Chuson-ji Temple
Southwestern Iwate
Jodogahama Beach
Northeastern Iwate
Morioka Sansa Odori Festival
Northwestern Iwate
Takkoku no Iwaya Temple
Southwestern Iwate
English
IWATE
JAPAN'S PRISTINE WILDERNESS
Iwate, a place of untouched
Japanese landscapes
The bountiful nature of Iwate’s mountains and sea coast has formed the basis of a rich regional culture since the early days – from unique nature worship, numerous seasonal festivals, folk dances and indigenous stories passed down by the ancestors to the farm produce and seafood from the harsh natural environment.
Take a trip to see and meet for yourself the untouched wilderness, cultures and local people living in harmony with nature throughout Iwate. A hidden Japan of primeval landscapes awaits.
HISTORY &CULTURE
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.
LOCALCUISINE
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.
FANTASTIC
EXPERIENCES
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?
NOT TO BE MISSED
NOT TO BE MISSED
REGIONS OF IWATE
REGIONS OF IWATE
Dividing the large prefecture into four areas, each has plenty of sights and experiences to offer. Have a look at what strikes your fancy before deciding what to do and where.
SUGGESTED
ITINERARIES
SUGGESTED
ITINERARIES
ITINERARIES SUGGESTED
ITINERARIES
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.
Northwestern Iwate
A day tour to the mountains for scenery, gourmet food and more
One major attraction of Iwate Prefecture is the natural beauty of the mountains. Here we present a m
Northeastern Iwate
A day trip up the coast to see the beauty spots
The stunning coastline from Miyako to Kuji is a must-see for all visitors to Iwate. Here we present
Southwestern Iwate
Two days of history and culture
The temples and gardens of Hiraizumi, a World Heritage Site, as well as the traditional arts and cra
Southeastern Iwate
A trip to see “Japanese life” in harmony with nature
From Tono, land of legends passed down the generations, to Kamaishi, a city still rebuilding from di
THINGS TO DO
THINGS TO DO
TOPICS FOR
TOURISTS
TOPICS FOR
TOURISTS
TOURISTS TOPICS FOR
TOURISTS
19.01.2023
Morioka, the capital of Iwate Prefecture, has made The New York Times’ 2023 list of 52 places to go around the world.
Morioka City has landed on The New York Times’ “52 Places to Go in 2023” for its walkability, lack o
02.11.2022
For Foreign Visitors How to get consultations and testing if you have a fever or other symptoms of COVID-19.
You can find the basic process for getting treatment/tested for COVID-19 at a medical institution sh
01.08.2022
VEGAN＆VEGETARIAN GUIDEBOOK（English）
The second-largest prefecture in Japan, Iwate is blessed with a rich natural environment and clear s
WHERE IS IWATE ?
WHERE IS IWATE ?
Iwate Prefecture is situated in northern Honshu. It is accessible by Shinkansen from Tokyo in just over two hours. Iwate Hanamaki Airport, the prefecture’s only air hub, links to major cities Sapporo, Nagoya, Osaka and Fukuoka. Enjoy your time away from the city to enjoy Japan’s beautiful nature.
Access from Japan's major cities.
From TOKYO = 131min by bullet train.
From SAPPORO = 55min by plane.
From NAGOYA = 70min by plane.
From OSAKA = 80min by by plane.
From FUKUOKA = 115min by plane.