Iwate Travel / Iwate Tour

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.

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 '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.