Spots in Hiraizumi / Oshu / Ichinoseki Area

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Hiraizumi / Oshu / Ichinoseki

Category

Kitakami City Oni no Yakata

Leisure / Hobbies

Iwate Kitakami-shi Wagacho Iwasaki 16-131

"A museum located a 20-minute drive from JR Kitakami Station. The museum was opened in 1994 to present information on oni, mythical Japanese creatures alternately translated as ""ogres"" and ""demons."" The museum introduces all kinds of oni, from scary ones to cute and cuddly ones. Exhibits include a large number of oni masks, including a giant mask three-meter-tall and weighing 80 kilograms. The museum also introduces masks depicting oni-like creates from around the world with a focus on Thailand, Nepal, and other Asian countries."
Usagimori no Yu

Accommodations / Hot Spring

Iwate Kitakami-shi Wagacho

A hot spring bathhouse located a 25-minute drive from the Kitakami-Nishi Interchange on the Akita Expressway. The waters of the bathhouse' mildly alkaline simple spring are highly popular with women due to their skin beautifying effects. These waters are also said to treat such ailments as nerve pain, joint pain, bruises, and sensitivity to cold. Surrounded by mountains on four sides and commanding a view of distant Kitakami City, the bathhouse' panoramic view outdoor bath is particularly recommended. Customers can relax in natural hot spring waters and a far infrared sauna. The bathhouse also has simple lodging facilities connected directly to a ski resort.
Tsukisawa Onsen Sunayukko

Accommodations / Hot Spring

Iwate Waga-gun Nishiwagamachi Tsukizawa 25-chiwari 16-8

A 15-minute drive from the Yuda Interchange on the Akita Expressway. This day trip hot spring bathhouse was the first to offer sand baths in the Tohoku region. The sand baths consist of natural quartz sand gathered in town heated to around 45° C; bathers lie down in the sand while clothed and are buried up to the neck to enjoy a 15-minute bathing session. The sand presses down on the body with a comfortable weight and heats you to the very core. After washing off the sand, you can take a relaxing bath and clear your pores with cleansing sweat in the bathhouse large bathing area. The waters of the bathhouse' sodium calcium-sulfate chloride spring (hypotonic and mildly alkaline high temperature spring) are said to treat such ailments as stiff shoulders, nerve pain, sensitivity to cold, and lower back pain. Of course visitors can just enjoy the hot spring bath area without taking a sand bath if so desired.
Higamori Camping Ground

Leisure / Hobbies

Iwate Ichinoseki-shi Senmayacho Okutama Tobi Ke Mori 11-80

A campground in Tobigamori at the foot of Mt. Murone in Iwate Prefecture. The extensive grounds feature an area that doubles as a stage for outdoor concerts and music festivals. It has all the facilities required for camping, such as toilets, tent decks, and a cooking area. The campground is closed during the snowy October-April period.
Kigan Meoto Ishi (Husband and Wife Rock Formation)

Travel / Tourism

Iwate Ichinoseki-shi Senmayacho Senmaya Ishido

This giant natural rock formation is said to represent a married couple. The rocks are about five meters high and ten meters in circumference and are linked by a shimenawa, a sacred Shinto rope. A large represents the man, and another large rock behind him represents the woman. People have been fond of this rock formation since ancient times and consider it to be a divine symbol of marital harmony. Visitors can climb the stairs to see a statue of Kodakara Jizo, the god who grants children to couples, and he is venerated here along with the rocks. Beyond the rocks is a small hill, and beyond that is a small shrine, where the male rock is venerated.
Chiba Farm

Leisure / Hobbies

Iwate Ichinoseki-shi Kawasakicho Usuginu Shimomaki 93

A tourist farm where strawberry picking is the main activity. They grow large Yayoihime and Sachinoka strawberries–with their nice sweet and sour balance–in large vinyl greenhouses. In addition to soil plantings, there are also hydroponic beds where you can harvest strawberries without bending over. Visitors pay the entry fee and enjoy all-you-can-eat strawberries without a time limit. They also sell strawberries to bring with you as gifts.
Shoeido (Main Shop)

3.5

11 Reviews

Gourmet / Alcohol

Iwate Ichinoseki-shi Jishumachi 3-36

A long-standing Japanese confectionery shop that has been around for over 100 years since the Meiji period. They sell a variety of Japanese sweets with a focus on showy high-grade Japanese fresh confections that reflect the seasons. Their Gomasuri-dango are a local favorite with velvety black sesame syrup in nicely textured mochi rice balls. Another local favorite is Tamura-no-Ume, featuring bean paste mixed with ume plum in gyuhi mochi wrapped in green shiso leaves. A sweet with a history, it was created on the orders of Tamura Clan, the feudal lord of Ichinoseki Domain since he hoped for some Ichinose specialty.

ごますり団子で名高い和菓子屋です。それ以外の和菓子もおいしく、大福などのもち料理は本店にはイートインもあります。
Tsuriyama Park

Leisure / Hobbies

Iwate Ichinoseki-shi Tsuriyama

This park was built on the site of Ichinoseki Castle. The hilltop castle was originally constructed to take advantage of the topography of the small hill that was called Tsuriyama. The castle was demolished in the Meiji period and the area became the park it is today. Inside the park, visitors can see Japanese gardens, and the castle ruins, including remains of the moat and a well. The park is slightly elevated in comparison to its surroundings and visitors can enjoy a view that overlooks the town of Ichinoseki from the hilltop. It is also famous as a cherry blossom viewing spot, and many people come to see the blossoms during the season.
Kamisuki-kan

Travel / Tourism

Iwate Ichinoseki-shi Higashiyamacho Nagasaka Cho 390

A Tozan-washi Japanese paper shop with a long history. Its origins go back over 800 years to Fujiwara Clan fugitives in Hiraizumi, Oshu that were defeated by the Kamakura forces. The handmade washi is made with paper mulberry processed with a special technique, making it more durable than other Japanese paper. They sell stationery, postcards, envelopes, and colored paper made with washi. Their paper making workshops are open to everyone, and once the paper you make has dried they'll have it delivered to your home.
Oshu Koromogawa History Fureai Museum

Leisure / Hobbies

Iwate Oshu-shi Koromogawa Hina 60-18

A museum that conveys the history of the Abe clan, progenitor of the Northern Fujiwara clan. It has an impressive display of wax figures of Abe no Sadato and Minamoto no Yoshiie depicting a scene in which they compose poems during the Former Nine Years’ War. The exhibition begins with a display of artifacts excavated from a Jomon period site. It also showcases the history and traditions of the region including Masuzawa-nuri lacquerware, first developed during the Northern Fujiwara period and further advanced during the Meiji to Taisho periods. Every Tuesday the Koromogawa Lacquer Association gets together to make Masuzawa-nuri lacquerware at the museum's studio. It’s open to public viewing with a reservation.
Kunimidaira Onsen Hagoromo no Yu

Accommodations / Hot Spring

Iwate Oshu-shi Koromogawa Nagafukuro 230-5

"A hot spring bathhouse on Prefectural Route 37 overlooking Kunimidaira. The wooden one-story building's bathing area has a rustic atmosphere with a variety of facilities including a bubble bath, an electric bath, an outdoor bath, and a sauna. Other nearby draws include streams for fly fishing and Kunimidaira Ski Resort. Their restaurant's popular Kunimi Ramen is topped with local dumplings called ""hatto"" that were inspired by snow-covered Mt. Kunimi. Their Isawa Dam Curry is another item inspired by a local feature."
Esashi Yume-no-Hashi Bridge

Travel / Tourism

Iwate Oshu-shi Esashi Iwayado

An arch bridge over the Hitokabe River, connecting Tateyama Historic Park and Mukaiyama Park, famous for its cherry blossoms. Completed in 1999, Yume-no-Hashi (Dream Bridge) got its name because its construction was a dream come true for the locals. The highest part of the bridge is 50 meters above the river. It has a view of the Taneyama Highland to the east, downtown Esashi to the west, and the Yakeishi Mountain Range. The view of the bridge itself from below is also popular, often featuring in photos with cherry blossoms or the nightscape. Sightseeing spots including Esashi-Fujiwara Heritage Park and Esashi Native District Cultural Museum are close by.
Toyoda no Tachi Site

Travel / Tourism

Iwate Oshu-shi Esashi Iwayado Shimo Nawashirosawa

A historic park located at the junction of National Route 456 and Prefectural Route 156. There was once a castle on the site built by Fujiwara no Tsunekiyo, founder of the Northern-Fujiwara Clan. The castle's size, date of construction, and layout are unclear, but artifacts such as a four-handled Chinese white porcelain jar have been excavated from the site. It's recorded that Fujiwara no Kiyohira – the first official head of the Northern-Fujiwara – was born here and maintained political influence in the area even after his move to Hiraizumi. Today at the site you'll find a castle monument and historic traces including a spring which was used for Kiyohira’s first bath. There are also grave mounds of the clan of Kiyohira’s father Tsunekiyo, who was killed after the Former Nine Years’ War.
Esashi Local Culture Hall

Leisure / Hobbies

Iwate Oshu-shi

An experience-based museum showcasing the history, culture, and local industries of the Esashi region. It is located about 15 minutes by car from the Mizusawa Interchange on the Tohoku Expressway, adjacent to the Esashi-Fujiwara Heritage Park. It consists of an agricultural center and the Okunoin exhibition area. It's display of the Nakazen Obara family's 101 statues of the Bodhisattva Kannon are notable and exemplify the beliefs of the region. They also have hands-on programs with culinary and craft themes that let you try making soba noodles, pottery, magatama amulets, and more. During the summer and winter holidays they organize other special hands-on programs too.
Kuramachi Mall

Travel / Tourism

Iwate Oshu-shi Esashinakamachi

The Esashi region prospered thanks to water transport on the Kitakami River starting long ago. This walking street incorporates merchant storehouses and other features built during that period. It's at the Odori intersection on National Route 456 as you pass through Esashi, Oshu City heading towards the Hitokabe River. The street laid with flagstones and townscape with shops utilizing old warehouses will leave you feeling you've traveled back in time. A multitude of shops sell traditional local products such as egg noodles and Iwayado yokan (sweet bean paste jelly). It's a great spot to pick up some souvenirs of your trip.
Kikushodo (Nakamachi Main Shop)

Gourmet / Alcohol

Iwate Oshu-shi Esashinakamachi 1-12

A long-standing Japanese sweet shop founded in 1932. Its main shop is at the entrance to Esashi's Kuramachi Mall. They're dedicated to making sweets people love with a focus on safety, delicious flavor, and traditional hand craftsmanship. Their popular Iwayado yokan (sweet bean paste jelly) confection is wrapped in a bamboo leaf after solidifying in a rectangular wooden frame. Its traditional manufacturing method has been handed down in this region for nearly two hundred years. There are many other products that make great souvenirs too, such as their Mutsu-no-oja (their own version of a walnut tart from Switzerland's Engadin region) and their Fujiwara Yondai (pie-style manju buns).
Esashi Tourist Products Center (Esashi Yume Plaza)

Travel / Tourism

Iwate Oshu-shi Esashi Minamiodori 7-40

Esashi Yume Plaza, a facility tied to the tourist association on National Route 456 in Esashi Ward's Minamiodori Street. Its main tourist product sales area is on the first floor. They sell Esashi specialty items such as Iwayado yokan (sweet bean paste jelly), local candies, and Kinkon-zuke pickles, as well as folk crafts, Esashi Shishi-Odori dolls, etc. They also present area highlights featured in the year-long historical TV drama Homura Tatsu that was shot in Esashi. There's a lounge as well as a gallery with handicrafts made by the locals on display. Various events are held at an outdoor area covered by a tent.
Former Iwayado Kyoritsu Hospital

Travel / Tourism

Iwate Oshu-shi Esashiminamimachi 4-8

Iwate Prefecture's first general hospital applying Western medicine was founded in 1874. It's on the Hitokabe River in Minami-machi, Esashi Ward. The multi-storied building has distinctive pseudo-Western-style architectural features constructed by local carpenters. It had the functionality and appearance of a Western hospital geared to a new era, backed by traditional Japanese-style building methods. It was chosen as the setting of the radio drama Kanenonaru Oka. Since its closing in 1878, it's acted as a variety of public facilities including a court, a government office, and a school. It became the Meiji Kinenkan in 1982 and the city's symbol.
Atagoyama Natural Park

Leisure / Hobbies

Iwate Oshu-shi Esashi Fujisato

A nature park built to commemorate the 1993 marriage of Crown prince Naruhito. Located in the Ishiwada district with the winding Idegawa River, sites include the sheer cliffs along the river as well as silicified wood. There are also lots of seasonal flowers such as wisteria and lilies, as well as colored foliage in the fall. An observatory has a view overlooking the city, and lots of visitors come for the hiking course too. Its many other highlights include historic features such as Atago Shrine at the top of the park and the site of Numajiri Castle, as well as a monument to poets with ties to Morioka City such as Tachihara Michizo and Takeshima Shigetaro.
Oshu City Traditional Industries Museum

Travel / Tourism

Iwate Oshu-shi Mizusawa Hadacho Ekimae 1-109

This museum tells the history of Mizusawa, the birthplace of Nanbu ironware. It's located a five-minute walk from JR Mizusawa Esashi Station. There are displays on the process of making ironware and some of the actual equipment that was used. There's also a recreation of an ironware workshop to help you learn more about the tradition and casting process. Major league baseball player Otani Shohei hails from Mizusawa Ward, and there's a Nanbu ironware casting of his hand you can try shaking. Nanbu ironware products and crafts such as wind chimes and iron kettles are available for purchase in their gift shop.

Leisure / Hobbies Shopping Gourmet / Alcohol Style / Fashion Life / Living / Hospital Accommodations / Hot Spring Travel / Tourism Transportation

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.