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

【Iwate - Jodogahama Beach】A paradise-like scenery. A stunning beach with transparent waters and white rocks. Located in Miyako City, Iwate Prefecture, Jodogahama Beach is a renowned scenic spot within the Sanriku Fukko National Park. The sharp, white rhyolite rocks and emerald blue sea create a striking contrast that feels like another world. Surrounded by gentle waves, crystal-clear waters, and the calls of seagulls floating on the sea, visitors can enjoy a truly soothing experience. 🌟 Highlights & Activities - Experience sightseeing boats or rowboats on the transparent blue sea. - Visit the "Blue Cave" on the "Blue Cave Sappa Boat," where you can observe the shimmering blue sea up close, depending on the light. - Early morning and twilight views are particularly magical, making it a favorite spot for photography enthusiasts. 🚉 Access - By bus: About 15 minutes from JR Miyako Station, get off at "Jodogahama Visitor Center" and it's right there. - By car: About 10 minutes from Sanriku Expressway "Miyako Chuo IC" (parking available nearby). 🏖 Recommended Seasons - May to September: Perfect for waterfront strolls and cruises on sunny days. - Autumn: The clear air enhances the breathtaking scenery. - Winter: The quiet coastline and white rock surfaces offer a different kind of charm. 📝 Travel Tips - Enjoy a seafood lunch at the nearby "Jodogahama Rest House." - Arriving on the first morning boat may allow you to enjoy the serene sea and magical light all to yourself. - Don't miss the "Miyako Jodogahama Visitor Center," which shares memories of the earthquake disaster. ⸻

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

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

The "Yakehashiri Lava Flow" is a vast lava field formed approximately 260 years ago during the eruption of Mount Iwate. Stretching about 3 kilometers, the rugged black lava creates a strikingly barren landscape with almost no vegetation even today. A walking trail has been developed, allowing visitors to experience the raw power of nature up close while exploring this unique terrain. ✨ --- 📍Basic Information 🏔 Name: Yakehashiri Lava Flow 📮 Address: 〒028-7113 Hira-Kasa Dai 24 Chiwari 728, Hachimantai City, Iwate Prefecture, Japan ⏰ Hours: Open for free exploration 24/7 (Visitor Center: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM) 💰 Admission: Free 🚗 Parking: Available (Free / Approximately 50 spaces) --- With the jet-black sea of lava and Mount Iwate as a backdrop, this breathtaking spot lets you feel the energy of nature with your entire being. It's perfect for stunning photos and for experiencing the heartbeat of the Earth. 📸✨

ViTO×IWAIZUMI is a gelato specialty shop located in Iwaizumi Town, Iwate Prefecture. The flavors, made generously with local ingredients, boast the rich aroma and taste of fresh fruits✨. The colorful gelato displayed in the showcase is so adorable that it will make you excited just by looking at it. Perfect for a quick break during sightseeing or a drive💛 --- 📍Basic Information 🏠 Shop Name: ViTO×IWAIZUMI 📮 Address: 90-1 Otsumo, Iwaizumi Town, Shimohei District, Iwate Prefecture, 027-0502, Japan ⏰ Business Hours: 10:00 AM - 4:30 PM (subject to change depending on the season or weather) 🍦 Price Range: Gelato from approximately ¥400 to ¥500 per serving 🚗 Parking: Available (dedicated space next to the shop) --- Cool down and refresh your body and soul with gelato packed with the essence of Iwaizumi's nature❄️. These cute gelatos are also perfect for Instagram-worthy photos, adding a touch of charm to your travel memories🍓.

#JapanTravelGuide Iwate Prefecture is the largest prefecture in Honshu. Its vast land is filled with natural beauty, including mountains, rivers, and the sea. There are many hot springs, perfect for soothing your travel fatigue. Historic sites, including Hiraizumi, a World Heritage Site, are scattered throughout the prefecture. If you're planning or interested in a trip to Iwate, this guide is for you! 🔸Area: Hiraizumi, Hanamaki City ───────────────── 🔸Duration: 2 days ───────────────── 🔸Transportation: Car ───────────────── This trip took us to five spots. 🔹Day 1 ❶ 11:30 Chusonji Temple ↓ ↓ 1:00 PM Lunch ↓ ↓ 🚗 Approximately 52 km, approximately 1 hour (toll road) ↓ ❷ 2:30 PM Miyazawa Kenji Fairy Tale Village ↓ ❸ 3:20 PM Miyazawa Kenji Memorial Museum ↓ ↓ 🚗 Approximately 20 km, approximately 30 minutes ↓ ❹ 4:30 PM Yamanokami Onsen Bessho Seiryukan · · • • • ✤ • • • · · · • • • ✤ • • • · · · • • • ✤ • • • · · • • • ✤ • • • · · ☘️ Tourist Spots 🔸 Chusonji Temple 📍 202 Kinuzeki, Hiraizumi-cho, Nishiiwai-gun, Iwate Prefecture, 029-4195 🔸 Miyazawa Kenji Fairy Tale Village 📍 19, Takamatsu-dai 26-chiwari, Hanamaki City, Iwate Prefecture, 025-0014 🔸 Miyazawa Kenji Memorial Museum 📍 025-0011 1-36 Yazawa Daiichijiwari, Hanamaki City, Iwate Prefecture 🏨Accommodation 🔸Yamanokami Onsen Bessho Seiryukan 📍66 Shimoshizawa Nakano, Hanamaki City, Iwate Prefecture, 025-0253 · · • • • ✤ • • • · · · • • • ✤ • • • · · · • • • ✤ • • • · · 🔹Day 2 9:30 Depart from hotel ❶ 9:40 Nanbu Clan Thatched Kikusuikan Old Gallery "Kaya" ↓ Special Exhibition: "Totoro, Ghibli, and Kanyada" ↓ ↓ 🚗 Approximately 60km, approximately 1 hour (toll road) ↓ ❷ 11:20 Motsuji Temple · · • • • ✤ • • • · · · • • • • ✤ • • • · · · · • • • ✤ • • • · · ☘️Tourist Spots 🔸Nambu Clan Thatched Roof Kikusuikan Old Gallery "Kaya" 📍123 Yuguchi Hikagezaka, Hanamaki City, Iwate Prefecture, 025-0244 📌Useful Information 📍The exhibition venue (Kikusuikan) is approximately a 5-minute walk from the reserved parking lot. 📍For those visiting the gallery only and not staying at the accommodation or hot spring facilities, there are reserved and temporary parking lots available. ⚠️Other parking lots within Osawa Onsen are not available. 🔸Motsuji Temple 📍58 Hiraizumi Osawa, Hiraizumi-cho, Nishiiwai-gun, Iwate Prefecture, 029-4102 #DomesticTravel #GirlsTrip #Iwate #WorldHeritage #Temples & Shrines #SoloTravel

📍 Iwaizumi Town, Iwate Prefecture Round-trip bus fare from Morioka Station to Ryusendo Cave: approximately ¥6,000 (one-way trip takes about 2.5 hours) Entrance fee: ¥1,100. Inside the cave, the temperature is around 10°C, and the tour takes about 1 hour. Since the cave is quite cool, it's recommended to bring a jacket, but as you'll be walking and exploring, you might find it comfortable even without one. There are only about two shops nearby, so grabbing a Fukuda Pan from Morioka Station beforehand is a great idea! ↓ Suggested Itinerary ↓ 9:10 (12:10) Depart Morioka Station by bus 11:24 (14:23) Arrive at Ryusendo Cave 11:30 (14:30) Explore the cave 12:30 (15:00) Visit the science museum 13:00 (15:00) Take a break and have lunch 14:00 (16:00) Depart Ryusendo Cave by bus 16:14 (18:13) Arrive back at Morioka Station

#JapanTravelGuide Here's a guide to the many faces of Kenji Miyazawa, a poet, writer, and educator born in Hanamaki City, Iwate Prefecture. Kenji Miyazawa's worldview embraces a cosmic perspective, believing that nature, humans, and all living things on Earth are connected and coexistent. · · • • • ✤ • • • · · · · • • • ✤ • • • · · · • • • ✤ • • • · · ① Kenji Miyazawa Fairytale Village: Kenji's School This is the main facility of the Kenji Miyazawa Fairytale Village. Experience a fairytale world where characters like Giovanni, Matasaburo, and Wildcat might appear. ② Kenji Miyazawa Memorial Museum This facility explores the diverse worlds of poetry, fairytales, education, agriculture, and science. Kenji Miyazawa's favorite items and manuscripts are also on display. · · • • • ✤ • • • · · · · • • • • ✤ • • • · · · · • • • ✤ • • • · · Access Kenji Miyazawa Fairy Tale Village 📍19 Takamatsu 26th Block, Hanamaki City, Iwate Prefecture, 025-0014 Kenji Miyazawa Memorial Museum 📍1-36 Yazawa 1st Block, Hanamaki City, Iwate Prefecture, 025-0011 #DomesticTravel #Iwate #GirlsTrip

#JapanTravelGuide Hiraizumi, Iwate Prefecture, was registered as a World Heritage Site in June 2011 as Hiraizumi - Architecture, Gardens, and Archaeological Sites Representing the Buddhist Pure Land (Pure Land). · · • • • ✤ • • • · · · · • • • ✤ • • • · · · • • • ✤ • • • · · · • • • ✤ • • • · · [Why a World Heritage Site?] Hiraizumi is home to a well-preserved group of temples, gardens, and ruins built based on Buddhist Pure Land philosophy, particularly. Temples and gardens create an ideal world on earth, and while they have been influenced by foreign influences, they have developed uniquely in Japan. Hiraizumi's expression of the ideal world is considered unique. · · • • • ✤ • • • · · · · • • • ✤ • • • · · · · • • • ✤ • • • · · · • • • ✤ • • • · · [Component Heritage Sites] ① Chusonji Temple A Tendai sect temple consisting of 17 temples. It is said to have been founded by Ennin, the founder of the Oshu Fujiwara clan, in 850. Later, Fujiwara Kiyohira, the first head of the Oshu Fujiwara clan, moved his base from Toyoda-kan in Esashi to Hiraizumi and began construction in 1105. The Golden Hall, a National Treasure, was completed in 1124 and is unique and unparalleled, featuring lavish use of seven jewels. ② Motsuji Temple Like Chusonji Temple, it was founded by Ennin, the founder of the Oshu Fujiwara clan, in 850. It is said that the temple was founded with this theme. Construction was later begun by the second Fujiwara lord, Motohira, and completed during the reign of the third lord, Hidehira. At the time, there were over 40 halls and pagodas, and over 500 buildings where monks lived. Due to a series of fires, none of the original buildings remain. Oizumigaike Pond and the streams that flow into it were maintained based on excavation surveys. This Pure Land garden was created faithfully according to the Heian period garden-making secret book, "Sakuteiki." · · • • • ✤ • • • · · · • • • ✤ • • • · · · • • • ✤ • • • · · • • • ✤ • • • · · Access Chusonji Temple 📍202 Hiraizumi Kinuzeki, Hiraizumi-cho, Nishiiwai-gun, Iwate Prefecture, 029-4195 Motsuji Temple 📍58 Hiraizumi Osawa, Hiraizumi-cho, Nishiiwai-gun, Iwate Prefecture, 029-4102 #Iwate #WorldHeritage #DomesticTravel #SoloTravel #GirlsTrip

#JapanTravelGuide Yamanokami Onsen, located in the Hanamaki Onsen area in Iwate Prefecture Seiryukan, a villa in Yamanokami Onsen, boasts abundant hot spring water even within the Hanamaki Onsen area, and boasts thick, natural hot spring water. There are 20 guest rooms, all of which feature a semi-open-air bath fed directly from the source. · · • • • ✤ • • • · · · • • • ✤ • • • · · · • • • ✤ • • • · · • • • ① Entrance ② Lobby Free tea, snacks, and ice cream were served. ③ Restaurant "Suisentsuki" A restaurant with a spacious feel thanks to its full-length glass windows. The basic dinner plan included beef and seasonal fish as the main course. Private rooms are available for 11,000 yen per room (tax included). *Both breakfast and dinner are private rooms. ④ Guest Rooms The rooms on the second floor have a modern Japanese atmosphere, with high ceilings that make use of the building's original structure, heavy pillars and beams, and plaster-style walls. · · • • • ✤ • • • · · · · • • • ✤ • • • · · · · • • • ✤ • • • · · · • • • ✤ • • • · · Location: ★★★★★ Cleanliness: ★★★★★ Amenities: ★★★★★ · · • • • ✤ • • • · · · • • • • ✤ • • • · · · • • • • ✤ • • • · · Access 📍66 Shimoshizawa Nakano, Hanamaki City, Iwate Prefecture, 025-0253 #DomesticTravel #GirlsTrip #Iwate #HotSprings #LuxuryInn

#LimitedEvent Nambu Clan Thatched Roof Kikusuikan Old Gallery "Chigaya" Kikusuikan in Osawa Onsen was once a hot spring inn. This historic hot spring inn was visited by Kenji Miyazawa and Kotaro Takamura. The building has been renovated and is now used as the "Chigaya" gallery. This rare thatched building, believed to have been built by the Nambu Clan, has been renovated and reborn as a multi-purpose hall. 𐄁𐄙𐄁𐄙𐄁𐄙𐄁𐄙𐄁𐄙𐄁𐄙𐄁𐄙𐄁𐄙𐄁𐄙𐄁𐄙𐄁 𐄁𐄙𐄁𐄙𐄁𐄙𐄁𐄙𐄁𐄙𐄁𐄙𐄁 𐄁𐄙𐄁𐄙𐄁𐄙𐄁𐄙𐄁𐄙𐄁𐄙𐄁𐄙𐄁 𐄁𐄙𐄁𐄙𐄁𐄙𐄁𐄙𐄁𐄙𐄁𐄙𐄁𐄙𐄁 𐄁𐄙𐄁𐄙𐄁𐄙𐄁𐄙𐄁𐄙𐄁𐄙𐄁𐄙𐄁 Special Exhibition: [Totoro, Ghibli, and Kanyada] Studio Ghibli producer Toshio Suzuki came up with the idea for this special exhibition to support Osawa Onsen. Also featured are landscape photographs taken by Thai photographer Kanyada. 𐄁𐄙𐄁𐄙𐄁𐄙𐄁𐄙𐄁𐄙𐄁𐄙𐄁𐄙𐄁𐄙𐄁 𐄁𐄙𐄁𐄙𐄁𐄙𐄁𐄙𐄁𐄙𐄁𐄙𐄁𐄙𐄁 𐄁𐄙𐄁𐄙𐄁𐄙𐄁𐄙𐄁𐄙𐄁𐄙𐄁𐄙𐄁𐄙𐄁 𐄁𐄙𐄁𐄙𐄁𐄙𐄁𐄙𐄁𐄙𐄁 𐄁𐄙𐄁𐄙𐄁𐄙𐄁𐄙𐄁𐄙𐄁 𐄁𐄙𐄁𐄙𐄁𐄙𐄁𐄙𐄁𐄙𐄁𐄙𐄁𐄙𐄁 𐄁𐄙𐄁𐄙𐄁𐄙𐄁𐄙𐄁𐄙𐄁𐄙𐄁𐄙𐄁 Dates: Saturday, April 12, 2025 - Sunday, December 7, 2025 Opening Hours: 8:30 AM - 5:30 PM (Last entry: 5:00 PM) Closed: Irregularly Admission Fee: ¥600 for Adults / Free for Junior High School Students and Younger *Please check the website for details 𐄁𐄙𐄁𐄙𐄁𐄙𐄁𐄙𐄁𐄙𐄁𐄙𐄁𐄙𐄁𐄙𐄁 𐄁𐄙𐄁𐄙𐄁𐄙𐄁𐄙𐄁𐄙𐄁𐄙𐄁𐄙𐄁 𐄁𐄙𐄁𐄙𐄁𐄙𐄁𐄙𐄁𐄙𐄁𐄙𐄁𐄙𐄁𐄙𐄁 𐄁𐄙𐄁𐄙𐄁𐄙𐄁𐄙𐄁𐄙𐄁 𐄁𐄙𐄁𐄙𐄁𐄙𐄁𐄙𐄁𐄙𐄁 𐄁𐄙𐄁𐄙𐄁𐄙𐄁𐄙𐄁𐄙𐄁𐄙𐄁𐄙𐄁 𐄁𐄙𐄁𐄙𐄁𐄙𐄁𐄙𐄁𐄙𐄁𐄙𐄁𐄙𐄁 Highlights 1. Display of tools and other items used at Kikusuikan 2. Large thatched roof (under restoration) 3. Kurosuke's Stovetop 4. Photo exhibition of Osawa Onsen and Kenji Miyazawa (as a child) 5. Photo exhibition of the Osawa area 6. Calcifer and Hin 7. "Ame Ni Mo Makezu" by producer Toshio Suzuki 8. Photo exhibition of the Ghibli Museum and Ghibli Park 9. Photo exhibition of Kanyada Landscape photos of his hometown, Pak Thongchai, Thailand 10. 2nd Floor: Old geta sandals and other items on display 𐄁𐄙𐄁𐄙𐄁𐄙𐄁𐄙𐄁𐄙𐄁𐄙𐄁𐄙𐄁𐄙𐄁 𐄁𐄙𐄁𐄙𐄁𐄙𐄁𐄙𐄁𐄙𐄁𐄙𐄁𐄙𐄁𐄙𐄁𐄙𐄁𐄙𐄁𐄙𐄁𐄙𐄁𐄙𐄁𐄙𐄁𐄙𐄁𐄙𐄁𐄙𐄁𐄙𐄁𐄙𐄁𐄙𐄁𐄙𐄁𐄙𐄁𐄙𐄁𐄙𐄁 𐄁𐄙𐄁𐄙𐄁𐄙𐄁𐄙𐄁𐄙𐄁𐄙𐄁𐄙𐄁𐄙𐄁𐄙𐄁𐄙𐄁𐄙𐄁𐄙𐄁𐄙𐄁𐄙𐄁 Access 📍123 Yuguchi Hikagezaka, Hanamaki City, Iwate Prefecture, 025-0244 📍The exhibition venue (Kikusuikan) is approximately a 5-minute walk from the designated parking lot. 📍For those visiting Gallery Kaya without staying at the accommodation or hot spring facilities, designated parking and temporary parking are available. Other parking lots within Osawa Onsen are not available. #SoloTravel #GirlsTrip #DomesticTravel

This is Kawafune Caldera. Do you know its nickname? "Mille-Feuille Rocks" Such a delicious-sounding name, isn't it? 😂 In reality, it's a stunning landscape shaped by the Earth over thousands of years. It's highly recommended to admire the patterns formed gradually by the river's flow or take a stroll around the area. Although opportunities to visit Iwate Prefecture might be rare, this is one spot that made me glad I went. On your way there, consider stopping by Catacago Hills Café to make a lunch reservation before heading to the caldera. You'll be able to enjoy a delicious lunch at just the right time. 📍Location: Kawafune Caldera 〒029-5701 Sawauchi Kawafune Yasugasawa, Nishiwaga Town, Waga District, Iwate Prefecture

#asiabudgetchallenge Miyamorigawa Bridge, commonly known as Megane Bridge, is a striking five‑arched railway bridge spanning Miyamori River in Tōno, Iwate. Completed in 1943 as part of the Iwate Light Railway (precursor to JR Kamaishi Line), it features elegant semicircular spans (each 20 m) and measures 107.3 × 17.8 m overall. The original 1915 brick piers remain beside it, giving historical resonance . Legend says Miyazawa Kenji drew inspiration from this railway for Night on the Galactic Railroad. Since the late 1980s, the bridge is colorfully lit at night until 10 PM, offering a romantic ambiance that earned it designation as a “Lovers’ Sanctuary”. Rough Budget: Free visit; parking at nearby Roadside Station Miyamori is free for up to 100 cars   Travel Tip: Walk 5 minutes from JR Miyamori Station. Time your visit to coincide with a passing SL Ginga steam train over the arches on weekends for a memorable photo-op

#asiabudgetchallenge Nestled in Tōno’s rice‑field countryside, the Yamaguchi Waterwheel is a charming thatched‑roof mill once used by locals to thresh and mill rice. Though agricultural mechanization has made waterwheels obsolete, this one remains operational as a community treasure and powerful symbol of rural heritage. The interior displays panels explaining its history and renovation process, placing the waterwheel in its cultural context. Rough Budget: Free to visit; parking is available (free for up to 10 cars) Travel Tip: • It’s located about 10 km from Tōno Station—roughly 20 minutes by car or 50 minutes by bicycle (preferably electric assist) • Pick a clear day to enjoy the peaceful sound of water and gears, and consider strolling from here to Kappabuchi Pool, which is just a short walk away

#asiabudgetchallenge Hidden behind the historic Jōken‑ji Temple (founded 1490), Kappabuchi, or Kappa Pool, is a wooded creek-side hollow steeped in Japan’s oldest kappa legends. Tōno’s folklore describes mischievous water spirits emerging from this lush, shaded stream; two whimsical kappa statues and a shrine to a nursing deity stand on the bank, where red fabric offerings are made for maternal blessings. Visitors can try “kappa fishing” using cucumbers on bamboo poles—but only with a ¥220 kappa-capture permit available from Denshoen or tourist centers. Rough Budget: • Permit: ¥220 • Optional donation or small souvenir: ~¥300–¥500 • Transport via bus or car from JR Tōno Station: around ¥200–¥400 (bus) or free parking at Denshoen parking lot   Travel Tips: •From JR Tōno Station, walk (~5 min) from Denshoen or take the Hayachine Bus to Ashiaraigawa stop, then a short stroll to Kappabuchi •Follow the seven “kappa‑capture rules” printed on the permit—handle the kappa rod gently and avoid spilling water from its head dish • The creek is shallow—safe but watch children near water. • Approach with playful spirit: whether or not the mythical kappa appear, the folklore and tranquil ambience make it memorable.

📝 Spot Details 📍 Yakiniku and Reimen HIGE A restaurant specializing in yakiniku and Morioka reimen, located at 47-15 Tsunagi Oirino, Morioka City, Iwate Prefecture, near the "Tsunagi Jumonji" intersection along National Route 46. Handmade reimen, wagyu beef ribs, and bibimbap are also popular. --- ⏱ Business Hours and Closed Days Lunch: 11:00-15:00 (weekdays only/last orders 14:45) Dinner: 17:00-21:30 (last orders for food 21:00/last orders for drinks 21:30) Closed: Thursdays (may be open every day in August). --- 💰 Price and recommended menu Morioka cold noodles: from about 778 yen (spiciness can be adjusted) Yakiniku and set menu: Weekday lunch sets such as Wagyu beef ribs, beef tongue, and bibimbap are around 1,500 to 2,000 yen (cold noodles included). Good value for money, with many people giving high marks to the meat and cold noodles. --- 🚗 Access and parking Car: About 30 steps on foot from Tsunagi-Jumonji intersection on National Route 46. Parking lot (next to the store) with about 20 spaces. Bus: 1 minute walk from Iwate Kotsu "Oirino" bus stop Train: About 25 minutes on foot from JR Koiwai Station. --- ✎ Tips "Morioka Reimen" is one of Morioka's three great noodles: chewy noodles with potato starch, chicken and beef soup with the sweet and spicy taste of soy sauce and dried shiitake mushrooms, kimchi, radish, cucumber, boiled egg, seasonal fruits (watermelon, etc.) are perfectly balanced. 86 seats in the restaurant, tables, tatami rooms, and barrier-free seats available. Feel free to use it for one person to eat yakiniku. #AbsolutelyFreeTravel#IwateTourism #Iwate #DomesticTravel #Tourism #IwateGourmet #MoriokaReimen

Genbikei Gorge is a place where you can experience the stunning beauty of nature shaped by the flow of water. The famous "Flying Dango" from Kakko-ya, a shop known for its unique delivery system, is a must-try. The dango is transported in a bucket attached to a rope, offering a one-of-a-kind experience that you can only enjoy here. Savor the delicious dango while admiring the beautiful scenery 😋 📍Location: Genbi Town, Ichinoseki City, Iwate Prefecture 🚗 Access: About a 10-minute walk from JR "Genbikei Station" / About a 15-minute drive from Ichinoseki IC on the Tohoku Expressway 🕰️ Hours: (Kakko-ya): 9:30 AM - 3:00 PM 💞 Recommended Reason: You can enjoy the stunning scenery, and experiencing the Flying Dango is definitely worth trying at least once!

Located in Hanamaki Onsen Village in Iwate Prefecture, Osawa Onsen boasts a history of over 1,200 years. This small hot spring area is run by only one old inn, Osawa Onsen, which is surrounded by dense forests. The tranquil environment makes it feel like a hidden paradise in the snowy winter. Osawa Onsen is divided into three parts: Sanshuikaku, Kikusuikan, and Yujiya. Sanshuikaku is a relatively new traditional hot spring inn, Kikusuikan is a 160-year-old thatched building, and Yujiya is over 200 years old. The buildings retain a bygone era of Japanese charm, with artifacts from a bygone era scattered throughout, creating a nostalgic journey back to a hot spring resort of the last century. Osawa Onsen is a simple alkaline hot spring with a gentle water quality suitable for families of all ages. It offers a variety of therapeutic benefits, including relief from neuralgia, joint pain, and fatigue, perfect for washing away a tired traveler. The natural open-air baths, nestled along the river, overlook the stunning mountain scenery, allowing you to soak in the water while appreciating the breathtaking silver-white snow-covered mountains. Osawa Onsen (Osawa Onsen) Address: 181 Osawa, Yukuchi, Hanamaki City, Iwate Prefecture #OsawaOnsen #JapaneseOnsen

Located near Morioka City, Koiwai Farm is a tourist farm where vast natural landscapes blend seamlessly with history. The sight of cows leisurely grazing and the green rolling hills resemble the picturesque countryside of Europe. Enjoy a relaxing holiday with seasonal scenery, delicious dairy products, and heartwarming interactions with animals. ⸻ 🌟 Highlights & Activities - Fun activities for both kids and adults, such as interacting with cows and sheep or riding horse-drawn carriages - Historical buildings like the red-brick "Kamimaru Cowshed" built during the Meiji era - Must-try gourmet items like Koiwai milk, cheese, and soft-serve ice cream! ⸻ 🚉 Access - About 35 minutes by bus from JR Morioka Station (bound for Koiwai Farm Makiba-en) - About 20 minutes by car from the Tohoku Expressway Morioka IC (parking available) ⸻ 🌸 Recommended Seasons - Spring: Beautiful contrast between cherry blossoms and the farm - Summer: Refreshing highland climate and lush greenery - Winter: Seasonal activities like snow tractor rides and snow parks ⸻ 📝 Travel Tips - The popular soft-serve ice cream may sell out by noon, so get it early! - Wear comfortable walking shoes and bring sun protection for exploring the vast grounds - Don’t miss the nearby "Koiwai Farm Lone Cherry Tree," especially during cherry blossom season ⸻

Geibikei Gorge, located in Ichinoseki City, Iwate Prefecture, is one of Iwate's most celebrated scenic spots. Towering 100-meter-high cliffs line both sides of the Satetsu River, which flows gently through the area. The "hand-rowed boat" guided by the boatman's oar and traditional songs offers an experience that makes you forget the passage of time. Escape the hustle and bustle, and indulge in a luxurious moment of tuning into the sounds of nature. ⸻ 🌟 Highlights & Experiences - A "boat ride experience" that takes about 90 minutes to traverse the 2-kilometer-long gorge round trip - The boatman's live performance of the traditional "Geibi Oiwake" song resonates deeply - Opportunities to disembark mid-journey for activities like tossing lucky stones and exploring the cliffs up close ⸻ 🚉 Access - About 30 minutes by car from JR Ichinoseki Station - Recommended as part of a driving tour along with Hiraizumi and Genbikei Gorge ⸻ 🍁 Best Seasons to Visit - April to June: A refreshing river journey surrounded by fresh greenery - Mid-October to early November: Stunning views of autumn foliage reflecting on the water and cliffs - Winter (December to February): Kotatsu boats are available (advance confirmation required) ⸻ 📝 Travel Tips - Bring a hat or sunglasses during sunny seasons - Boats are limited, so it's better to make reservations or check schedules in advance - Note that Geibikei Gorge is a different location from Genbikei Gorge to avoid confusion! ⸻

⛩️ [Iwate, Chusonji Temple] A journey to experience the timeless Golden Hall and the glory of the Oshu Fujiwara clan✨ Chusonji Temple, located in Hiraizumi Town, Iwate Prefecture, is a Tendai sect temple built in the 12th century by Fujiwara Kiyohira, the first head of the Oshu Fujiwara clan. It is registered as a component of the World Heritage Site "Hiraizumi - Cultural Landscape Representing the Buddhist Pure Land", and attracts not only history fans but also people who visit in search of seasonal scenery. ⸻ 🌟Highlights and Features ・ [Golden Hall] The interior is a dazzling space shining with gold leaf. The remains of three generations of Fujiwara Kiyohira and others are enshrined here, making it a true symbol of the Oshu Fujiwara clan. ・ [Tsukimizaka] The approach to the main hall is called "Tsukimizaka", and is a quiet mountain path surrounded by rows of cedar trees. A relaxing time ・[Chusonji Main Hall] Designated as an important cultural property, the solemn atmosphere and the Buddha statues inside the hall are also highlights ・[Treasure Museum "Sankouzo"] National treasures and important cultural properties are on display, allowing you to fully enjoy the depth of history ⸻ 🚃Access ・About 25 minutes on foot from "Hiraizumi Station" on the Tohoku Main Line, or about 5 minutes by bus bound for "Chusonji" ・About 10 minutes by car from "Hiraizumi Maesawa IC" on the Tohoku Expressway (free parking available) ・The approach to the temple is uphill, so comfortable shoes are recommended. You can also go partway by bus. ⸻ 🍁Recommended seasons and how to enjoy - **Spring (cherry blossoms) and autumn (autumn leaves)** are especially beautiful and popular seasons that attract many visitors. - The Golden Hall covered in snow in winter is also fantastic, and you can experience being surrounded by silence. - Early mornings and evenings are relatively quiet, making it the perfect time to leisurely explore the grounds. - Walking along Tsukimizaka, you can feel the sounds of nature and the weight of history. ⸻ 🛍️Souvenirs & surrounding information - Teahouses and souvenir shops line the front of Chusonji Temple, and you can find Iwate's famous sweets "Kamome no Tamago" and goods related to Chusonji Temple. - Nearby is the World Heritage Site "Motsuji Temple", so it is recommended to visit both as a set. - Enjoy the local cuisine "Wankosoba" and "Maezawa beef" for lunch! ⸻ ✨Travel tips - Summer is relatively quiet, and there are many shady trees to keep you cool. It's charming even on rainy days ・The approach to the temple is an uphill climb, so if you're not confident in your stamina, consider taking the bus ・If you want to understand history more deeply, research the Oshu Fujiwara clan beforehand to make your visit even more moving ⸻ Nestled in the quiet mountains, Chusonji Temple is a place where time seems to stand still. May your journey be truly soothing in this space of prayer that speaks to you for over a thousand years. ⸻ #IwateTourism #HiraizumiTrip #ChusonjiTemple #GoldenDo #WorldHeritage #HistoricalTrip #DomesticTrip #SoloTrip #CoupleTrip #AbsolutelyFreeTrip

🍦 [Iwate, Shizukuishi, Matsubokkoku] Enjoy a moment to taste the season with farm gelato packed with the bounty of nature "Handmade Ice Cream Farm Matsubokkoku," located in the mountains of Shizukuishi, is a famous gelato shop loved by locals. All of the gelato, made with freshly squeezed milk and seasonal ingredients every morning, has a gentle sweetness and deep richness. It's the perfect place to stop by between sightseeing trips or on a drive. ⸻ 🌟Features and Attractions ・Rich and creamy gelato made with raw milk delivered directly from our own farm ・More than 14 flavors available at all times: Enjoy seasonal flavors of Iwate, such as seasonal "sakura", "corn", and "pumpkin" ・There are wide benches and a promenade next to the store, making it an open location where you can enjoy gelato in nature ⸻ 🚗Access and Basic Information ・Address: 70-48 Nagayama Hayasaka, Shizukuishi-cho, Iwate-gun, Iwate Prefecture ・Access: About 30 minutes by car from Morioka Station / About 15 minutes from Koiwai Farm ・Business hours: 10:00-18:00 (until 17:00 in winter) *Irregular holidays ・Parking: Free (about 50 spaces) ・Payment: Cash, PayPay, etc. ⸻ 🌿Recommended seasons and ways to enjoy ・Spring to autumn is recommended: There are many seasonal flavors, and the weather is comfortable to relax outside ・Winter is a hidden gem: Enjoying gelato while watching the snowy scenery is a unique experience ・Stop by during a drive and combine it with sightseeing at Koiwai Farm and Morioka◎ ⸻ 👣Travel tips ・To avoid crowds, aim for mornings or weekdays ・The local way is to eat while walking along the adjacent nature trail ・From classic flavors like milk and matcha to the unexpected "natto flavor," try it out! ⸻ The scenery of the farm and the gentleness of the ingredients spread in your mouth. "Matsubokkuri" is a store that is like a treasure of Iwate that can be enjoyed with all five senses 🍃 #Matsubokkuri #ShizukuishiTourism #ShizukuishiTrip #IwateTourism #IwateTrip #IwateSweets #IWantToConnectWithGelatoLovers #DomesticTrip #SoloTrip #CoupleTrip #AbsolutelyFreeTrip

Step off the elevator and you'll find yourself in a vast space that feels like a time slip back to the Showa era. This is "Marukan Building Dining Hall," a place filled with memories for the locals and a 'taste of the heart' for the citizens of Hanamaki. Here, there's a specialty that everyone wants to photograph at least once—a towering 25cm soft serve ice cream eaten with chopsticks! 🍦 The glossy, swirled soft serve has a gentle, nostalgic sweetness of milk. Each bite brings laughter and surprise, with voices echoing, "How do you even eat such a big soft serve?!" But this isn't just any retro food court. This is also a place frequented by Shohei Ohtani during his school days. Whether with family, friends, or after baseball practice—imagining him enjoying a soft serve here while harboring his big dreams gives this space a special energy. Retro tables, a lively dining hall, and people enjoying their meals with smiles. And the soft serve, unchanged and still here, continues to support the 'origin' of dreams across generations. ⸻ 📍 Marukan Building Dining Hall 6th Floor, 6-2 Kamicho, Hanamaki City, Iwate Prefecture 🚃 About a 15-minute walk or a 5-minute taxi ride from JR Hanamaki Station 🕒 Hours: 11:00 AM–6:30 PM (Last order at 6:00 PM) 🎟 Giant Soft Serve Ice Cream: A miraculous price of 180 yen (tax included)! ⸻ 📌 A soft serve enjoyed in the midst of chasing dreams. There are people who still remember its taste to this day.

Iwate Prefecture, boasting the largest area in Honshu, is a place where powerful nature and profound culture thrive in tranquility. From the World Heritage Site of Hiraizumi to locations associated with Kenji Miyazawa, and the stunning coastline, it offers a serene and inspiring journey perfect for relaxation and learning. 🍃 ⸻ 🌟 Recommended Spots 🏯 Chūson-ji Temple Golden Hall • Address: 202 Koromo Seki, Hiraizumi, Nishiiwai District, Iwate Prefecture • Hours: 8:30 AM–5:00 PM (closes at 4:30 PM from November to March) • Access: About a 25-minute walk or a 5-minute bus ride from JR Hiraizumi Station • Highlights: A World Heritage Site that embodies the glory of the Ōshū Fujiwara clan. The brilliance and solemn atmosphere of the Golden Hall are a must-see! ⸻ 🏖️ Jōdogahama Beach • Address: 32 Hitachihama Town, Miyako City, Iwate Prefecture • Hours: Open all day (Visitor Center: 9:00 AM–5:00 PM) • Access: About a 15-minute bus ride from JR Miyako Station • Highlights: A scenic spot featuring pure white rocks and crystal-clear waters. Popular activities include sightseeing cruises and SUP experiences! ⸻ 📚 Kenji Miyazawa Memorial Museum (Hanamaki) • Address: 1-1-36 Yazawa, Hanamaki City, Iwate Prefecture • Hours: 8:30 AM–5:00 PM (closes at 4:30 PM from December to February) • Access: About a 10-minute bus ride from JR Shin-Hanamaki Station • Highlights: Immerse yourself in the world of Kenji Miyazawa, known for works like "Night on the Galactic Railroad." The museum offers engaging exhibits that even non-literature fans can enjoy. 📖✨

-Feel the beautiful silence of a time more than 100 years ago- When you walk through the city of Morioka, a foreign-looking building suddenly appears before your eyes! That is the "Iwate Bank Red Brick Building". The contrast of red bricks and white stone, the round dome, the lattice windows... You feel like you've wandered into a small street corner somewhere in Europe😊 This building, built in 1911, was designed by the famous Tatsuno Kingo (the architect of Tokyo Station). It was heavy, yet delicate, like a "work of art that has been preserved through time"✨ ⸻ ◆ Silence and elegance that makes it hard to believe it's the remains of a bank When you go inside, you'll see the high-ceilinged hall, arched windows, brass lighting, and the warmth of wood... I was surprised to see that banks at that time were such elegant and relaxing spaces. I particularly liked the former reception room. The soft light that shone into the empty room was indescribably beautiful. ⸻ ◆ What I felt after going there ・If you like architecture, you can look at it for hours... ・Every time you take a photo, it becomes "like a painting" ・The staff was kind and explained the building carefully◎ ・The view from the second floor is really good. The city of Morioka through the window is picturesque ⸻ ◆ Recommended for those who want to experience "tranquility" in between sightseeing Walking around Morioka is actually irresistible for retro lovers. Starting from the Red Brick Museum, there are also Morioka Takuboku-Kenji Youth Museum and Kogensha nearby. It was a course where time passed slowly, and I thought that this might be what they mean when they say "there is poetry in traveling." ⸻ ✍️ Summary • A historical spot where you can experience famous Meiji architecture • Tatsuno-style architecture, like a brother of Tokyo Station • There are no cafes or souvenirs, but it is definitely beautiful • Recommended for those who want to experience the "quiet luxury" of Morioka ⸻ 📍 Iwate Bank Red Brick Museum Opening hours: 10:00-17:00 (free admission) Access: About 15 minutes on foot from Morioka Station, buses are also convenient ⸻ #Iwate Bank Red Brick Museum #Morioka sightseeing #Retro architecture tour #Beautiful Japanese buildings #Recommendation for solo travel #Tohoku trip #Iwate sightseeing #Morioka #Iwate #Buildings