2025 Iwate Prefecture Travel Guide: Must-see attractions, popular food, hotels, transportation routes (updated in April)

Ishiwate Onsen is a paradise away from the hustle and bustle of the city. 😎 Shikitei is a traditional Japanese-style hot spring hotel located in the deepest part of the Shizukuishi Onsen area in Morioka City, Iwate Prefecture, with a history of 900 years. You can enjoy the changing beauty of the Japanese garden in the room. The spring is a simple sulfur spring, rich in metasilicic acid, which is good for the skin and makes it smooth and moist. 🥰 ✅ Room type: Japanese-style, Japanese-Western style. Baby supplies are available, making it perfect for family trips. 🌹 ✅ Hot spring: The hotel has a large bath and an open-air bath. Some deluxe rooms are equipped with a private open-air bath. 🛀♨️ ✅ Meals: Kaiseki cuisine, made with the freshest seasonal ingredients, and the menu changes every month. From winter to spring, you can enjoy Japanese hairy crab, and in other seasons, the popular Maesawa beef. 💕

[Access] About 20 minutes by taxi from Ichinoseki Station (Shinkansen, etc.) [Points] ~Enjoy Cuckoo Dango~ Genbikei is famous for its Cuckoo Dango. The Cuckoo shop owner on the opposite bank pulls a basket with a rope and serves dango and tea, and it looks like the dango is flying in the air. It's amazing to see the tea and dango served without them falling out of the basket. It's a recommended tourist spot. *Information as of May 2023. #Tourist Spot

Tohoku Trip Part 2✼••┈┈┈••✼••┈┈┈••✼••┈┈┈••✼••┈┈┈••✼ 𖥧𖤣ScheduleDay 310:00｜Check out of Yu-no-Yu Kazenoki15:00｜Roadside Station Showa no Gakko15:15｜Kinshu Lake15:40｜Wagasennin Station16:30｜Hanamaki Shrine16:00｜Fujizo Ryokan19:30｜Rental car return19:00｜Morioka Station souvenir shop19:57｜Shinkansen On the way home ✼••┈┈┈••✼••┈┈┈••✼••┈┈┈••✼••┈┈┈••✼➸Recommended spot📍Yama no Eki/Showa no Gakko Address: 86-1 Shimoshizawa Gyukaku, Hanamaki City, Iwate Prefecture Opening hours: 9:00-16:30 Cost: free Recommendation: The retro sign in the schoolyard is a photogenic spot ⚠ Note: There are school holidays and closed on Tuesdays ➸Recommended spot📍Kinshu Lake Address: Suginabata, Nishiwaga-cho, Waga-gun, Iwate Prefecture Opening hours: 24 hours Roadside station, 9:00-17:30 Cost: free Recommendation: The autumn leaves season is spectacular ⚠ Caution: The temperature is slightly lower than Morioka, so you might want to bring an extra ticket ➸ Recommended spot📍Waga Sennin Station Address: Sennin 7-jiwari, Waga-cho, Kitakami-shi, Iwate Prefecture Opening hours: 24 hours Cost: free Recommendation: Check the train timetable and go at the right time ⚠ Caution: There is a large infestation of stink bugs in the waiting room and toilets at the station ➸ Recommended spot📍Hanamaki Shrine Address: Atago-cho, Hanamaki-shi, Iwate Prefecture Opening hours: 9:00-17:00 Cost: free Parking: Yes, free Recommendation: The monthly goshuin is very cute Cats sometimes come to play ➸ Recommended spot📍Nabe Onsen Fujizo Ryokan Address: Nakahira, Hanamaki, Iwate Prefecture Opening hours: 7:00-21:00 Cost Adults: 800 yen Children: 600 yen Peak season Adults: 1,100 yen Children: 900 yen Shirozaru no Yu is basically a mixed bath Women's only time 14:00-15:00 20:00-22:00 6:00-7:00 Recommended points: The best hot spring in Japan with a standing bath ⚠ Note: If you are on a day trip, please note that the parking lot is in front of the inn ✼••┈┈┈••✼••┈┈┈••✼••┈┈┈••✼••┈┈┈••✼ #Domestic travel strategy #Iwate #Iwate tourism #Domestic travel #Ihatov #Hot spring trip #Tohoku trip

This time I will introduce Furusato Mura in Iwate Prefecture It was great to be able to feel the atmosphere of an old-fashioned house here This time I went in the fall, so it was fun to be able to see the autumn leaves It was fun to be able to feel the atmosphere inside the old house. Please listen. 📍Tono Furusato Mura Address: 5-89-1, Kamitsuki Umaushi, Umaushi-cho, Tono-shi, Iwate Prefecture Opening hours: 9:00 to 16:00 #Spring 0 yen trip

This time, I will introduce tourist spots in Iwate Prefecture. This place has a European atmosphere and was very beautiful. There is also a red suspension bridge, which was impressive and very good. Please go and check it out. 📍Yukiyagawa Dam Forest Park Address: Kokarumai 20th District, Karumai-machi, Kunohe-gun, Iwate Prefecture Opening hours: 9:00 to 17:00 #Spring 0 yen trip

This time, I'll introduce a swing on a mountain in Iwate Prefecture. This place is called Tenku Buranko and is on top of a mountain, so it was fun to be able to see the whole view. If you go on a nice day, you can see the mountain in the distance. Please go and check it out. 📍Tenku Buranko Address: Matsuo 5th District, Hachimantai City, Iwate Prefecture Opening hours: 6:00 to 16:00 #0 Yen Trip February 2025

This time, we will introduce the popular inn "Yama no Kami Onsen Yukaen" located in Hanamaki Onsenkyo, Iwate! ✨♨️ This popular inn has won awards such as "Top 250 Hot Spring Inns and Hotels" and "Top 100 Japanese Inns Selected by Professionals"😊 ——————— ♨️ Hot Spring Inn: Yama no Kami Onsen Yukaen A luxurious inn surrounded by the nature of Hanamaki Onsenkyo. The hot spring water that springs from the abundant private hot spring source is so smooth that it is described as "thick and smooth" and has excellent skin-beautifying effects! ✨ 🌟 Recommended points ✅ Beautiful skin water (direct from the source) The spring water quality blends into the skin like lotion. Enjoy a relaxing soak in the hot springs in the open-air baths and large baths ♨️ There are three hot springs, each with a different atmosphere ☺️ ✅ Tasty Japanese-style architecture A luxurious structure that makes you feel the warmth of wood, it's an extraordinary space that makes you feel like you've traveled back in time 🏯 ✅ Meals that allow you to enjoy seasonal flavors You can enjoy kaiseki cuisine that uses plenty of Iwate ingredients, and enjoy a luxurious time with the hot springs 🍽️ 🚶 Access: Free shuttle bus from JR "Hanamaki Station" "Yamanokami Onsen Yukaen" where you can enjoy the mellow beauty water and healing space. Experience the ultimate hot spring trip that will refresh your mind and body ✨ ——————— We will continue to introduce wonderful spots! #IwateTrip #HanamakiOnsen #HotSpringLover #DomesticTrip #HotSpring #Tourism #AccommodationReport #Trip #FamilyTrip #HotSpringRyokan #TravelLover #HotelReview

This time, I will introduce a restaurant in Iwate Prefecture where you can eat large parfaits and pancakes. This time, I ordered a parfait and pancakes after lunch, and the round, fluffy pancakes were very cute. The taste is also delicious, so please go there once. 📍Friend Address: 4-11 Omachi, Ichinoseki City, Iwate Prefecture Business hours: 10:00-17:00 #0 yen trip February 2025

This time, we will introduce the world heritage site "Chusonji Golden Hall" located in Hiraizumi Town, Iwate Prefecture! ✨🏯 The golden interior of the hall is truly stunning! Please visit as you can enjoy the scenery of the four seasons😊 ——————— ◾︎World Heritage Site in Iwate Prefecture: Chusonji Golden Hall The Golden Hall, the symbol of Chusonji Temple in Hiraizumi Town, Iwate Prefecture, is a national treasure that brings together the craft techniques of the Heian period! The pillars and walls inside the hall are covered with gold leaf and are gorgeously decorated✨ 🌟 Highlights ✅ Golden Hall The interior is completely wrapped in gold leaf, truly a "golden world." It is the only Buddhist hall in Japan that retains its original appearance from the time of its founding, built by Fujiwara Kiyohira in hopes of paradise✨ ✅ Tsukimizaka The approach to Chusonji Temple. You can enjoy the beauty of each season, with cherry blossoms in spring, green maples in summer, autumn leaves in fall, and snowy scenery in winter 🍁❄️ ✅ Sankozo A treasure museum next to the Golden Hall. It displays precious items such as Buddhist statues and scriptures that are national treasures and important cultural properties 📜 🚶 Access: About 25 minutes walk from Hiraizumi Station on the JR Tohoku Main Line / Get off at Chusonji by bus The Golden Hall of Chusonji Temple has continued to shine for over a thousand years. If you visit Iwate, be sure to visit it ✨ ——————— We will continue to introduce wonderful spots ☺️ #IwateTrip #WorldHeritage #Chusonji #DomesticTrip #Tourism #Trip #TravelLover #DomesticSeasonalPlaces

This time, we will introduce recommended restaurants to taste Morioka's three major noodles! 🍜✨ When it comes to Morioka, the three major noodles are famous: "Morioka Reimen", "Wankosoba", and "Jajamen"! Please enjoy the authentic taste at each of the famous restaurants😊 ——————— 🍜 If you want to eat Morioka's three major noodles, go here! [If you want to eat Morioka Reimen, go here] Recommended restaurant: Seirokaku Strong and smooth noodles with delicious beef bone soup are exquisite! You can also choose the spiciness of the kimchi, so you can enjoy the taste to your liking🔥 📍 Access: About 2 minutes walk from JR "Morioka Station" [If you want to eat Wankosoba, go here] Recommended restaurant: Azumaya Main Store A famous style where soba is poured into small bowls one after another with the shout of "Hai, Dondon!"! The more bowls you eat, the deeper your memories of Morioka will become✨ If you eat 100 bowls, you will receive a wooden tag☺️ 📍 Access: About 15 minutes on foot from JR Morioka Station [If you want to eat Jajamen, go here] Recommended restaurant: Pairon Main Branch A Morioka specialty where flat, chewy noodles are mixed with special meat miso and chopped green onions! The way to eat it as a connoisseur is to enjoy it all the way to the last "Chi-tan-tan (egg soup)"🥚 📍 Access: About 10 minutes on foot from JR Morioka Station The three great noodles of Morioka, tasting them in their original place, are exceptional! ✨ If you visit Morioka, please be sure to visit😊 ——————— We will continue to introduce great spots! #IwateGourmet #ThreeGreatNoodlesOfMorioka #MoriokaColdNoodles #DomesticTravel #Tourism #Trip #Gourmet #GourmetTrip #TravelLover #DomesticSeasonalPlaces

This time, we will introduce "Fukuda Pan", a popular bakery in Morioka City, Iwate Prefecture! 🥪✨ "Fukuda Pan", a fluffy koppepan sandwiched with plenty of ingredients, is a soul food that continues to be loved by locals. The freshly made taste, which is made to order, is exceptional! Please visit us😊 ——————— Popular shop: Fukuda Pan A very popular bakery in Morioka City, Iwate Prefecture! The simple yet deep koppepan is the charm✨ 🍞 Recommended menu ✅ Anko butter The sweetness of the anko and the rich butter are exquisitely matched! The most popular iron plate menu✨ ✅ Shrimp cutlet The cutlet is filled with plenty of shrimp, crispy on the outside and juicy on the inside! The deliciousness of shrimp spreads with one bite🦐✨ ✅ Peanut butter Plenty of rich and fragrant peanut cream! Addictively sweet 🥜 🚶 Access: About 15 minutes on foot from JR Morioka Station Enjoy simple yet deep-flavored bread at Fukuda Pan! If you visit Morioka, be sure to stop by! ✨ ——————— We will continue to introduce great spots! #Iwate #Morioka #IwateGourmet #Bakery #Bread #DomesticTravel #Tourism #FamilyTrip #GraduationTrip #TravelLover #DomesticSeasonalPlaces

📍Morioka City, Iwate Prefecture [Morioka ranked 2nd in the 52 places to visit in 2023] I went on a 3-day, 2-night trip to Morioka and Hanamaki in Iwate Prefecture. I will introduce the quiet streets of Tohoku and the historical spots where Kenji Miyazawa spent his time. ① Bank of Iwate ② Kaiun Bridge ③ Tea and Iron Bottle Engawa (closed August 2024) ④ Takuboku Kenji Youth Museum ⑤ Miyazawa Kenji Memorial Museum ⑥ Yamanekoken ⑦ Takamatsuan ⚫︎Notes ※I went in March, but there was still snow left. Please be careful about what you wear! _ _ _ _ _ Please use this as a reference for your next trip🔖 #Iwate Prefecture #Iwate Tourism #Morioka Tourism #Kenji Miyazawa #Domestic Travel #0 Yen Travel February 2025

#asiatrip Denshoen, located in Tono, Iwate Prefecture, is a captivating open-air museum that offers a deep dive into the traditional rural life of Japan. This cultural gem showcases beautifully preserved thatched-roof farmhouses, traditional tools, and engaging exhibits that bring the folklore and history of the region to life. Visitors can wander through the picturesque grounds, participate in hands-on activities like mochi pounding, and enjoy performances of local folk tales. The serene environment, coupled with the rich cultural heritage on display, makes Denshoen a must-visit for anyone interested in experiencing the authentic charm of rural Japan

#asiatrip The Kinshu Lake Water Festival, held annually at the picturesque Kinshu Lake in Iwate Prefecture, is a vibrant celebration that brings together locals and visitors for a day of fun and festivities. The event features a variety of water-based activities, including boat races, water sports, and traditional performances that highlight the rich cultural heritage of the region. The festival grounds are adorned with colorful decorations, and the atmosphere is filled with the sounds of music and laughter. Food stalls offering local delicacies add to the festive spirit, making it a perfect opportunity to indulge in regional flavors. As the day transitions into evening, the festival culminates in a spectacular fireworks display over the lake, creating a magical and unforgettable experience for all attendees

Do you like animation? I visited Hanamaki in Iwate Prefecture, the birthplace of the animation Galaxy Express 999, which you may have heard of at least once. Each small city in Japan has its own charm, but Hanamaki is quiet and offers various shrine experiences, so I recommend it to those who want to experience Japanese culture firsthand! #NewYorkFlightEvent

📍 Chusonji Golden Hall A must-see A temple registered as a World Heritage site in Tohoku. Surrounded by greenery, it's a great spot for negative ions! 【INFORMATION】 Chusonji Golden Hall 📮029-4102 202 Hiraizumi Kinuzeki, Hiraizumi-cho, Nishiiwai-gun, Iwate Prefecture 🕐8:30-17:00 💰Admission fee 1000 yen #0 yen travel autumn

#traveldiaries #japan #japantrip #iwate What I find particularly captivating about Iwate is its connection to Japan’s history and spirituality. Sites like Chuson-ji Temple and the World Heritage Site Hiraizumi showcase the region’s ancient Buddhist heritage, while also offering moments of reflection and beauty. The prefecture’s historical festivals, such as the Chagu Chagu Umakko horse festival, keep traditional customs alive in a vibrant way. Iwate’s combination of unspoiled nature and rich cultural experiences makes it a remarkable destination for travelers looking to connect with Japan’s traditions while enjoying its scenic grandeur. It’s a place where time seems to slow down, allowing visitors to fully appreciate the simplicity and beauty of life.

#Natural Landscape Genbi Gorge in Iwate Prefecture, northeastern Japan, is a magical secret place carved by the magic of nature. Over the long years, the valleys and streams have been shrouded in a veil of mystery, attracting countless travelers to explore. As you step into Yanmei Creek, the first thing that catches your eye is the towering cliffs. The creek flows endlessly at the bottom of the valley, splashing water and forming charming curtains of water. There are towering ancient trees and lush greenery on both sides of the valley. The most unique thing about Yan Meixi is the "Flying Dumpling" experience😆. Visitors can put money into a basket and knock on a gavel at the pavilion on the other side of the stream. The shop owner will then deliver delicious Guogong dumplings and a cup of tea to them along the ropes stretched across the river. This ancient method of transportation makes people feel as if they are traveling through time and space, experiencing the wisdom and ingenuity of ancient people. 📸Attraction: Yanbi Gorge 📍Address: Takinoue, Yanbi Town, Ichinoseki City, Iwate Prefecture #100 Ways to Travel #Japan Attractions #Tohoku #Iwate #Overseas Travel #trip

Botanical Garden in Iwate Ken Prefecture Japan Sanohe Iwate Japan #Garden #botanicalgarden #japan #iwatejapan #IwateKenJapan

In Morioka City, Iwate Prefecture, Japan, I visited the solemn Iwate Gokoku Shrine, a place full of historical significance and spiritual ambiance. I captured five photos to document this profound visit. The Iwate Gokoku Shrine is located in a tranquil area of Morioka City and is a shrine dedicated to the spirits of war heroes. As I entered the shrine, I was immediately captivated by its solemn atmosphere and the beautiful natural scenery. The shrine's main hall is designed with simplicity and dignity, surrounded by tall trees and delicate plants, creating a sense of peace and tranquility. Inside the shrine, I paid my respects at the main hall and other important altars, feeling the sacredness and solemnity of the place. Every detail showed respect for the war heroes, inspiring awe. I prayed quietly here, feeling inner peace and pleasure. The shrine's garden is also a place worth appreciating, where the natural landscape and architecture blend perfectly, forming a harmonious picture. I strolled through the garden, enjoying the surrounding beauty and feeling the power of nature and spiritual enlightenment. What particularly impressed me were the monuments and sculptures within the shrine, which displayed respect and remembrance for history and ancestors. I captured these solemn scenes, hoping to share this sacredness and beauty with everyone. This visit to the Iwate Gokoku Shrine not only allowed me to understand Japanese history and culture but also made me feel the spirituality and tranquility of the place. I will forever treasure this beautiful memory and look forward to returning here in the future to experience more of the beauty of history and spirituality.

Sakura is a symbol of Japan, the land of the rising sun, full of beautiful nature, delicious food, clean air, beautiful in every season, especially spring or Haru. The highlight of this season is watching Sakura or Hanami. Japanese people and tourists around the world wait for this time of year to see the beauty of Sakura. Today, I would like to recommend a place to see ten thousand Sakura trees, 2 kilometers long along the river at Kitakami Tenchochi, Iwate City, Tohoku region. I believe that not many Thai people know this city. If you have the opportunity, I would like to invite everyone to come and see the beauty of Iwate. You will be impressed and never forget it. The event is held in mid-April. There are food, snacks, ice cream shops. There are horse-drawn carriages. If anyone can't walk, you can take a boat down the river to see the beauty of Sakura. #tripแจกโรงแรมฟรี #ชวนเพื่อนช้อปเที่ยว #sakura

The Mutsu Hydrangea Garden is recognized as the No. 1 Hydrangea Garden in Japan by the Japan Hydrangea Association. The trails are surrounded by towering cedar trees and are lined with beautiful hydrangeas. It is said that there are more than 400 varieties of 400 trees. The cedar forest itself is so vast that it is as big as 4 Tokyo Domes. #springgoodplace2024 #hydrangea #checkin

Morioka Castle Park in Iwate Prefecture has been loved by many literary masters since ancient times, and many monuments with literary masterpieces have been left behind. Although it is now a castle park for citizens to relax, it is also a very popular cherry blossom viewing spot in Iwate Prefecture. Every year from mid-April to early May, as many as 250 cherry trees are in full bloom. The stone walls of the ancient castle and the blooming cherry blossoms present a perfect and harmonious scenery, attracting many tourists who come to enjoy the flowers. #springplace2024 #cherryblossom

Located in Ichinoseki City, Iwate Prefecture, the Michinoku Hydrangea Garden (みちのくあじさい園) is recognized by the Japan Hydrangea Association as Japan's No. 1 Hydrangea Garden. It can be said to be the number one hydrangea garden in Japan. Unlike other famous hydrangea sites, coming here is like walking into a dense forest. It is the only place in Japan where cedar forests and hydrangeas are planted together. There are more than 400 varieties of hydrangeas in the entire park, with 40,000 plants. The park is also very large. The vast cedar forest alone is as big as four Tokyo Domes. The trails surrounded by the towering cedar forests are planted with beautiful hydrangeas on both sides. The trails are divided into three routes, the longest is 1.2 kilometers, and the shortest is 450 meters. If you don't have enough strength, there are mini-tour buses in the park. It takes about 40 minutes to go around the park and costs 700 yen per person. It is a very considerate service for parents and children. Address: 111, Azaharazawa, Maikawa, Ichinoseki City, Iwate Prefecture #springplace2024 #hydrangea

[Access] About a 25-minute walk from Iwate Numamiyauchi Station on the IGR Iwate Galaxy Railway It is just past the Ishigami-no-Oka Museum of Art. [Points] ~A park where you can relax~ Iwate-machi Sculpture Park is a free park that can be enjoyed for about a 3-minute walk from the Ishigami-no-Oka roadside station. It is a sloping park with many sculptures standing on the slope. It is a large park, so it is fun to go up to the top while looking at the sculptures in the cool season. It is fun to see the roadside station from the top. There are parks and art museums that are fun for children in this area, so it is recommended as it seems like a place where you can relax. *Information as of May 2024. #Sakura2024

I'd like to introduce my favorite inn that I stayed at during my trip to Tohoku. An old-style guesthouse located a 5-minute walk from JR Mataki Station I want to come back. A goat greets you at the entrance to the inn. It was still cold when I went, but the kerosene stove was blazing, so even I, who is sensitive to the cold, was able to stay comfortably without feeling cold. The host was very easy to talk to, and the breakfast was delicious! There's nothing around this inn, but the local train ride to get there is exciting, and if you have enough time, you can go to Kesennuma Port or visit the World Heritage Sites from Ichinoseki. This inn is a very attractive place to use as a starting point. #MatakiStation #TohokuTrip #IWantToComeBack #TohokuAccommodation

Hachimantai, located at the border of Iwate Prefecture and Akita Prefecture, is a beginner-level hiking route suitable for all ages. Although the highest point of the mountain is 1,613 meters above sea level, it may seem daunting, but in fact, you can easily take a car to the Hachimantai Mountain Rest Station at an altitude of 1,580 meters. The only part that really requires strength to reach the summit is a short distance, so whether you are a child, an elderly person or a novice hiker, you can definitely reach the summit easily. Hachimantai Summit Rest Area Address: Mt. Hachimantai, Hachimantai City, Iwate Prefecture #Iwate Prefecture #Hachimantai

#2024 Travel Wishes Located in Japan🇯🇵, Oshin Nose Rock is a sight that can only be reached by boat from Yam Nose Creek, very hidden🌟 The Great Nose Rock is 124 meters high and 100 meters wide. It is a super large rock wall that makes people marvel at the ghost stories of nature❣️ If you come, you must come and take a picture🤩 I want to travel to Japan in 2024 Da Nibi Rock Kojiro Higashiyamacho Matsukawa, Ichinoseki, Iwate 029-0303