Kitayamazaki Cliffs
Northeastern Iwate
Jodogahama Beach
Northeastern Iwate
Ryusendo Cave
Northeastern Iwate
Geibikei Gorge
Southwestern Iwate
Plunging 200m-high, 8km-long cliffs along the coast, a mysterious cavern boasting an iridescent blue underground lake, and 2000m-high mountain ranges. Iwate is blessed at every turn by beautiful natural gems that take the breath away.
Iwate Prefecture, ruled as separate northern and southern domains by samurai families until the 1870s, has distinct historic and cultural heritage in each region. Beginning with the shrines, temples and gardens of the 9th to the 12th century that are now world heritage sites, there is a world to discover of traditional entertainment and crafts in each district.
The rich produce of Iwate is made possible by nature, its mountains and seas. It is also the result of the care taken by farmers in nurturing organic soils and ensuring that livestock receive the best feed and purest water. Be sure to taste Iwate’s finest products, including some of its many luxury rice, wagyu beef, apples and oyster brands.
Outdoor sports like skiing and mountaineering, and hot springs where you can truly relax while gazing out over a bank of clouds, valleys or the sea? Or will you take part in the world’s record-breaking no. 1 taiko drums parade, an unforgettable experience of mingling with locals?
Breathtaking natural sights to fill you with wonder, World Heritage shrines and temples that pull you into the spiritual world of the Japanese, and cultural events deeply rooted in local communities. Look, touch, feel and taste Iwate Prefecture for yourself.
The east of Iwate Prefecture overlooks the Pacific, while the west is overlooked by the Ou Mountains. Iwate is the place to feast on seafood including sushi as well as products of the land such as wagyu beef and sake made from rice.
Food products from the fertile lands and seas of Iwate, and historic or traditional crafts. Take home Made-in-Iwate souvenirs for you to remember your trip or for your friends and family to enjoy.
Full-service resort, a traditional Japanese-style inn where you can sleep in a tatami mat room, or a pension that welcomes you with open arms? Let’s find the lodgings that suit you.
Iwate has a great diversity of sights and experiences depending on the season and region. Let’s have a look at what to do and where to go to find those that will pique your interest.
Presented here are some variety-filled model tour routes to discover the diverse attractions of Iwate: mountain and sea, city and wilderness, novelty and history.
Find the sights, restaurants and bars, shop and lodgings you need in Iwate here. Try exploring appealing destinations by activity or area.
Check the latest information when planning your Iwate trip for special events such as festivals and activities.
Where is Iwate? How do I get there? Find out how to get to Iwate in just over 2 hours by Shinkansen from Tokyo here.
The four major means of transport around Iwate are train, bus, rental car and taxi. Check details for each mode before you arrive for your peace of mind.
Click here to find vital information for foreign travelers such as the location of tourist information desks, how to connect to Wi-Fi during your trip and Iwate weather.
Majestic cliffs that jut up 200 meters from the ocean. A mysterious cavern boasting an iridescent blue underground lake. Mountain ranges that soar 2000 meters high. Iwate is blessed at every turn with beautiful nature that will take your breath away.
The Kitayamazaki Cliffs rise 200m from the ocean and extend for 8km down the coast, pushed up over time from a geological layer dating back more than 100 million years. Said to be the most impressive and beautiful coastline in the whole of Japan, the area is also a designated national park. Book a cruise to witness the full beauty of the cliffs from the water.
Off Jodogahama Beach is a series of volcanic rock formations dating from around 52 million years ago that are weathered into various shapes. You will find yourself reaching for the camera when you see the green of the pines clinging to the top of the rocks, the bare white rock and the gentle, crystal-clear blue waters.
Ryusendo is one of Japan’s three largest limestone caverns. Investigation of the cave system is ongoing and it is said to reach up to 5km. Ryusendo features countless gallery- worthy stalactites and stalagmites that take decades to grow a single centimeter and a 100m deep iridescent blue underground lake with some of the clearest water in the world. Be lured into a fantastical subterranean world.
When speaking of the landscapes of Iwate, the scenery of the western mountains cannot be ignored. Mt. Iwate, rising to 2038m, has beautiful ridgelines reminiscent of Japan’s pre- eminent peak, earning it the nickname “Iwate-Fuji”. It is the beloved symbol of Iwate. From the viewing deck on top of Mt. Takashozu in the southwest of the prefecture, around dawn in spring and autumn and depending on weather conditions, you can look down across a dreamy sea of clouds that blankets the valley floor.
At Geibikei Gorge, the river closes in as 100m-high bluffs loom overhead. The green trees of summer give way to stunning orange hues in autumn, reflected in the still waters of the river. In winter, when white snow is settled over everything, it is like entering a monochrome ink print. Ride a narrow canoe down the river and take your time to absorb the changing scenery of the season while you listen to the chant of the oarsman.
Northeastern Iwate
Northeastern Iwate
Northeastern Iwate
Southwestern Iwate
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