【Distance traveled】
Travel time from Tokyo: Approximately 2～3 hours at the fastest
Travel time from Osaka: Approximately 4～5 hours at the fastest
【History】
Iwate Prefecture’s history dates back to the Jomon period, and the region is home to many ancient ruins.
Rice cultivation began during the Yayoi period, and remains of rice paddies dating back approximately 2,000 years have been found in the Isawa Plain.
During the Nara and Heian periods, the region is also known as the place where “Aterui” was active, competing for control of the Imperial Court.
Later, in the late Heian period, the Fujiwara clan established a golden culture, and Hiraizumi culture, represented by the Golden Hall of Chusonji Temple, flourished.
During the Edo period, the region was ruled by several feudal domains, including the Nanbu Domain and the Sendai Domain, and the current prefectural boundaries were established in the Meiji period.
Known as the hometown of Miyazawa Kenji, the region has a unique history in which culture and nature coexist in harmony.
【Features】
Hiraizumi World Heritage Site: Cultural heritage sites of the Oshu Fujiwara clan, such as Chusonji Temple and Motsuji Temple, remain.
Rias Coast of the Sanriku Coast: Blessed with seafood and featuring mystical scenery.
Ryusendo Cave: One of Japan’s three largest limestone caves, famous for its highly transparent underground lake.
The beauty of the four seasons: Harsh winters, refreshing summers, and many famous autumn foliage spots.
The area also has a wealth of cultural attractions, such as Hanamaki City, where you can experience the literary world of Miyazawa Kenji.
【Specialty products】
Wankosoba: A specialty of Iwate. Famous for the way the noodles are poured into the bowl one after the other.
Morioka Reimen: A Morioka specialty characterized by chewy noodles and cold soup
Morioka Jajamen: A punchy combination of noodles, meat miso, and garlic
Nanbu Senbei: A simple and fragrant traditional snack
Bottle Don: A new specialty made with seafood stuffed into a milk bottle. It’s also fun to look at.
Hittsumi soup: a local dish made with torn wheat dough
How was it? There are still many fun things in Japan. Please be sure to try them when you visit Japan.
Let’s Enjoy！