Vegetarian's Japan Guide

Iwate Prefecture

Hachimantai-Dragon-Eye-Akita-Japan

Hachimantai – The Dragon Eye and the Amazing Natural Wonders

Hachimantai (八幡平) in Towada-Hachimantai National Park (十和田八幡平国立公園) is a magnificent patch of nature on the prefectural border between Iwate (岩手) and Akita (秋田). While the fall foliage scenery is better on the Akita side of Hachimantai, the summit of Mt. Hachimantai and many of the natural wonders are located in Iwate prefecture.

Ryusendo-Cave-Iwate-Japan-第一地底湖

Ryūsendō – The Most Charming Limestone Cave in the Japan

Ryūsendō Cave (龍泉洞) in Iwate Prefecture is one of the three biggest limestone caves in Japan. Limestone caves might not sound very exciting for some people, but when you see the charming underground sapphire blue lakes, will your answer change from “nope, not interested” to “yes, I am going”?

Kinjikido-Chusonji-Temple-Hiraizumi-Iwate-Japan

Chūsonji Temple – The Treasure Trove of Heian Buddhism

Hiraizumi Town (平泉町), which once rivaled Kyoto‘s refined culture and elegant surroundings in the 12th century, is now the hometown of a World Heritage, Chūsonji Temple (中尊寺). The same as Motsuji Temple not too far away, it was also founded by Jikaku Daishi (慈覚大師) in 850 based on Pure Land Buddhism.

平泉町_達谷窟毘沙門堂

A Day Tour to the Most Scenic Temples in Hiraizumi

Hiraizumi town (平泉町), once Kyoto‘s rival for its refined culture and elegant surroundings in the 12th century, still retains its charm and traces of former greatness. If you are after a cultural and scenery feast, it is the destination that you don’t want to miss!