Tourist Information of Iwate

"Gembikei Gorge" is a scenic spot located in the middle reaches of the Satetsu River, where cliffs over 100m high surround both banks, creating a breathtaking view that resembles a sumi-e painting. There are many other spots surrounded by nature, such as "Genbikei Gorge," which is designated as a natural monument of the country, "Mirai Toshi Ginga Tetsudo," which uses special fluorescent paint to glow under UV light at night, and "Kamaishi no Taki," which was visited by Kenji Miyazawa during his teaching days. When it comes to Hiraizumi, the most famous spot is the Konjikido of Chuson-ji Temple, which is a World Heritage Site and the first national treasure.

Morioka, where Kenji Miyazawa and Takuboku Ishikawa spent their youth, is a literary city. It was one of the first to modernize in Tohoku, resulting in many writers and celebrities leaving their marks and achievements. Rare Western-style buildings from the Meiji period stand, and the city is full of history and culture, with a retro atmosphere. The three famous Morioka noodles, "Wanko soba," "Morioka reimen," and "Morioka jajamen," are also a must-try gourmet experience.

Kuzhishi, located in the world's largest amber mining site and one of the largest in Japan, has an amber museum and is a city that has received a lot of attention as the stage for NHK's morning drama "Amachan." Miyako City has many scenic spots along the Sanriku Coast, and the rich seafood such as salmon, saury, and seaweed caught off the coast of Miyako is also attractive. Iwaizumi Town is a large town in Honshu, known as the town of Ryusendo, famous for its high water transparency, and is also home to Ankeido, Japan's longest limestone cave.

Hanamaki, known as the birthplace of the famous poet and fairy tale writer Kenji Miyazawa, has many facilities where you can follow in his footsteps. The magnificent nature with the Ou Mountains to the west and the Kitakami Highlands to the east, the Hanamaki Onsen Resort, one of the leading hot spring resorts in Tohoku, local beer, and the legendary 10-level soft serve ice cream at the department store's food court are all very popular. Surrounded by mountains, Tono is a nature-rich city known as the land of folktales, with attractions such as "Kappa Pond," where the Kappa legend remains, and "Tono Furusato Village," where you can see traditional Japanese houses.

Hachimantai is a city with beautiful and magnificent nature, such as the alpine plants of the Abi Plateau and the Kurotani Wetland. In spring, you can enjoy the cherry blossoms of Kamimaru Okuno blooming against the backdrop of Mt. Iwate, in summer you can hike on the summit of Mt. Hachimantai, in autumn you can go leaf-peeping in the Matsukawa Gorge, and in winter you can walk through a corridor of snow on the Hachimantai Aspite Line. You can enjoy the city to the fullest in any season!

Kitakami Tenjinyama, located on the banks of the tranquil Kitakami River, is known as one of the best cherry blossom viewing spots in Tohoku and is listed as one of the "Top 100 Cherry Blossom Spots in Japan." Once you step into the Michinoku Folk Village, the largest outdoor museum in Tohoku, you'll feel like you've traveled back in time. Esashi has many historical temples and shrines that have been preserved since ancient times, as well as tourist attractions and experience facilities where both children and adults can learn about history and science while having fun, despite being struck by many fires.

The Goishi Coast in Ofunato City is a picturesque coastal area with a variety of flowers in bloom. It has been selected as a national scenic spot and natural monument, as well as one of Japan's top 100 beaches. Kamaishi City, located in the center of the Sanriku Reconstruction National Park, is known as the birthplace of Japan's modern steel industry and one of the world's three largest fishing grounds, the Sanriku fishing grounds. To relieve travel fatigue, the "Goyo Onsen," which is popular for its abundant hot water and skin-beautifying effects, is recommended. It is said to be effective for neuralgia, coldness, and fatigue recovery.