The walls, ceiling and floor of the Konjikidō at Chūson-ji are entirely lacquered and gilded. The temple was built by the Northern Fujiwara clan in the 11th and 12th centuries. In Hiraizumi, in the south of Iwate Prefecture, you can discover this specific detail of the temple’s history. At Motsu-ji, the elegant Pure Land gardens and pond have been preserved, even though the original temples and pagodas burned down many years ago. Here, different aspects come into view: intricately decorated interiors on the one hand, and preserved gardens and a pond on the other.
Art, History and Craft
The Iwate Prefectural Museum of Art showcases works by local artists, including Tetsugoro Mantetsu, Shunsuke Matsumoto and Yasutake Funakoshi. Special exhibitions explore national and international themes; the museum also hosts lectures, workshops and concerts. As exhibition themes change, it is worth checking the current program before your visit if you have a particular interest. At Morioka Handi-Works Square, you can make local craft products in hands-on workshops. This adds the chance to try your hand at a craft to the exploration of art and history.
Sanriku Coast: Cliffs, Bay and Boat
Iwate faces the Pacific along the Sanriku Coast, which is part of Sanriku Fukko National Park. At Kitayamazaki, the 200-meter-high Unosu Cliffs rise from the sea. Several paths and boat tours offer ways to see the cliffs, either on foot or from the water. Jodogahama Beach has a sheltered bay with calm water suitable for swimming. In the Geibikei Gorge, you can take in the scenery from a Venetian-style flat-bottomed boat. These three experiences offer different highlights: cliffs, a quiet bay or a boat trip through a gorge.
Mountain Landscapes, a Cave and Winter Experiences
Mount Iwate is the highest peak in the prefecture and is also known as Nanbu Fuji. You can climb it from the Yakehashiri or Kamibo trailheads in the city of Hachimantai. A large population of the alpine plant Dicentra grows along the Yakehashiri climbing route. The alpine area of Hachimantai also offers a variety of landscapes: old-growth forests, snow-covered mountains and wetlands with wildflowers. In winter, Hachimantai offers skiing and snowboarding; guided snowshoe hikes through remote mountain and forest areas are also available. Comparing the seasons can help with planning: the winter sports and snowshoeing options mentioned here complement the landscapes that define the alpine area.
Another natural wonder is Ryūsendō Cave, with its three crystal-clear underground lakes. The cave is also home to many different species of bats. Iwate thus offers a range of natural highlights: coast and sea, alpine landscapes and an underground world of caves.
Local Specialties and Getting There
Wanko-soba is served as a culinary challenge: a server repeatedly refills small bowls until the diner stops. Rather than one large serving, the repeated refills are what define this way of eating. Another tradition is Ennen-cha tea, which can only be drunk at Motsu-ji and has been recognized as an intangible folk cultural asset. Together with the workshops for local craft products, these examples show that a trip can be explored through more than just landscapes and historic sites.
The JR Tōhoku Shinkansen runs daily from Tokyo, Sendai and Hakodate to Iwate; check the timetables before departure. When choosing a base for your trip, your interests can help guide your decision: temples and art, the coast or the mountains each offer a different focus. So first decide which discoveries matter most to you, then plan your trip around them.
Discover More Destinations
Discover more destinations: Morioka, Kitakami, Ichinoseki, Hachimantai, Miyako, Hanamaki, Iwate-gun, Nishiiwai District, Waga District, Kamaishi, Iwaizumi, Ōshū, Rikuzentakata, Tōno, Ōfunato.
For the overview of the wider region: Japan.
