Located in the western part of Iwate Prefecture in northeast Japan, Appi Kōgen (安比高原) is an alluringly beautiful place for relaxing walks along the plateau from spring to autumn. When the region transforms into a winter wonderland, many flocks to Appi Kōgen for skiing or snowboarding on its high-quality snow because Appi Ski Resort is […]
Appi Kōgen – The Biggest Resort in Northeast Japan Read More »
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.
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If you like hot springs, instead of the Hahcimantai Aspite Line, take the Hachimantai Jukai Line (八幡平樹海ライン) to the summit of Mt. Hachimantai. As the name of the highway suggests, this highway passes through Hachimantai’s virgin forest. Along the road, you are accompanied by the magnificent view of Mt. Iwate. The scenery along this drive
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If you plan to rent a car and explore Iwate Prefecture‘s nature, consider putting Hachimantai (八幡平) on your itinerary. The mountainous area in Towada-Hachimantai National Park (十和田八幡平国立公園) offers breathtaking scenery and is a perfect destination for hiking and trekking. One of the ways to get to the summit is Hachimantai Aspite Line (八幡平アスピーテライン). In fact,
Hachimantai Aspite Line: The Most Scenic Drive in Iwate Read More »
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”?
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Want to appreciate the picturesque 2km gorge with cliff walls of more than 100 meters high on both riverbanks, and all you need to do is relax on a boat? Geibikei Gorge (猊鼻渓) in Iwate Prefecture is the perfect place for you! Adding to this unforgettable experience is the traditional Japanese ballad that your boatman
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Ichinoseki (一関市) is the southmost city in Iwate Prefecture. Having a wealth of beautiful natural landscapes, it is the perfect destination for a weekend getaway from the big city’s hustle and bustle. If you are a foodie, Ichinoseki should also be of your interest. The city also has a unique mochi culture, meaning you will
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Shōeidō (松栄堂) is Ichinoseki‘s representative traditional confectionary maker, established in 1903. It is very good at creating gorgeously shaped sweets made from local ingredients, reflecting the local cultures and current seasons. Traditionally, the mochi rice cake can be found in all seasonal events in Ichinoseki. This is why the local traditional sweets makers, such as
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While rice cakes can easily be found across Japan, the mochi in Ichinoseki really stands out! When you visit the city, you will have your first mochi cuisine. The rice cake there isn’t just eaten as a dessert, but as a main dish too! So, if you ever visit Ichinoseki, check out the restaurants that
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Since ancient times, Ichinoseki has been blessed with abundant water and rice cultivation from the Ou and Kitakami mountains. Using the area’s high-quality rice and water, Sekinoichi Sake Brewery (世嬉の一酒造株式会社) was founded in 1919. It is a brewery that is good at using ingredients that don’t seem to go well with beer at first glance.
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