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A handpicked trio of can’t-miss sights in Iwate.
Three signature highlights that define Iwate:
• Chūson-ji Temple: Founded in 850 by Jikaku Daishi (Ennin), this Tendai head temple shelters the famed Konjikidō Golden Hall — a treasury of Heian Buddhist art that preserves the spirit of the Ōshū Fujiwara clan.
• Konjikidō (Golden Hall): Completed in 1124, this shrine covered entirely in gold leaf features luminous mother-of-pearl inlay that recreates the Buddhist Pure Land — breathtakingly opulent.
• Geibikei Gorge: Towering 50-meter limestone cliffs line a tranquil gorge. Enjoy pole-guided boat rides and try your luck at the local ritual of tossing “lucky stones” into a tiny hole in the cliff for a wish.
Founded in 850 by Ennin (Jikaku Daishi) and later expanded by Fujiwara no Kiyohira, this Tendai head temple is part of the Hiraizumi UNESCO World Heritage.
The Pure Land ideal that honored friend and foe alike
Fujiwara no Kiyohira is said to have built Chūson-ji to console all the souls lost — on both sides — in the Former and Latter Nine Years’ Wars. His vision of recreating the Buddhist Pure Land in this world shaped the layout, which incorporates a classical Pure Land garden.
The Konjikidō enshrines the remains of four generations of the Ōshū Fujiwara, making it an ultimate memorial space suffused with solemn tranquility.
Built in 1124 and preserved in its original form, this National Treasure recreates the Pure Land with gold leaf and mother-of-pearl inlay.
A golden sanctuary that once stood under the open sky
When first completed, Konjikidō stood fully exposed to the elements, and yet its gilding endured until the first protective hall was erected in 1288. During limited nighttime viewings, the gold seems to shimmer like starlight — as if a Heian scroll painting had come to life.
A gorge of sheer limestone cliffs over 50 m high along the Satetsu River. The highlight is the pole-propelled boat and the boatmen’s songs.
A made-to-order live “boat song” performance
Boatmen improvise verses for each cruise, tailoring lyrics to the season and their guests. Their voices echo off the cliff faces, turning the gorge into a giant natural duet partner.
At the end, try tossing “lucky stones” into a small hole on the rock face — if it lands, your wish is said to come true.
About a 2-km canyon carved by the swift Iwai River through giant rocks. Famous for its “flying dango” treat delivered by basket.
The postwar invention of “flying dango”
In 1947, to serve customers without delay, a teahouse owner devised a pulley system: place tea and dango in a basket, strike a wooden mallet as a signal, and the basket glides across — a tiny “ropeway” is born.
More than 70 years on, the charming ritual and a dash of thrill remain a local point of pride.
Founded in 1891 at the foot of Mt. Iwate, one of Japan’s largest private integrated farms. Beloved for ranch experiences and silky soft-serve.
“Koiwai” comes from the founders’ initials
The name Koiwai derives from its three cofounders: Kono Yoshimasa, Iwasaki Yanosuke, and Inoue Masaru — not from a place name.
In spring, the iconic single cherry tree is illuminated at night. The thawing meadows glow pale pink, creating a dreamlike scene over the ranch.
Centered on the famous Pure Land garden of Ōizumi-ga-ike, this temple preserves the Heian aristocratic vision of paradise.
“Kyokusui-no-en” — poetry afloat on water
Each June, the ancient “Kyokusui-no-en” is reenacted: cups of sake are floated down a winding stream as guests compose poetry. The flow of water and verses echo the elegance of Heian court culture.
Paired with seasonal sweets served by the banks, the experience feels like time travel.
Founded in 1062 as the guardian shrine of Morioka. A spacious precinct dotted with auxiliary shrines — a beloved spiritual hub.
The “Eboshiiwa” boulder predates the shrine
The massive Eboshi Rock within the grounds has stood here since before the shrine was established — even the Nanbu lords honored its presence upon relocation.
Touching the rock is said to bring blessings. During the annual yabusame ritual, mounted archers in traditional attire reenact stirring displays of skill and devotion.
A top Sanriku scenic spot where white pebbles and rhyolite rock formations meet azure waters. Boat trips to a “Blue Cave” are popular.
A shore likened to the Pure Land
A monk in the Edo period praised it as “a place like the Buddhist Pure Land.” The contrast of white shore and deep blue sea evokes a serene spiritual world.
A glass-floor observation deck now lets you gaze down to rock formations beneath the surface, heightening the sense of wonder.
One of Japan’s three great limestone caves. Famous for ultra-clear underground lakes called “Dragon Blue.”
108 m deep, a tranquil blue mystery
The deepest surveyed lake reaches 108 m. When sunlight filters through, the vivid, transparent blue looks like a dragon’s slumbering sea.
The spring water here is listed among Japan’s “100 Remarkable Waters,” drawing researchers from around the world.
An urban park on the former Nanbu clan castle site. White granite ramparts and seasonal flowers create classic cityscapes.
Granite that twinkles like daytime stardust
The white granite walls glint subtly in sunlight, as if sprinkled with stardust. Cherry blossoms in spring and fiery maples in fall amplify the glow; nighttime lighting turns it into a dreamy “castle of light.”
A national park of alpine marshlands and crater lakes. The Aspite Line drive and the spring-only “Dragon Eye” are favorites.
Spring-only “Dragon Eye” at Kagami-numa
Appearing for just one or two weeks around late May to early June, the “Dragon Eye” forms as snow melts into the round pond — a natural artwork.
The local tourism office publishes timing forecasts; early-morning stillness makes the moment even more magical.
About 2 km of cherry trees along the Kitakami River — among the three great cherry spots of Tōhoku. Sightseeing boats and horse-drawn carriages add charm.
A cherry-tree corridor planted by locals
In the 1920s, local volunteers planted thousands of saplings to pass “a beautiful view” to future generations. Tended lovingly, the pink tunnel along the river has become the town’s pride.
Carp streamers flutter in the spring breeze. At night, the blossoms glow over their reflection on the river — a heavenly duet.
An Edo-higan cherry blossoming from a fissure in a giant granite boulder in front of the Morioka District Court. 350–400 years old and a Natural Monument.
Life that split a rock to bloom
Sprouting from a crack and slowly prying the rock open over centuries, this cherry endures bitter winters to unveil delicate pink flowers each spring — inspiring yearly cheers of “hang in there!” from locals.
The chime of the courthouse bell mingles with the bloom, heralding Morioka’s spring.
The sole surviving pine of Takata-Matsubara after the 2011 tsunami. Preserved as a symbol of recovery after it later died from salt damage.
Revived by technology and heartfelt resolve
Rather than leaving the dead tree to decay, engineers reinforced it with a stainless core and reconstructed branches and needles. The fusion of local determination — “Pass the pine to future generations” — and high craftsmanship created a monument of resilience.
Looking up at it, you feel strength rising from adversity — a lasting, moving impression.
A coastal local line reborn after the disaster. Retro and tatami-mat cars glide along dramatic seascapes.
The model line for the drama “Amachan”
The 2013 NHK series Amachan drew inspiration from this line, boosting its popularity.
Fully restored, the Rias Line symbolizes recovery. From the window you’ll see sheer cliffs and small harbors straight out of a movie scene. Ride the retro cars and savor warm local hospitality.
An open-air museum recreating a traditional mountain hamlet. Experience the lives of the Nanbu “magariya” (bent-house) farmers.
Under one roof: families and their horses
The L-shaped layout integrates a stable with living quarters — an ingenious design to protect prized horses from brutal winters.
Warm yourself by a wood stove as snowstorms rage outside, tend to tack by the hearth, and you’ll feel you’ve stepped into Tōno’s folktales.
Completed in 1911 by architect Tatsuno Kingo, this Western-style red-brick building is an Important Cultural Property.
Tatsuno Kingo’s only surviving red-brick work in Tōhoku
The architect behind Tokyo Station and the Bank of Japan left this rare northern masterpiece. Inside, admire the marble staircase and stained-glass windows — a hands-on lesson in Meiji modern design.
A thoroughly researched reconstruction of Heian-period palaces and residences. Originated from sets for a historical TV drama.
Heian brought to life for the series Homura Tatsu
Built in 1993 for the NHK Taiga drama Homura Tatsu, the sets remained and evolved into a historical park. Traditional construction methods faithfully recreate the period — true time travel.
Try on period costumes and stroll as a Fujiwara court noble for a taste of aristocratic elegance.
One of Tōhoku’s biggest ski resorts. In summer, ride gondolas, golf, and hike cool highland trails.
Powder secret: north-facing slopes
Appi’s famed “aspirin snow” stays crisp thanks to slope orientation and snowfall characteristics, offering long, creamy powder runs.
From beginner to expert, diverse courses showcase winter scenery. In the green season, gondola rides and alpine walks reveal a breezy, tranquil side.
The stage of the kappa folklore in Tōno Monogatari. Offer a prayer at the small shrine and try “kappa fishing.”
Make a wish on a slice of cucumber
Buy a whimsical “Kappa Capture Permit” and dangle a cucumber on a string over the pool — playful fun with a folklore twist.
Catching one is another story, but the nature-soaked setting takes you right into Tōno’s tales.
Dubbed the “Alps of the Sea,” these 200-m cliffs stretch about 8 km. Viewpoints and cruises reveal ever-changing angles.
Cliff beauty that changes with the angle
Multiple lookout points present different perspectives. For the fit, a trail descends to the shore — hear the waves thunder against rock up close in a natural drama.
One of Tōhoku’s classic hot spring resorts since 1923. Rotenburo rock baths and rose baths make spa-hopping a delight.
Open-air baths scented with roses
In spring, petals from the onsite rose garden float in a special “rose bath,” wrapping you in sweet fragrance.
Wander paths lit by Miyazawa Kenji’s sundial garden motifs — literature and steam blend into a special time.
Original manuscripts and personal belongings of poet and children’s author Miyazawa Kenji. Architecture evokes his “Ihatov” world.
A literary sanctuary on “Polan no Hiroba”
The museum stands on a hill Kenji named “Polan no Hiroba.” A simple stroll feels like stepping into his stories.
Nearby paths recall Night on the Galactic Railroad; benches bear lines of poetry among seasonal blooms.
An experiential complex that brings Kenji’s tales to life. Learn with all five senses in “Kenji’s School” and “Kenji’s Classrooms.”
Ihatov with all five senses
“Kenji’s School” immerses visitors through sound and vision. In the log-house “Classrooms,” touch plants and rocks, gaze at stars, and explore scents for a multisensory experience.
The lawn hosts outdoor theatre and stargazing — a playground that restores childlike wonder.
Founded in 801 and linked to Sakanoue no Tamuramaro. A dramatic hall built into a steep rock face.
A cliff-hall inspired by Kiyomizu-dera
The overhang structure is said to echo Kyoto’s Kiyomizu-dera, appearing to float from the rock cave. Legends tell of Tamuramaro’s subjugation of the Emishi chieftain Akuro-ō.
A giant cliff-carved Buddha face looms nearby, inviting visitors into a world of mystery.
A coastline paved with natural, rounded black stones like go pieces, plus striking rock arches and sea caves.
Stones polished by waves into “go pieces”
Smoothed by the sea, the round, glossy stones truly resemble game pieces, rolling and clacking with the rhythm of the waves.
Sheer cliffs and sea caves line the shore. Boat cruises reveal the dynamic scenery from offshore. A nationally designated scenic beauty.