A First-Timer’s Tour of Iwate

@Japan Guide

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Explore Iwate Prefecture's diverse attractions over three days, from ancient temples and traditional crafts to healing hot springs and dramatic coastal scenery, including Morioka, ranked by the New York Times.

2 days · 15 places · 7 experiences

Day 2 · 3 places · Morioka, Japan

Morioka City Exploration: Crafts, Soba, Temples & Beer

“Day 2 begins after breakfast in Hanamaki, catching the train to Morioka, the capital city of Iwate. I explore on foot, learning about Nambu ironware, experiencing wanko soba for lunch, visiting historical sites like Hoonji Temple and the Ishiwarizakura Tree, stopping at Nagasawa Coffee, and ending the day at Baeren's Saien Microbrewery.”

Experience · 1 place
Taste tea made with Nambu Tekki water
I visit a cozy cafe to taste first-hand drinks made with water that has been boiled in a traditional Nambu Tekki kettle. It's a unique way to experience the craft's reputed ability to produce soft water, perfect for tea.
1
Nambu Tekki (Nambu Ironware)
Association / Organization · Morioka
5.0 (12)
Nambu Tekki Cooperative Association, Oirino-64-102 Tsunagi, Morioka, Iwate 020-0055, Japan
Experience · 1 place
Take on the Wanko Soba Challenge
I put on my bib and get ready to take on the wanko soba challenge! You get side dishes and condiments, and each bowl contains about a mouthful of soba. It's not a race, but I'm aiming for 100 bowls today. Let's see if I can get there!
2
Wanko Soba Restaurant
Restaurant · Shinjuku City
4.8 (710)Open · until 6:30 PM
1 Chome Kabukicho
Japan, 〒160-0021 Tokyo, Shinjuku City, Kabukicho, 1 Chome−22−9 J・Gold Build., 5階 Amusement Wanko Soba Kurukuru Wanko, 9, J・Gold Build., 5F
Experience · 1 place
Enjoy craft beer at Baeren's Saien Microbrewery
To bring my day in Morioka City to a close, I head to Baeren's Saien Microbrewery. It's a local craft beer brewery that's been around for about 20 years, so it's the perfect place to enjoy a drink and say 'kampai!' to a great day.
3
Baeren's Saien Microbrewery
Brewery · Morioka
4.5 (585)Open · until 5:30 PM
1 Chome Kitayama
Baeren Brewery, 1 Chome-3-31 Kitayama, Morioka, Iwate 020-0061, Japan

Day 3 · 3 places · Iwate Prefecture, Japan

Sanriku Coast: Miyako Seafood & Kitayamazaki Cliffs

“Our last day in Iwate Prefecture is spent along the Sanriku Coast. From Morioka, we take a scenic local line to Miyako, try fresh local seafood, visit Jodogahama, then drive about an hour north to Kitayamazaki to see its spectacular sea cliffs.”

Experience · 1 place
Feed seagulls on the Umineko-maru sightseeing boat
One of the highlights of taking the short boat ride between Miyako's fishing port and Jodogahama is seeing the local seagulls, called Umineko, which fly alongside the boat. You can even feed them! The boat itself is named after these gulls.
4
Miyako Port Area
Port authority · Miyako
3.8 (68)
3 Chome Fujiwara
Miyako Port (Kuwagasaki), 3 Chome Fujiwara, Miyako, Iwate 027-0021, Japan
Experience · 1 place
Walk the trail to Jodogahama Beach
After visiting the visitor center to learn about the area, I embark on the 15-minute trail to the iconic Jodogahama Beach. It's a beautiful walk leading to a serene white stone beach with calm waters and dramatic rock formations.
5
Jodogahama Beach
Beach
4.4
Creator's voice
A beautiful beach akin to a Buddhist paradise, known for its white stone beach, calm waters, and rocky islands jutting out of the ocean. It suffered damage during the 2011 tsunami but its tourist facilities have been rebuilt.
Jodogahama Beach, Hitachihamacho, Iwate 027-0001, Japan
Experience · 1 place
Descend 750 steps for a closer view of Kitayamazaki cliffs
For those who want a more exciting view, consider walking down a flight of about 750 steps from the observation deck to get closer to the water line. You'll be treated to an even more dramatic view of the stunning cliffs and rock formations.
6
Kitayamazaki Observation Deck
Scenic spot · Tanohata
4.6 (179)Closed
Creator's voice
Known for its dramatic sea cliffs and spectacular coastline, Kitayamazaki offers breathtaking views from its three observation decks. You can also walk down about 750 steps to get closer to the water line for a more exciting view of the cliffs and rock formations.
Kitayamazaki Cape, Kitayama, Tanohata, Shimohei District, Iwate 028-8402, Japan

Also in this video

7
Chusonji Temple
Place of worship · Hiraizumi
4.5 (4,417)Closed · opens Wednesday 8:30 AM
Creator's voice
A UNESCO Cultural World Heritage Site that was once the seat of a powerful noble family and a cultural center rivaling Kyoto. It's home to cultural treasures like the Konjikido. Easily accessed by bicycle from Hiraizumi Station.
Konjikidō of Chusonji Temple, Koromonoseki-202 Hiraizumi, Nishiiwai District, Iwate 029-4102, Japan
- Konjikido (Golden Hall) — This seemingly ordinary building houses the Konjikido, which is covered in gold both inside and out, illustrating Buddhist paradise. Inside, you can see intricate Buddhist artwork inlaid with ivory and mother of pearl.
8
Takkoku no Iwaya
寺廟 · Hiraizumi
4.3 (2,198)Closed · opens Wednesday 8 AM
Creator's voice
A temple founded over 1200 years ago, built directly into the face of a cliff and dedicated to Bishamonten, one of the four guardian kings in Buddhism. Its main building is supposedly modeled after Kyoto's Kiyomizudera. It's a 30-minute bicycle ride from Chusonji.
Takkoku-no-iwaya bishamondō, Kitazawa-１６ Hiraizumi, Nishiiwai District, Iwate 029-4102, Japan
- Buddha statue carved into rock face — Beside the main building, a statue of Buddha is carved into the rock face, with a face measuring about 3.5 meters long.
Experience · 1 place
Soak in Osawa Onsen's healing waters
Before dinner, I check out the different baths at Osawa Onsen. The healing properties of these hot springs have been undisputed for over 1200 years, so it's the perfect way to relax and unwind after a day of exploring.
9
Osawa Onsen
Japanese inn · Hanamaki
4.4
Simple rooms in a relaxed hot spring hotel offering dining and multiple communal bathing options.
Sansuikaku, Osawa-181 Yuguchi, Hanamaki, Iwate 025-0244, Japan
Toji Wing (self-catering rooms) · ¥10 — The old-fashioned self-catering toji wing offers reasonably cheap, basic Japanese-style rooms with shared toilets and a common kitchen. You can cook your own meals using a gas stove that operates by inserting a 10-yen coin for gas.
10
Morioka Castle Site Park
Park · Morioka
4.2 (1,638)Closed
Raised park on top of Edo-period castle's walls with spring cherry blossoms & vibrant autumn colors.
Iwate Park (Morioka Castle Ruins Park), 1-37 Uchimaru, Morioka, Iwate 020-0023, Japan
11
Ishiwarizakura Tree
Tourist attraction · Morioka
4.3Closed
Creator's voice
One of Morioka's treasures, this famous cherry tree grows out of a crack in a large granite boulder. It's a picturesque stop along the temple district walk.
Ishiwarizakura (The Rock-Splitting Cherry Tree), 9-1 Uchimaru, Morioka, Iwate 020-8520, Japan
12
Hoonji Temple
Buddhist temple · Morioka
4.4 (519)Open · until 4 PM
Hōonji Temple (500 Rakan), 31-5 Nasukawacho, Morioka, Iwate 020-0016, Japan
13
Nagasawa Coffee
Cafe · Morioka
4.5 (517)Open · until 8 PM
NAGASAWA COFFEE, 1 Chome-11-23 Ueda, Morioka, Iwate 020-0066, Japan
14
Miyako City
Miyako
Miyako is a city located in Iwate Prefecture, Japan. As of 1 April 2020, the city had an estimated population of 51,150, and a population density of 41 persons per km². The total area of the city is 1,259.15 square kilometers.
Miyako, Iwate, Japan
15
Sushi Restaurant (Miyako)
Ramen restaurant · Englewood
4.4Closed · opens Tuesday 11 AM
Unfussy restaurant specializing in ramen noodles, plus gyoza, sushi & other Japanese cuisine.
Miyako Ramen Spot Japanese Restaurant, 2950 S Broadway a2, Englewood, CO 80113
- Seafood rice bowl — For lunch, you can choose between fresh sushi or a delicious seafood rice bowl, packed with local catches.

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