Iwate Prefecture lies on the Pacific coast of Japan in the delightful Tohoku Region. The capital is the city of Morioka which has made a name for itself thanks to its toothsome noodles, and you should not leave this spot off the itinerary for that alone.
There are a number of beauty spots in Iwate such as the quaint town of Tono which is steeped in ancient Japanese folklore. The scenic town of Kitakami is also not to be missed on a trip to the region, particularly in cherry blossom season. If you come here in the winter months, then you can also check out the well known ski resort of Appi Kogen where you can try downhill and cross country skiing.
The region is known for being less touristy than other places so if you are looking for a slice of rural Japan then this is a good choice. A trip to Iwate will also mean that you get to see the agricultural side of this country and enjoy some sights of traditional life away from the major tourist hubs.
Getting to Iwate:
By plane:
The Hanamaki Iwate Airport is located in the city of Hanamaki but this mostly has domestic flights and infrequent flights to some cities in Asia.
One of the best ways to get to Iwate is to fly to Haneda or Narita airports in Tokyo and then travel overland by train. A JR Rail pass or a JR East Rail Pass can be used on all JR trains in Iwate.
By train:
The Tohoku Shinkansen is widely considered to be the easiest and quickest way to get to Iwate. You can travel on the Komachi train and the journey takes two and a half hours and costs ¥13,840. There is also the Hayabusa service which travels between Tokyo and Aomari. Tickets from Tokyo to Morioka start at ¥14,340.
By bus:
There is an overnight bus called the Rakuchin that will take you from Tokyo to Morioka. The journey takes about seven and a half hours and tickets start at ¥7,850.
Tourist Attractions:
Kitakami:
The city of Kitakami is known for its 10,000 cherry trees that hug the banks of the majestic Kitakami River and sit in Tenshochi Park. There is a famous path in the park that stretches for over two kilometers that is lined by the stunning trees. You can also view the trees from the water if you prefer by taking one of the sightseeing cruises.
Tono:
The charming town of Tono is nestled in the scenic hills in the center of Iwate and has a strong agricultural history. The town is also famous for its local legends and there are many tales of supernatural animals, ghosts, and spirits in Tono. As a result, there is a deep culture of storytelling and you can see performances of these all around town. You will also find rustic folk villages here as well as local museums that also have storytelling shows.
Appi Kogen Ski Resort:
The Appi Kogen Ski Resort is located around 50 kilometers away from the capital city of Iwate, Morioka. It is famous for being one of the best places to ski in the Tohoku Region and you will find a range of runs here to suit all levels of ability. These include long and short courses as well as ungroomed terrain if you want a more rustic experience. The courses hug the sides of Mount Maemori and also run alongside Mount Nishimori, so expect stunning views from all directions.
Morioka:
The capital city of Iwate Prefecture is Morioka which sits in the middle of a number of scenic mountains. As well as having mountains on three sides of the city, Morioka also has several rivers and is famous for its scenery as well as its culinary traditions. Morioka is most well known thanks to its noodles known as the ‘Three Great Noodles of Morioka’, namely Wanko Soba, Jajamen, and Reiman. Restaurants all over the city serve these signature noodles which came about as Iwate is a key agricultural region in Japan.
Shopping and Duty Free:
Aeon Mall Morioka:
Aeon Mall Morioka is a Japanese staple and has a range of high end shops as well as department stores. There is a supermarket in Aeon Mall as well as a wealth of restaurants and cafes. This is a good choice if you are looking to find everything under one roof.
Fesan:
Fesan Mall in Morioka offers a wide range of goods and is very conveniently located next to JR Morioka Station. This is not the largest mall it still stocks a comprehensive list of brands and there is also a food court located in the basement.
Twin Mall Plaza:
Located in Kitakami, Twin Mall Plaza is so named as there are actually two separate buildings here divided into an east and west wing. There are a range of brands on sale here to suit different budgets and here is also an anchor department store that sells an array of both national and international goods.
Deals:
If you are thinking of travelling to Morioka by train then it is prudent to buy a Japan Rail Pass or a JR East Rail Pass which can be used on the Hayabusa and Komachi trains. This will cover the basic fares on these trains and will mean that you make a significant saving.
Recommended times to visit:
If you want to catch the amazing cherry blossoms in Kitakami then you will need to come in late April as this is when the blossoms bloom for around two weeks. The cherry trees form a tunnel through which you can walk which is a spectacular sight but you will only see this in peak cherry blossom season.
For those who want to hit the slopes at the Appi Kogen Ski resort, the ski season last from December until early May, so if you want to make the most of the snowy conditions then this is the best time to visit.
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