai City

Hachimantai City in Iwate Prefecture is a region blessed with magnificent nature and hot springs.The Hachimantai Aspite Line, which connects Iwate and Akita, is a scenic driving route particularly famous for its Snow Corridor in spring and its stunning autumn foliage. Nearby are scenic spots such as Hachiman-numa Pond, with its beautiful emerald green lake, and Ōnuma Pond, where hot spring steam can be observed.The area also boasts a variety of attractive hot springs, including hidden gems (hitō) like Matsukawa Onsen and Tōshichi Onsen. Visitors can enjoy outdoor activities throughout the year, such as skiing in winter and trekking or...

Iwate
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Iwate

Hachimantai Aspite Line

The Hachimantai Aspite Line is a tourist road approximately $27text{ km}$ long that traverses Mount Hachimantai, spanning Iwate and Akita Prefectures.It is famous for the Snow Corridor (Snow Wall) formed by gigantic walls of snow that appear immediately after the road opens in late April. This scenic drive offers spectacular views throughout the four seasons, featuring alpine plants in early summer and mountains ablaze with autumn leaves in the fall.Nearby are scenic spots like the Hachimantai Summit and Ōnuma Pond, allowing visitors to fully enjoy the magnificent nature alongside their drive. It also provides convenient access to hot spring resorts...

Iwate
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Iwate

Sanriku Railway

The Sanriku Railway is a third-sector line that runs $163text{ km}$ along the rias coast of Iwate Prefecture.This integrated line, combining the North Rias Line and the South Rias Line, allows passengers to enjoy the dynamic coastline of Sanriku Reconstruction National Park and the views of beautiful fishing ports from the train windows. The scenery is particularly thrilling when crossing high bridges or passing cliffs that jut out into the sea.It serves as a symbol of reconstruction after the earthquake disaster, and its charm lies in its regionally unique services, such as specialized guides provided by attendants and Tatami-room trains...

Iwate
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Iwate

Kitayamasaki Sappa Boat Tour

Kitayamasaki, located in Tanohata Village, Iwate Prefecture, is the premier scenic spot on the Sanriku Coast, where cliffs reaching $200text{ meters}$ in height stretch for about $8text{ km}$.The way to enjoy this dynamic coastline up close from the sea is through the "Sappa Boat Adventures," which utilizes local small fishing boats. Guided by the boatman, the experience is full of thrill and power—you navigate through sea caves (kaishokudō) at the base of the cliffs and experience powerful waves.You can enjoy the stunning view from zero meters above sea level and experience fishing culture, which offers a completely different perspective than...

Iwate
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Iwate

Jōdogahama Beach

Jōdogahama Beach, located in Miyako City, Iwate Prefecture, is a representative scenic spot on the Sanriku Coast and is designated as a National Place of Scenic Beauty.It was named for its unique landscape—characterized by sharp, white rhyolite rocks standing close together—which was likened to the Buddhist Pure Land (Jōdo). The calm waters of the inlet are part of the "Michinoku Coastal Trail," and tours on a small "Sappa Boat" to the "Blue Grotto" are popular due to the water's high transparency.Visitors can fully enjoy the quiet and beautiful scenery created by the contrast between the white rocks, the green pines,...

Iwate
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Iwate

Ryūsen-dō Cave

Ryūsen-dō Cave, located in Iwaizumi Town, Iwate Prefecture, is one of the Three Great Limestone Caves of Japan and is designated as a National Natural Monument.Its most prominent feature is its underground lakes with extremely high transparency. The Third Underground Lake, in particular, with a depth of $98text{ meters}$, is mysteriously illuminated, and its clear blue surface is known as "Dragon Blue." Although only a part of the cave is open to the public, the total length is estimated to be over $5,000text{ meters}$.The cave maintains a constant annual average temperature of around $10text{°C}$, making it feel cool in the...

Iwate
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Iwate

Genbikei Gorge

Genbikei Gorge is a gorge created by the Iwaigawa River flowing through Ichinoseki City, Iwate Prefecture, and is designated as a National Place of Scenic Beauty and a Natural Monument.The gorge, stretching for about $2text{ km}$, is characterized by its dynamic scenery, where the emerald green clear stream creates a mix of powerful rapids and gentle pools. It is particularly noted for its strangely shaped rocks and potholes (ōketsu) formed by the erosion of the bedrock.A well-known specialty is the "Flying Dumplings (Kakkō Dango)," where dango (dumplings) are delivered in a basket via a rope from a shop on the...

Iwate
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Iwate

Geibikei Gorge

Geibikei Gorge, located in Ichinoseki City, Iwate Prefecture, is a gorge along the Satetsugawa River that stretches for about $2text{ km}$. It is designated as a National Historic Site, Place of Scenic Beauty, and Natural Monument.Its biggest feature is the boat cruise (funakudari), where a boatman navigates the vessel using only a single pole. From the boat, visitors can enjoy the magnificent scenery of continuous cliffs exceeding $50text{ meters}$ in height, along with beautiful seasonal views. Near the terminus, at the rock resembling a "Geibi" (lion's nose), the experience of throwing Lucky Balls (undama) with a wish is also popular.The...

Iwate
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Iwate

Mōtsū-ji Temple

Mōtsū-ji Temple, located in Hiraizumi Town, Iwate Prefecture, is a Tendai sect temple and, like Chūson-ji, is a component of the UNESCO World Heritage site "Hiraizumi – Temples, Gardens and Archaeological Sites Representing the Buddhist Pure Land."It was originally built by Motohira, the second lord of the Ōshū Fujiwara clan. Although the buildings have since been lost to fire, a vast site of the former temple complex remains. The biggest highlight is the Jōdo Garden (Pure Land Garden), which conveys the gardening style of the Heian period. The garden centered around Ōizumi-ga-ike Pond exudes an elegant and tranquil atmosphere, representing...

Iwate
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Iwate

Chūson-ji Temple

Chūson-ji Temple, located in Hiraizumi Town, Iwate Prefecture, is a Tendai sect temple and a major component of the UNESCO World Heritage site "Hiraizumi – Temples, Gardens and Archaeological Sites Representing the Buddhist Pure Land."It was founded in the $12text{th century}$ by Kiyohira, the first lord of the Ōshū Fujiwara clan, and flourished as a symbol of the Golden Capital built upon Buddhist principles. The National Treasure Konjikidō (Golden Hall), which is entirely covered in gold leaf over lacquer, is a must-see.Ascending the approach known as "Tsukimizaka" (Moon-Viewing Slope), surrounded by cedar trees, visitors encounter numerous halls and pagodas, allowing...

Iwate
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