Browse attractions and highlights across Iwate, and build your itinerary around them.
Iwate
A cultural journey through the literary worlds of Ishikawa Takuboku and Miyazawa Kenji, set within a majestic Meiji-era bank. Experience the beauty of historical architecture and the profound spirit of Japanese literature.
A famous cherry blossom spot in Shizukuishi, Iwate, featuring about 150 Somei Yoshino trees. It is a perfect place to enjoy beautiful spring scenery along a scenic riverside promenade.
A historic shrine featuring majestic stone walls and the iconic Toriboshi Rock. The cherry blossom season is exceptionally beautiful, offering a deep sense of Japanese tradition and spiritual culture.
A must-visit museum to learn about the Tono Nanbu clan and the defensive-style castle town. Features impressive armor and historical exhibits. Reservation required.
A five-story municipal housing complex that was submerged up to the 4th floor by the tsunami. This disaster heritage site allows you to feel the scale of the tragedy from behind a safety fence. Parking is available, making it an easy stop for car travelers.
The Iwate TSUNAMI Memorial preserves the lessons of the Great East Japan Earthquake. Through video and exhibits of damaged items, you can learn vital survival wisdom. Admission is free and the facility is fully wheelchair accessible.
Experience the beauty of Takamatsu Park, a top cherry blossom spot in Japan. See 1,260 cherry trees in spring, winter swans, and the stunning view of Mount Iwate. The 1.4km loop is perfect for walking and jogging.
A scenic drive through the seasons, from the massive snow walls of spring to the vibrant autumn colors of Hachimantai's 1,613m peaks.
A historic temple in Iwate featuring the three-story pagoda, Great Buddha, and 500 Arhat. Experience traditional Japanese Buddhist culture amidst beautiful seasonal landscapes.
View the remains of the Saiichi Ohashi Bridge, which collapsed due to ground movement, from a safe observation deck. A valuable site for learning about disaster prevention and history.
A premier large-scale farm in Iwate with over 130 years of history. Experience Japan's modern agricultural heritage and rich food culture amidst beautiful landscapes and National Important Cultural Property buildings.
A mystical limestone cave featuring 350-million-year-old geological layers. Highlights include an emerald green subterranean lake, ancient fossils, and beautiful stalactites. A hidden gem in Ichinoseki, Iwate, where you can feel the breath of ancient Earth.
A memorial observation deck overlooking the Saiji Ohashi Bridge. It is a precious site where you can experience the power of nature and the importance of disaster preparedness.
The Yoneda Footbridge is a striking piece of disaster heritage showing the aftermath of the 2011 tsunami. The deformed structure provides a powerful lesson on the overwhelming force of nature.
An open-air museum in Tono, Iwate, where you can experience traditional Japanese life. Explore historic Nanbu Magariya farmhouses and enjoy hands-on cultural activities like straw craft and local cuisine.
A significant disaster heritage site located beside the Miracle Lone Pine Tree. A moving place to experience the weight of history and the resilience of the Tohoku region.
A historic residence and protected garden from the Meiji era. Experience the peaceful beauty of Morioka's nature and history through a relaxing seasonal stroll.
Explore Tendai-ji in Ninohe, Iwate, home to National Important Cultural Properties and beautiful seasonal hydrangeas. A perfect place to experience Japanese spiritual culture through historic architecture and meditative sutra copying.
世界遺産・平泉の歴史的な風景に、美しいソメイヨシノが彩りを添えるスポットです。約1.5km続く桜並木は、春の平泉観光に欠かせない絶景ポイントです。
A majestic peak in the Tohoku 100 Famous Mountains offering stunning views of Mount Iwate. Enjoy the beautiful Mitsuishi Wetlands and a 360-degree summit panorama. With easy access from Amari Onsen, you can enjoy both nature and hot springs in one trip.
One of Japan's largest hydrangea gardens, featuring 400 varieties of blooms. Enjoy a scenic stroll through a vast cedar forest or take a convenient guided cart tour. An essential destination for early summer sightseeing in Iwate.
A historic lone cherry tree in Hachimantai, Iwate. Once a sacred tree of a local shrine, its beautiful silhouette against the blue sky and green hills symbolizes the arrival of spring. Visit in early May for the most stunning views.
A beautiful red brick Important Cultural Property designed by Kingo Tatsuno. A unique space where historic architectural beauty meets contemporary music and art exhibitions.
1732年の噴火による溶岩がそのままの形で残る、国の特別天然記念物。岩手山の麓に広がる暗褐色の広大な大地と、初夏のコマクサが織りなす自然景観を楽しめます。
Hirota Beach is famous for its crystal-clear water. It is a perfect seasonal spot for families and groups to enjoy swimming and summer leisure.
A significant Tendai Buddhist temple featuring National Cultural Properties. Discover the history of the Tohoku region and the roots of the traditional Somin Matsuri in the heart of Oshu.
A museum documenting Tono City's rear-support activities during the Great East Japan Earthquake. Featuring English-translated panels, disaster heritage, and video archives, it offers a profound look at disaster relief history. No reservation is required for your visit.
A striking triangular memorial site that preserves the memory of a 13.7m tsunami. Visitors can observe the physical evidence of the disaster, such as damaged walls and structural traces. Interior access is only available via a guided tour.
盛岡の伝統を感じる神社。チャグチャグ馬コや流鏑馬などの歴史的な神事が開催される時期は、特に見逃せないスポットです。
Located at 700m altitude, Gado-ko Lake is a stunning scenic spot selected as one of Japan's Top 100 Dam Lakes. Experience breathtaking views of birch and oak forests during the seasons of fresh greenery or autumn colors. It is the perfect destination for those looking to refresh through camping, ca…
Experience the history and festivals of Morioka in one place! This museum offers a deep dive into local culture through its 1st-floor festival displays and 2nd-floor historical archives. English pamphlets are available for international visitors.
A majestic 2,000m peak featuring diverse alpine plants and breathtaking panoramas of the Kitakami Mountains. Perfect for hiking and nature lovers seeking a deep connection with the outdoors.
A unique facility to learn about geothermal power generation. It is perfect for those interested in renewable energy, offering real steam turbine exhibits and views of the power plant's cooling towers.
A scenic local train journey through the beautiful Rias Coast. Experience the grandeur of the Pacific Ocean and special seasonal experiences in Iwate.
Experience Jodogahama, a quintessential scenic spot of Sanriku. Witness the breathtaking view of white volcanic rocks and calm waters shaped by nature over 52 million years.
A 360-year-old Edohigan cherry blossom that grows through a massive rock. A photogenic icon of Morioka, offering a powerful sense of natural vitality and history.
A magical theme park recreating the world of Kenji Miyazawa. Experience the fusion of literature and nature through themed exhibits and seasonal forest light-up events.
Kamafuchi Falls is a designated scenic spot in Iwate Prefecture. Enjoy a breathtaking landscape of water and rock formations while feeling the literary spirit of Kenji Miyazawa amidst the changing seasons.
世界遺産・平泉の歴史を象徴する金鶏山。黄金の鶏の伝説や経塚の歴史、そして義経妻子の墓など、平泉の精神的な礎となった場所を歩いて巡ることができます。
The historic home that served as the setting for Ishikawa Takuboku's essay 'Waga Yojohan.' A cultural landmark in Morioka where you can experience the atmosphere of a bygone era.
A nationally designated historic site featuring mid-Jomon stone circles and reconstructed pit dwellings. A perfect historical park to learn about ancient Japanese life.
Experience the breathtaking natural beauty of Kosode Coast in Sanriku Fukko National Park. With its dramatic cliffs and sea caves, it is the perfect place to unwind with a camera in hand and feel the refreshing sea breeze.
舞鶴池を中心とした美しい浄土庭園が広がる、世界遺産・平泉の貴重な遺跡です。かつての阿弥陀堂跡や石敷など、発掘調査に基づき整備された歴史的な景観を、静かな自然の中で見ることができます。
A unique spot to virtually experience the Jomon period via VR and AR technology. Discover reconstructed ancient buildings and deep historical insights through digital guides.
Hanamaki Onsenkyo in Hanamaki, Iwate, features 12 distinct hot spring groups. With accommodations ranging from traditional inns to large hotels, you can enjoy a diverse hot spring experience within a beautiful natural park.
A breathtaking white mudstone landscape on the Kitakami River named by Kenji Miyazawa. We recommend checking the live camera footage before your visit to see the 'English Coast' in person.
A historic hot spring area on the shores of Lake Gosho. Enjoy free footbaths, stunning views of Mt. Iwate, and easy access to nearby sightseeing spots in Iwate.
A sacred site where history and nature harmonize, marking the end of Minamoto no Yoshitsune. Enjoy the scenic views and the special Konshi Goshuin.
A place where the spirit of Japanese craftsmanship lives. Experience the luxury of watching master artisans at work, purchasing high-quality traditional crafts, and participating in hands-on cultural experiences.
世界文化遺産・中尊寺。黄金に輝く金色堂や、藤原氏が築いた極楽浄土の美しさは必見です。歴史と自然が調和した静謐な空間で、日本の精神文化を体感してください。
Experience the mystical underground world of Ryusendo Cave, featuring a crystal-clear blue subterranean lake and breathtaking stalactite formations created over thousands of years.
A precious heritage site where the seawall remains breached by the tsunami. Through information boards and local resident-led programs, you can gain a deep understanding of the power of the tsunami and the importance of disaster prevention.
A stunning Shingon Buddhist temple featuring a 17m tall wooden Kannon statue and Iwate's only five-story pagoda. Perfect for experiencing seasonal beauty like cherry blossoms and autumn leaves.
A historic site of a grand temple once modeled after Kyoto's Byodo-in. Today, the peaceful landscape of stone foundations and pond traces offers a serene way to experience the spiritual history and the architectural vision of the Hiraizumi era.
A grand, National Important Cultural Property featuring a massive thatched roof. This historic residence offers a rare chance to experience the scale and architectural beauty of a traditional Japanese wealthy farmer's home.
東日本大震災の教訓を伝える震災遺構。かつてのキャンプ場のトイレや炊事場がそのままの姿で保存されており、展望の丘からは津波の高さ（約21m）を実感できるサインが見られます。防災学習に最適な場所です。
A memorial park preserving the memory of the Great East Japan Earthquake. Featuring a Kenji Miyazawa poetry monument that survived the tsunami, this peaceful space serves as a symbol of both disaster and rebirth. A perfect spot to experience history alongside the scenic Sanriku Railway.
春の桜並木が美しい水沢競馬場。約150本のソメイヨシノに囲まれた環境で、競馬観戦と自然の景観を同時に楽しめます。周囲の山々の眺望も魅力の一つです。
A museum where you can learn about the history of the Great East Japan Earthquake, local nature, and the unique culture of the sea and shells. It is highly accessible, just 1 minute from BRT Rikuzentakata Station.
Witness the mystical sunrise through the cave during the summer solstice. A perfect way to experience the natural beauty of the coast and the unique rock formations like Kabuto-iwa.
