Things To Do
in Ōshū
Ōshū is a city located in Iwate Prefecture in the Tohoku region of Japan. Known for its rich history and cultural heritage, Ōshū is home to historic temples, traditional festivals, and samurai residences. The city is surrounded by beautiful natural landscapes, including mountains, rivers, and lush greenery.
Ōshū offers visitors a glimpse into Japan's past while also providing modern amenities and attractions.
- "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: $8 - $30
- ☕ Coffee: $2 - $5
- 🚌 Public transport ticket (single journey): $1 - $3
- 🛒 Grocery shopping (per week): $40 - $80
- 🏋️♂️ Gym Membership: $30 - $60
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Start your day with a hike at the scenic Aneyoshi Lake. Enjoy the fresh air and picturesque views of the surrounding mountains.
Visit the historic Chūson-ji Temple and admire its stunning architecture. Don't forget to explore the serene gardens and learn about its cultural significance.
Wrap up the day with a relaxing stroll along the riverbank. Take in the beautiful sunset reflecting on the water.
Begin with a breakfast of fresh local seafood at a nearby market. Try the grilled fish and enjoy the flavors of the region.
Participate in a cooking class to learn how to make traditional Ōshū dishes. Discover the local ingredients and techniques that define the cuisine.
Enjoy a dinner at a popular izakaya where you can sample various small plates. Pair your meal with regional sake for a full culinary experience.
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Rich cultural heritage with historical landmarks and festivals.
- Beautiful natural scenery, including mountains and rivers.
- Strong sense of community and local traditions.
- Access to fresh, local produce and seafood.
- Relatively low cost of living compared to larger cities.
- Limited job opportunities in specialized fields.
- Less access to advanced healthcare facilities compared to urban centers.
- Public transportation options may be less frequent.
- Harsh winters may not be appealing to everyone.
- Fewer entertainment and shopping options compared to larger cities.
Best Activities in Ōshū
Outdoor fun you shouldn't miss!
Explore the beautiful trails and ancient caves at Takkoku no Iwaya, known for its stunning rock formations and historical significance.
Enjoy a scenic bike ride along the Kitakami River, with picturesque views of the surrounding nature and quaint villages.
Take a boat tour or hike along the stunning Geibi Gorge, surrounded by lush greenery and impressive cliffs.
Tours
Uncover the best of Ōshū with these unforgettable tours.
Places to Visit in Ōshū
Visit one of these nice places.
Offers scenic views of the Takkoku Gorge and the Takkoku-no-Iwaya Bisyamon Cave, with great photo opportunities of the natural landscape.
Provides picturesque views of the expansive dairy farm, rolling hills, and seasonal flowers, making it perfect for capturing the beauty of rural Japan.
Boasts stunning underground formations and crystal-clear blue pools, providing unique photo opportunities in the subterranean world.
Food in Ōshū
Ōshū Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
A traditional noodle dish served in small bowls, allowing you to eat as many as you can. It's a fun and interactive way to enjoy soba noodles. Recommended place: Wanko Soba restaurants in Mizusawa.
Must-Try!
Japanese rice crackers available in various flavors like soy sauce, seaweed, and plum. You can find these at local snack shops and markets across Ōshū.
A local specialty featuring steamed rice topped with seasoned crab meat. It's a must-try for seafood lovers. Look for it at seafood restaurants around the city.
Unique Experiences
Get to know Ōshū better with these unique experiences.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
This festival offers an array of street food, including fresh clams served in various styles, grilled seafood skewers, and local snacks. It's a wonderful opportunity to savor Ōshū's street food culture.
Explore this street known for its cold noodle shops offering Reimen, a specialty dish in the region. You'll also find stalls selling yakisoba and other street food delights.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
Bowing is a common form of greeting in Japan, and it is important to show respect by bowing when meeting someone, especially when meeting someone of higher social status.
It is customary to remove your shoes when entering someone's home or certain traditional establishments, such as temples or ryokan (Japanese inns).
Japanese people value personal space and may prefer a bit more distance when communicating. It's important to be mindful of this and not stand too close when interacting with others.
Hidden Gems
Discover the hidden gems of Ōshū with these exclusive activities.
Safety
Tipping in Ōshū
Ensure a smooth experience
Tipping is not a common practice in Japan, including Ōshū. It is generally not expected or required to tip for services such as dining, taxi rides, or hotel stays.
In Ōshū, as in the rest of Japan, cash is the most commonly used form of payment. Credit and debit cards are also widely accepted, especially in larger establishments. Mobile payment options such as Suica and Pasmo are becoming increasingly popular for public transportation and small purchases.
Top Things To Do
Engage in these activities to dive deeper into Ōshū.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Best time to visit Ōshū, Japan is during spring (March to May) when the cherry blossoms are in full bloom, creating a beautiful and picturesque landscape.
In summer (June to August), Ōshū experiences warm weather and is known for its vibrant festivals and events, making it a lively and festive time to visit.
Autumn (September to November) brings stunning foliage, especially in the surrounding mountains, offering picturesque views and pleasant weather for outdoor activities.
Winter (December to February) in Ōshū brings cold temperatures, but it is a great time to experience traditional winter festivals and enjoy activities like hot springs and snow activities.
Ōshū at Night
Hiking in Ōshū
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
A scenic hiking spot offering beautiful views of the surrounding area and vibrant flora.
A prominent mountain with well-maintained trails and breathtaking views from the summit.
A vast area with various trails, showcasing alpine plants, lakes, and panoramic views.
Known for its unique geological formations and lush landscapes, suitable for various skill levels.
Features gentle trails along the river, perfect for hiking while enjoying the serene water views.
Unforgettable Journeys
Delve deeper into Ōshū through these rare and unique activities.
Aiports
How to reach Ōshū by plane.
Located approximately 70 kilometers northeast of Ōshū, Akita Airport serves both domestic and limited international flights.
About 130 kilometers south of Ōshū, Sendai Airport is a major gateway to the Tohoku region with domestic and international flights.
Approximately 30 kilometers from Ōshū, Hanamaki Airport primarily handles domestic flights, with connections to some international destinations.
Located around 400 kilometers north of Ōshū, New Chitose Airport is the largest airport in Hokkaido, serving numerous international destinations.
Situated about 510 kilometers southwest of Ōshū, Narita International Airport is one of the major international gateways to Japan.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
The majority demographic group in Ōshū, consisting of native Japanese citizens and their descendants.
Includes expatriates and immigrants from various countries living in Ōshū, although they represent a smaller percentage of the population.
A significant demographic group in Ōshū, reflecting Japan's aging population trends.
Includes school-age children and young adults, comprising a smaller portion of the overall demographic.
Various cultural minority groups that may exist within Ōshū, contributing to the diversity but representing a small fraction of the population.
The Soul of Ōshū
Discover the essence of Ōshū through these truly unique experiences.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
Baseball is extremely popular in Ōshū, with many local teams and schools participating in leagues, and the sport enjoys a large following among fans.
Soccer has gained popularity in Ōshū, with local clubs and schools promoting the sport among youth and community members.
Basketball is a beloved sport in Ōshū, with many schools and community teams competing at various levels.
Table tennis is popular in Ōshū, known for its engaging community clubs and school programs that foster young talents.
Sports like Sumo and Kendo have cultural significance in Ōshū, with local practitioners and events celebrating these traditional sports.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Ōshū.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
While traditional Japanese cuisine heavily features seafood, many restaurants in Ōshū offer vegetarian and vegan-friendly dishes like vegetable tempura, tofu-based meals, and vegetarian sushi rolls.
Visitors with gluten sensitivity can opt for dishes like sashimi, rice-based dishes, and grilled meats, which are widely available and naturally gluten-free.
Cultural Immersions
Experience the heart and soul of Ōshū with these cultural adventures.
