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Introducing popular spots and attractions in Iwate Prefecture
Sanriku Railway
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A railway line connecting Kuji and Mori. The train running along the coastline has been rebuilt and continues to serve the local community since the earthquake. Due to its location along the ria coastline, there are many tunnels, but the ocean views near stations and other spots are spectacular. The best viewpoint on the Sanriku Railway is just past the tunnel beyond Fudai Station on the Kita-Rias Line. From Kuji to Kamaishi, the diverse scenery of the Rikuchu coastline is beautiful from every angle. The breathtaking ocean views extend for 180 degrees. It is also popular with tourists, offering a variety of train types, including tatami-mat trains and retro trains.
Ryusendo Cave
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This limestone cave is located in Iwaizumi Town, Shimohei District, in the central part of Iwate Prefecture. It is one of the three largest limestone caves in Japan and is designated as a national natural monument. The highlights are the three underground lakes. The water of the underground lake, which was selected as one of Japan's 100 famous waters, boasts some of the clearest water in the world. The clear blue color of the lake is called "dragon blue," and you can enjoy the beauty of each of the three underground lakes at different depths. The tour takes about 30 to 40 minutes. The average temperature inside the cave is around 10°C throughout the year, so it's a good idea to bring a jacket in the summer.
Hiraizumi
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Hiraizumi 's Chusonji Temple and Golden Hall are registered as World Heritage Sites and are a must-visit attraction. Along with the divine arts and crafts, you can also experience the history and culture of Hiraizumi. In addition to New Year's visits and viewing the autumn leaves, various festivals and events are held here, so the temple is bustling with many worshippers throughout the year. Goshuin stamps can be obtained at 11 locations, including the Chusonji Temple Main Hall and Benkei-do, and amulets for warding off evil and finding love can also be purchased.
Want to know more about Iwate Prefecture? Check out these attractions!
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Iwate 's must-try "mochi dishes"
Did you know that Ichinoseki in Iwate is known as the "holy land of mochi" because the food culture of mochi is so deeply rooted there? Long ago, there was something called the "mochi calendar" in Ichinoseki, and it was customary to eat mochi on more than 60 days a year. In the desire to enjoy these precious mochi, people invented new ways to season and mix them, such as with soybean flour, red bean paste, daikon radish, pickles, walnuts, and perilla seeds. It is said that there are now more than 300 different variations.
In Ichinoseki, mochi can be found on the menu not only at Japanese restaurants but also at Western restaurants and coffee shops.
You may come across some interesting ideas, such as lasagna with mochi and milk tea topped with mochi. It's fun to visit the shops and experience the culture of mochi.
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Colorful seafood in a bottle is a hot topic
Have you all heard of Miyako's "Bin Don"?
The coast of eastern Iwate is a treasure trove of seafood, known as Sanriku. When you think of the bounty of Sanriku, sea urchins, abalone, seaweed, and many other things come to mind. Some of you may have seen raw sea urchins packed into milk bottles, and taking inspiration from this, a new specialty called "Bin Don," which is fresh seafood packed into a bottle, is gaining popularity.
Bin-don, a colorful seafood dish packed in a jar, is visually stunning, accented by the sparkling red salmon roe.
You can eat Bin Don at 10 Meals in Miyako, but the way the seafood is packed and the seasoning differs depending on the restaurant. The menu also changes depending on the season, so you'll probably want to come back again and again.
Recommended spots include the World Heritage sites of Chusonji Temple and Chusonji Temple Golden Hall, the Miracle Pine Tree standing on the site of the former Takada Matsubara pine forest in Rikuzentakata City, Ryusen-do Cave, one of Japan's three largest limestone caves and known for its underground lake that shines dragon blue, Jodogahama Beach, a beautiful coastline made of white rhyolite, the Sanriku Railway Rias Line, which overcame the ravages of the earthquake and typhoon disasters and resumed full operation in 2020, and Kitayamazaki, with its series of sheer cliffs about 200m high.
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