Things To Do
in Iwate
Iwate is a prefecture located in the Tohoku region of Japan known for its stunning natural landscapes, including mountains, forests, and coastlines. The capital city, Morioka, is a blend of modern amenities and traditional Japanese culture, such as historic temples and hot springs. Iwate is famous for its delicious local cuisine, particularly Wanko Soba, a type of noodle dish served in small bowls for continuous refills.
The prefecture is also home to the iconic UNESCO World Heritage site, Hiraizumi, known for its historical temples and gardens.
- "Arigatou" - Thank you
- "Sumimasen" - Excuse me / I'm sorry
- "Konnichiwa" - Hello / Good afternoon
- "Eigo o hanasemasu ka?" - Do you speak English?
- "Oishii" - Delicious
Prices
- 🏠 Accommodation (per night): $50 - $150
- 🍽️ Meal at a Restaurant: $10 - $30
- ☕ Coffee: $3 - $5
- 🚌 Public transport ticket (single journey): $1 - $3
- 🛒 Grocery shopping (per week): $30 - $70
- 🏋️♂️ Gym Membership: $30 - $70
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Start your day with a visit to the stunning Geibikei Gorge, where you can enjoy a peaceful boat ride along the river. After the boat ride, take a short hike to admire the breathtaking views of the surrounding cliffs and nature.
Head to Chuson-ji Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, to explore its beautiful architecture and learn about its rich history. Don't forget to visit the Konjikido (Golden Hall) to see its incredible design.
Wind down with dinner at a local izakaya, where you can savor traditional Iwate cuisine. Try dishes like wanko soba and fresh seafood while enjoying the cozy atmosphere.
Begin your day at Morioka Castle ruins, where you can stroll through the beautiful park and take in the views of the surrounding city. The cherry blossoms in spring make this site even more picturesque.
Visit the Iwate Prefectural Museum for a deep dive into the region's history and culture. The exhibits provide fascinating insights into the local traditions and historical figures.
Enjoy a quiet evening at a local hot spring (onsen) to relax and reflect on the day's explorations. Many onsens have outdoor baths with beautiful views of nature.
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Rich cultural heritage and history, including traditional festivals and museums
- Beautiful natural landscapes, including mountains, lakes, and coastline
- Less crowded compared to major urban centers, providing a quieter lifestyle
- Accessibility to outdoor activities such as hiking, skiing, and hot springs
- Strong sense of community and local traditions
- Limited job opportunities compared to larger cities
- Harsh winters with heavy snowfall in some areas
- Access to international airports and major transportation hubs may be limited
- Potential for natural disasters such as earthquakes and tsunamis
- Limited nightlife and entertainment options
Best Activities in Iwate
Outdoor fun you shouldn't miss!
Explore the scenic hiking trails around Chuson-ji Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage site, surrounded by beautiful nature and historic sites.
Enjoy fishing in the Iwate River, known for its rich biodiversity and stunning landscapes, perfect for a relaxing day outdoors.
Spend a night under the stars at Gonoike Park, which offers camping facilities and easy access to hiking trails and beautiful lakes.
Take a boat ride through the picturesque Geibikei Gorge, where you can enjoy breathtaking views of towering cliffs and lush greenery.
Catch some waves at Jodogahama Beach, a popular surf spot known for its beautiful scenery and clear waters.
Ride your bike along the scenic Sanriku Coastline, where you can enjoy stunning views of the Pacific Ocean and charming coastal towns.
Tours
Uncover the best of Iwate with these unforgettable tours.
Places to Visit in Iwate
Visit one of these nice places.
A UNESCO World Heritage site with stunning architecture and beautiful gardens, offering great views of the surrounding mountains and valleys.
Famous for its white sands and unique rock formations, this beach provides picturesque ocean views and opportunities for capturing sunsets.
The iconic stratovolcano offering hiking trails that lead to panoramic views of the Tohoku region, perfect for adventure photography.
A scenic park with diverse landscapes, including mountains, lakes, and hot springs, ideal for nature and wildlife photography.
A breathtaking waterfall surrounded by lush greenery, presenting a tranquil setting for both photography and relaxation.
A large agricultural farm with picturesque views of the rural landscape and Mt. Iwate, perfect for capturing the essence of Japanese countryside.
Known for its rich folklore and traditional villages, this valley offers rustic views, ideal for cultural and landscape photography.
A small island with incredible coastal views and diverse wildlife, creating a perfect backdrop for nature photography.
The ruins of a historic castle set on a hill, offering sweeping views of the surrounding area and the Pacific Ocean.
Famous for its stunning river scenery and seasonal foliage, this gorge is ideal for capturing the beauty of nature throughout the year.
Food in Iwate
Iwate Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
A popular dish in Iwate, Morioka Reimen is a cold noodle soup made with chewy noodles, served in a refreshing tangy broth, and topped with fresh vegetables. One recommended place to try this dish is at the Rairaiken restaurant in Morioka.
Must-Try!
Jingisukan, also known as Genghis Khan, is a local barbecue dish featuring grilled lamb or mutton and assorted vegetables. Visitors can enjoy this specialty at numerous yakiniku (Japanese barbecue) restaurants across Iwate, such as Kiraku in Morioka.
Wanko Soba is a unique way of serving noodles in Iwate. Diners are served small portions of soba noodles which they are encouraged to eat in quantity, creating a fun and interactive dining experience. Many restaurants in Iwate offer Wanko Soba, including Azumaya in Hanamaki.
Unique Experiences
Get to know Iwate better with these unique experiences.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
During the Morioka Sansa Odori festival, numerous food stalls line the streets offering an array of local delights such as yakisoba (stir-fried noodles), takoyaki (octopus balls), and karaage (Japanese fried chicken), providing an excellent opportunity to sample a variety of street foods.
The Iwate Park Morning Market is a great place to discover fresh local produce, seafood, and artisanal food products. Visitors can savor local snacks like senbei (rice crackers) and manju (sweet buns) as they explore the vibrant market atmosphere.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
In Iwate, as in the rest of Japan, showing politeness and respect is paramount. Use honorifics when addressing others, and always bow slightly when greeting someone. Avoid overt displays of emotion in public settings as this is often seen as disrespectful.
Gift-giving is an important aspect of Japanese culture, including in Iwate. It's considered polite to bring a small gift when visiting someone's home. The presentation of the gift is also important; wrapping it beautifully enhances the gesture.
When dining in Iwate, be mindful of local dining etiquette. Wait for the host to begin eating before you start. Additionally, refrain from sticking chopsticks upright in rice, as this resembles a funeral ritual. It’s also polite to say 'itadakimasu' before eating and 'gochisosama deshita' after finishing.
Hidden Gems
Discover the hidden gems of Iwate with these exclusive activities.
Safety
Tipping in Iwate
Ensure a smooth experience
In Iwate, Japan, tipping is not a common practice and is often considered unnecessary. Japanese culture emphasizes hospitality, and service staff typically take pride in providing excellent service without the expectation of a tip. Instead of tipping, showing appreciation through polite words and gratitude is encouraged.
Payment practices in Iwate generally involve cash transactions, as many establishments still prefer cash over cards. However, credit and debit cards are accepted at larger venues, including hotels and restaurants. Public transport and convenience stores may also accept electronic payments. It is customary to hand money to the cashier in an envelope or tray.
Top Things To Do
Engage in these activities to dive deeper into Iwate.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Spring is a beautiful time to visit Iwate, as the cherry blossoms bloom, typically from late March to early April. The weather is mild, making it perfect for outdoor activities and sightseeing. Expect vibrant festivals celebrating the sakura.
Summer in Iwate can be warm and humid, with temperatures often reaching the mid-30s °C (mid-90s °F). This season is great for hiking in the mountains and enjoying local festivals, but be prepared for occasional rain and thunderstorms, especially in July and August.
Autumn is a spectacular time to visit Iwate when the foliage changes to vibrant shades of red, orange, and yellow. The weather is cool and comfortable, ideal for exploring parks and enjoying harvest festivals. Expect scenic views, especially in late October.
Winter brings snow to Iwate, making it a perfect destination for winter sports enthusiasts. From December to February, the region offers skiing and snowboarding opportunities. The temperatures can be quite cold, so be prepared with warm clothing. Winter festivals, particularly those celebrating snow and ice, are common.
Iwate at Night
Hiking in Iwate
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
A scenic trail that offers beautiful views of the surrounding mountains and lush forests, this trail is perfect for a day hike.
Known for its diverse flora and fauna, Hachimantai offers numerous hiking trails that range from easy walks to challenging hikes.
An iconic peak in the region, Mt. Iwate features a well-marked hiking trail leading to stunning panoramic views from the summit.
While primarily known for their beautiful coastline, there are several hiking routes on the islands that provide breathtaking views of the ocean.
This area provides various trails along the river with opportunities to enjoy the verdant landscape and observe local wildlife.
Unforgettable Journeys
Delve deeper into Iwate through these rare and unique activities.
Aiports
How to reach Iwate by plane.
Located approximately 150 kilometers south of Iwate, Sendai Airport serves as a major airport for the Tohoku region.
Situated about 500 kilometers from Iwate, Narita is one of Japan's largest international airports, providing extensive global connections.
Located around 450 kilometers from Iwate, Haneda Airport is one of the two primary airports serving Tokyo and offers numerous international flights.
Located roughly 800 kilometers from Iwate, Kansai International Airport services the Osaka area and is a significant international gateway.
Situated about 800 kilometers from Iwate, this airport serves the Nagoya area and handles a variety of international flights.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
This group constitutes a significant portion of Iwate's population, reflecting a trend of aging demographics common in many rural areas of Japan.
This group includes the majority of the workforce in Iwate, encompassing a wide range of occupations and industries.
Though this group is smaller compared to older adults and working-age adults, it represents the future demographic potential of Iwate.
As a subset of the youth population, this group reflects both the educational and social services needs in the region.
This demographic is significant in terms of economic and social stability, often in management and leadership roles.
The Soul of Iwate
Discover the essence of Iwate through these truly unique experiences.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
A favorite pastime in Iwate, baseball has a strong presence in schools and local leagues, often drawing large crowds during games.
Soccer is increasingly popular in Iwate with various youth clubs and a growing fan base, particularly due to the presence of local teams.
Iwate's mountainous terrain makes it a prime location for skiing and snowboarding, attracting many enthusiasts during the winter season.
Sports such as Sumo and Judo have cultural significance and are participated in and followed by many in Iwate.
With scenic routes and marathons held throughout the year, running is a popular sport for both recreational and competitive athletes.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Iwate.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
While traditional Iwate cuisine often features meat and seafood prominently, many restaurants and cafes in urban centers like Morioka and Ichinoseki offer vegetarian and vegan-friendly dishes, such as vegetable tempura, tofu-based meals, and seasonal vegetable-centric menus.
Visitors with gluten intolerance can find a range of dining options in Iwate, particularly in establishments that specialize in washoku (traditional Japanese cuisine), where rice-based dishes and gluten-free noodles are prevalent, ensuring a satisfying and safe culinary experience.
Cultural Immersions
Experience the heart and soul of Iwate with these cultural adventures.
