Travel / Tourism Spots in Hiraizumi / Oshu / Ichinoseki Area

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Hiraizumi / Oshu / Ichinoseki

Category

Travel / Tourism

Chuson-ji Temple

4.5

795 Reviews

Travel / Tourism

Iwate Pref. Nishiwaigunhiraizumichou Hiraizumi Koromonoseki 202

This temple was reportedly founded in 850 by Jikaku Daishi, a monk associated with Enryaku-ji Temple in Hieizan (Mt. Hiei). Fujiwara Kiyohira is said to have laid the substantial foundation of the temple. Sights on the premises include the Konjikido, which has been designated as a National Treasure, and the Sankozo, which houses a collection of more than 3,000 cultural properties left by the Oshu Fujiwara lords. In 2011 the cultural heritage of Hiraizumi including Chuson-ji Temple was registered as a World Heritage Site.

The Temple is made up of a few buildings, surrounded by forest. To reach the temple,one has to walk up a slope, which is equiped with rope and anti-slip feature. There is also a lookout pavilion...
Motsuji Temple

4.0

446 Reviews

Travel / Tourism

Iwate Pref. Nishiwaigunhiraizumichou Hiraizumi Osawa 58

This temple that belongs to the Tendai sect was constructed in 850. It is said to have been founded by the priest Jikaku Daishi. Sights to see include the Jodo (Pure Land) garden that is arranged to unify the Buddhist temple and garden pond. As a valuable garden that even now conveys the thoughts and techniques of the Sakutei-ki, the oldest book concerning gardens in Japan, this is a symbol of Motsu-ji Temple. The temple premises have been designated as a Special Historic Site, and the Ennen-no-mai (a dance performed here for peace and longevity) has been designated as an Important Intangible Folk Culture Property.

The entrance fee is a bit too expensive (700 yen + 300 yen for parking) for what there is to do in the temples precinct. The Pure Land Lake is pretty, and the temple main hall is beautiful in...
Takkoku no Iwaya Bishamondo Hall (Takkoku Seikoji Temple)

4.5

150 Reviews

Travel / Tourism

Iwate Pref. Nishiwaigunhiraizumichou Hiraizumi Kitazawa 16

This temple of the Tendai sect of Buddhism is located in the Hiraizumi-cho area of Nishiwai County, Iwate Prefecture. This cascade temple worships Bishamonten, which is in the Bishamondo Hall, and is a nationally designated Historic Site. In addition, it is also famous for having a torii gate, which is rare in temples. Many tourists visit to enjoy the different scenery of every season.

This temple does not take that long to visit with its main feature being the Buddha carved into the cliff face. Nevertheless it played an important role in the history of this area and has impressive...
Hiraizumi Cultural Heritage Center

4.0

87 Reviews

Travel / Tourism

Iwate Pref. Nishiwaigunhiraizumichou Hiraizumi Hanadate 44

This free facility introduces the history and culture of Hiraizumi in an understandable way through wall panels and videos. Items such as documents related to Hiraizumi’s World Heritage sites and articles recovered from the ground during excavation projects are displayed. Paying a visit before sightseeing will deepen your understanding of Hiraizumi’s history and culture and make for a more enjoyable visit. Audio guides that support four languages are also available for use by foreign visitors.

If you have time, start here to understand the 100 years when Hiraizumi was the most important center of Japan. Chusonji is the head temple of Tendai Buddhism in northeast Japan and it was founded...
Roadside Station Hraizumi

3.5

27 Reviews

Transportation

Iwate Nishiiwai-gun Hiraizumicho Hiraizumi Kyara Raku 112-2

"This roadside station, located on National Route 4 in Hiraizumi Town, opened in April 2017. It is nicknamed the ""Kugane Hanasaku Risokyo"" (Ideal Land of Golden Blooming Flowers). The station's exterior, mixing black with gold highlights, blends in nicely with the scenery of Hiraizumi. The spacious interior is accented with warm woods and is divided into an information center, local specialty products area, and a restaurant. The local specialty products market carries fresh farm products, popular doburoku unrefined sakes, and other products from Hiraizumi Town. In the restaurant, you can enjoy dishes made with fresh vegetables and other local ingredients."

2020年9月に車中泊で利用しました。駐車場も広く普通車と大型車が区分けされています。駐車場は全くの平坦ではなく若干傾斜（水勾配程度）がありますが、気になる程ではありません。駅入り口前のテント売店は夕方着早朝出発だったので閉店していましたが、駅中は広くトイレも広くとても清潔です。道の駅のホール（トイレに行くときのエントランス？通路？）も広く道路情報などもモニターでチエックできます。また、ホー...
Genbikei Gorge

Travel / Tourism

Iwate Pref. Ichinosekishi Gembichou Minamitakinoue

Genbikei is a valley of the Iwai River originating in Mt. Kurikoma and flowing to Ichinoseki City, Iwate Prefecture. Dynamic landscapes such as waterfalls, strangely shaped and magical rocks continue for two kilometers. The specialty of Genbikei is of course the Kakko-dango Dumplings. When ordering and paying, you place your money in a basket attached to a rope stretched to the other side. After sounding a wooden hammer, the basket is pulled up and the dumplings and tea are delivered in return instead. Fun to watch, and delicious to eat.
Yugendo Cave

3.5

33 Reviews

Travel / Tourism

Iwate Pref. Ichinosekishi Higashiyamachounagasaka Higashimotomachi 154-1

This limestone cave has been forming for about 350 million years. Deep in the cave is a mystical and beautiful emerald green underwater lake. It is also a treasure trove of Japanese fossils including whole trilobites and ancient coral.

ゆっくり見れました。比較的短い鍾乳洞中は一般的な照明のみでカラーのライトアップなどはないです。アップファウンの有るコースと平らなコースに分かれている。見学料金は大人１１００円でした。お高めだけどノンビリ雰囲気を味わいながら進むと良いです。入り口と出口は別です。天井は少し低いのでツバの有る帽子は注意が必要です。
Sahara Glass Park

3.5

19 Reviews

Travel / Tourism

Iwate Pref. Ichinosekishi Gembichou Takinou no yu 263-1

The glassware dealer is located in Ichinoseki City. They exhibit glass products from all over the world including Japan. In addition to selling glass products, you can also have a glassmaking experience if you make a reservation in the glass workshop. You can try glassblowing and making dragonfly balls. The second floor of the shop is a restaurant where you can enjoy drinks such as coffee, snacks and set meals using local ingredients.

厳美渓に行った帰りに立ち寄りました。厳美渓のすぐ入口にあります。バス停からもすぐです。外観はまさに昭和そのもの。1970-80年代の面影が色濃く残っています。案内看板のフォントも昭和のままです。平日だったからか分かりませんが、店内はちらほらとお客さんがいる程度でした。ガラス製品の種類は豊富なので、バス待ちの空いた時間に立ち寄るのは良いかも知れません。質が良いのか分からないですが、価格帯としては決し...
Ichinoseki City Museum

4.0

14 Reviews

Leisure / Hobbies

Iwate Pref. Ichinosekishi Gembichou Okinono 215-1

This museum is located in Ichinoseki City, Iwate Prefecture. You can learn about the history and culture of the Ichinoseki area and the accomplishments of previous generations. It shows cultural assets and tools from the stone age until the modern era. In addition to permanent exhibitions separated by theme, it also hosts temporary exhibitions, lectures and experiential learning events.

いわゆるローカル観光地にありがちな取って付けたような博物館かな思いきや、蘭学・辞書編纂・和算などのテーマ別に掘り下げて展示することで地元出身の学者の業績をわかりやすく展示していたり、舞草刀(もぐさとう)という、日本等の源流となる刀の展示もあり、かなり見応えがある博物館でした。厳美渓に来たらここにも立ち寄らない手はないです。
Sekino-ichi Brewery Sake-no-minzoku Culture Museum

3.5

14 Reviews

Leisure / Hobbies

Iwate Ichinoseki-shi Tamuracho 5-42

A sake folk museum runs by Iwate's 100-year-old Sekinoichi brewery. Originally it was Tohoku’s largest storehouse for the initial stages of the brewing process, then was remodeled into a museum. A variety of sake brewing equipment is on display, including a large barrel for preparation. The sake making process is explained in detail. You can also visit the brewer’s room, dedicated to Matsuo Daimyojin, the god of sake. There is also a literary museum with materials from authors with ties to Ichinoseki.

以前にも来たことがありました。今回は併設されているレストラン（ビアレストランと和食レストランがある）で餅御膳をいただきました。おいしい日本酒がたくさん陳列されていて、利酒をしながら選ぶとよいなあと思いました。
Geibi Gorge

Travel / Tourism

Iwate Pref. Ichinosekishi Higashiyamachounagasaka Machi 467

Geibi Gorge runs along the Satetsu River in Ichinoseki City, and was Iwate prefecture’s first officially designated Place of Scenic Beauty. Its main attraction is the limestone cliff walls rising more than 50 meters. Boating downstream through the river forks between those towering walls is one of Geibi’s true pleasures. There are also many unusual rock formations and caves as well, and the fall colors or spring wisteria offer lovely seasonal beauty. Summer and the fall leaf season also see boat-top tea parties in special tea boats, and in winter you can enjoy a hotpot at a heated kotatsu table as you watch the snowy landscape passing by.
Hiraizumi Tourist Information Center

4.0

12 Reviews

Travel / Tourism

Iwate Nishiiwai-gun Hiraizumicho Hiraizumi Izumi Ya 61-7

This tourist information center in front of Hiraizumi Station is located in Izumiya, Hiraizum, Hiraizumi Town, Nishiiwai County. It provides sightseeing information on locations such as Hiraizumi’s temples, historical sites and accommodation facilities. In addition, there are also audio pens that can give information in seven languages when touched on a special pamphlet.

The tourist information center is located to the right as you exit from the railway station. You can get local maps and information in English and other languages here and buy tickets for the...
Roadside Station Genbikei

4.5

3 Reviews

Transportation

Iwate Pref. Ichinosekishi Gembichou Okinono 220-1

A roadside station located in the Ichinoseki Onsenkyo hot spring resort area in Genbi Town, Ichinoseki City, Iwate Prefecture. In addition to a wide array of local foods and crafts being sold here, the facility also aims to introduce the diverse array of mochi rice cake dishes which make up a significant part of local Ichinoseki cuisine. A mochi cuisine restaurant serving select mochi dishes can be found here, giving you the chance to enjoy Ichinoseki mochi until you’re full to bursting. The Noson Park area sprawls outside the station, serving as an event space and location for community interaction.

厳美渓の流れに沿った道路が旧道なら、新道と言いましょうか、平行して走る広い通りにあって、一関博物館の目をひく建物の横にありました。地元は餅が名物だそうで、大きなオードブル皿に盛られた様子はびっくりものでした。お餅は確かに美味しいです。産直とお土産、両方で楽しくショッピングできました。
Tategamori Ark Farm

3.5

11 Reviews

Travel / Tourism

Iwate Pref. Ichinosekishi Fujisawachoukinomi Kinuisawayama 9-15

This is a sustainable farm that stretches out to the south of Mt. Kenjo. The animals mostly run wild and the farm sells its own-brand Mukashi Tamago Eggs and Tategamori Kogen Buta Pork as well as processed products such as ham and sausages. The farm also has a flower garden and a herb garden and the many different kinds of flowers such as lavender and tulips, depending on the season, are popular with tourists. The farm also holds events so that visitors can get to know the animals and interactive classes for children.

売店や軽食屋はやってました。入園料も無料でした。鹿、羊、ポニー、ウサギなどの動物が近くで見れて、遊具もあります。季節によってはラベンダー畑もあるみたいです。
Genbikei Rest House

3.0

13 Reviews

Travel / Tourism

Iwate Pref. Ichinosekishi Gembichou Kounosu 132

This rest house is located in Ichinoseki City, Iwate Prefecture. You can look out on Genbi Gorge, a designated scenic natural monument. In addition to souvenirs from Ichinoseki available for purchase, enjoy meals such as suba buckwheat noodles and curry and dishes using Maesawa beef while gazing out on the gorge and the clear emerald green flow of the Iwai River from the observation dining area on the second floor.

せっかくの旅が、この店に来て気分が悪くなりました。店頭に常時いるらしい男性店員の態度があまりに酷かったからです。マスクの付け方が多少不十分だっただけで「マスク！」と上から目線の命令。当然最後に土産を買うつもりで、まずトイレを借りたいと尋ねると「公園にあるから」と、とりつくしまもない。わざわざ悪い気分になりたくて旅はしないですよね...
Oshu City Warrior Residence Museum

3.5

7 Reviews

Travel / Tourism

Iwate Oshu-shi Mizusawa Kichikoji 43

A restored Edo period samurai residence on Ote-dori Street west of JR Mizusawa Station. It is said to have been the residence of Uchida Kannojo, an imperial guard. It's counted as one of the most prestigious samurai residences in Oshu City. About 29 meters wide and 55 meters deep, it features a thatch roofed yakuimon style front gate. Oshu City has designated it a cultural asset to pass on how senior samurai lived in the region during the late Edo period. The adjacent Samurai Residence Museum has an exhibition of valuable historical materials and offers guidance for exploring the area.

この奥州市武家住宅資料館は水沢駅から北西に20分強の場所にあります。武家屋敷の北側に奥州市役所があります。そこがかつての水沢城です。その城の一部が保存されています。この水沢は城下町でその名残が少しだけ残っています。
Kitakami Tenshochi Horse-Drawn Carriage

Travel / Tourism

Iwate Pref. Kitakamishi Tachibana

This charged sightseeing carriage operates from around April to May during the Sakura Festival held annually in Kitakami City, Iwate Prefecture. It goes about 20 minutes among the cherry blossom trees that were chosen as one of Japan's Top 100 Cherry Blossom Spots. In addition, many tourists visit during the Sakura Festival because there are cherry blossoms lit up at night, food stalls and events.
Geibi Gorge Boat Trip

Travel / Tourism

Iwate Prefecture Ichinoseki City Nagasaka cho 467

The boarding site for the Geibikei Gorge Boat Trip is located in the city of Ichinoseki in Iwate Prefecture. The 90-minute trip allows you to enjoy the gorge fully and view the scenery that changes with the seasons, including wisteria blossoms in May and autumn leaves in the fall. In the winter, customers can make reservations to ride down the river in so-called kotatsu boats, in which guests sit at heated tables while eating Kinagashi Nabe, a hot pot dish of meat, tofu, and other ingredients cooked in miso broth.
Roadside Station Mizusawa

Transportation

Iwate Pref. Oushushi Mizusawa-ku Anetaichou Ishikawahara 51-3

This roadside station is located in Mizusawa Ward of Oshu City, Iwate Prefecture. An enviable spot where you can view the Kitakami River and Kitakami Plateau, it is a place to take a break and become refreshed amid nature. You can enjoy koji nanban and sesame ice cream at eateries, and even walking along river banks and barbecuing if you go down to the embankment of the Kitakami River.
Roadside Station Lake Kinshuko

Transportation

Iwate Pref. Wagagunnishiwagamachi Suginahata 44-264

Roadside Station Lake Kinshuko is a rest stop for drivers located in the town of Nishi-Waga in Waga County. It offers a panoramic view of Lake Kinshuko, an artificial lake created by the Yuda Dam. There is a retail shop that sells specialties such as bracken and royal Asian ferns, and an adjacent restaurant that uses local ingredients. A favorite dessert item is Nishi-Waga Marugoto Sweets, which combines soft ice cream made from milk produced in Yuda and mochi dusted with bracken power.

Iwate Hiraizumi / Oshu / Ichinoseki

Travel / Tourism

History / Culture / Tour Factory / Workshop Sightseeing Spot Experience / Training / Vehicle Nature Travel / Tourism Information Rental Car / Bicycle / Motorcycle Souvenirs Rest Spot Other Sightseeing

Iwate Areas

A northern Tohoku prefecture promising peace and quiet, Iwate is sparsely populated, replacing people with snow-capped mountains, history-rich sites, and fields of crops that are to thank for the region’s delicious local cuisine. Meander along the three-city Golden Route, where you’ll visit the grand Buddhist temples of Hiraizumi and the Tono folk villages before tasting the three famed noodle dishes of Morioka.