Iwate

The province

Get to know Iwate

Iwate is Japan’s second-largest prefecture after Hokkaido, and the largest on Honshu. Mountains and plateaus cover the interior, and the Sanriku coast to the east features indented bays and cliffs facing the Pacific. The capital, Morioka, sits at the confluence of rivers with Mount Iwate in the background.

In the 12th century, Hiraizumi was the seat of the Northern Fujiwara, who built temples and gardens inspired by the Pure Land of Buddhism. Chuson-ji houses the Konjikido, a small hall covered in gold leaf, and Motsu-ji preserves a garden with a pond from the same era. The ensemble has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2011.

Morioka has castle ruins in a park, old merchant streets and bridges over the Nakatsu River. The city is known for wanko soba, served in small bowls that are continually refilled, and for reimen, a cold noodle dish. Nanbu tekki cast-iron kettles come from the region. Further east, Tono is known for the legends compiled in a book from the early 20th century.

Near Ichinoseki, the Geibikei Gorge is navigated in flat-bottomed boats propelled with poles while the boatman sings. On the coast, Jodogahama beach in Miyako has white rocks and calm water. In Rikuzentakata, the park and memorial museum tell the story of the 2011 earthquake and tsunami.