• Iwate Prefecture


A spectacular scenic site of 200-meter-high cliffs extending about 8 km along the coast. You can enjoy picturesque views of strangely shaped rocks, sea caves of various sizes, and other sights.
The market sells seafood caught off the Sanriku Coast, known as one of the best fishing spots in Japan. A variety of processed seafood and fresh vegetables from local farms are also available here.
The landscape representative of Sanriku Fukko National Park. There is a forest of white rocks, some with evergreen trees growing on them. The vivid contrast of the white rocks and green pines is breathtaking
It is said that many kappa (legendary creatures in Japanese folklore) once lived in the small pool behind Jokenji Temple. There is a small shrine dedicated to Kappa by the pool.
Denshoen recreates the lifestyle and culture of Tono region’s farmers in olden times. You can try various activities such as traditional events as well as arts and crafts. A restaurant where you can savor the local cuisine is also available.
The roadside station’s landmark is a big windmill. As well as road information and sightseeing information, you can savor a variety of foods and local dishes at the restaurant.
A Buddhist hall within a temple that is listed as a World Heritage Site. Covered with gold leaf both inside and out, the decoration and ornament will captivate you and take your breath away. In autumn, it is a spectacular sight surrounded by autumn leaves.
A farm that boasts a history, dating back to 1891. Cows, sheep, and other animals are raised with care in an expansive natural setting spanning 3,000 ha. The many attractions include horse riding and the horse tramway.
An observatory located at an altitude of 1,560 m between Akita Prefecture and Iwate Prefecture. Below is the basin of a large river in Akita covered by virgin Maries’ fir trees and beech forests.
The roadside station offers a wide selection of specialties and souvenirs such as locally produced foods, confections, alcohol, and more. The spinach-flavored soft-serve ice cream from the restaurant is a masterpiece.
This stylish roadside station houses a sculpture museum and delicious restaurant. Local specialties include highland vegetables, such as Iwate spring green cabbages and asparagus, and “kyabechu” shochu liquor made from cabbage.
You can get grilled beef skewers and yakiniku-don (rice topped with beef and vegetables) made with Iwate brand Maesawa beef. Some menu items are only available on the expressway. There is also a large car park and petrol station.
Located next to Towa IC on the Kamaishi Expressway, the roadside station has a souvenir shop, restaurant that serves dishes made with Hakkinton pork, and a hot spring with Finnish sauna.
The roadside station sells fresh vegetables, farm produce and specialties from the Shizukuishi area. Relax in the thick, greenish-brown hot spring water at popular Hashiba Onsen.
Toshichi is the highest hot spring in Tohoku. Relax in the milky-white sulphur spring water while admiring the superb nature of Hachimantai. The variety of baths includes an outdoor mixed bath and indoor baths.
From the gondola, you can leisurely gaze down on the fall foliage and enjoy the vast panoramic view. The v-shaped gorge is covered in an expansive virgin beech forest, and the autumn leaves stretching along the prefectural road to Geto Onsen are beautiful.
Matsukawa is famous for having the first geothermal power generation in Japan. The landscape is lovely along Matsukawa Gorge, which is enveloped in a virgin forest of beech and oak trees. The 4 hot spring inns each have open-air baths special in their own right, and visitors are encouraged to have fun trying out each one.
Enjoy the outstanding, typically Japanese Jodo-style garden with a large fountain centering around a pond. In autumn, scarlet red leaves beautifully stain the landscape.
Take a boat ride down the river while viewing the towering rock cliffs, and listen to the information provided by the boatman who even sings a song to entertain. Enjoy the stunning vista created by trees and rock walls. In winter, you can ride a boat and have a meal seated at a "kotatsu" (heated table).
From the season of fresh greenery full of vibrancy to snowscapes enveloped in silence, there is beauty surrounding this ever-changing mountain stream. Along the way, you'll find the famous "Furosen." Legend says that drinking from it heals disease and gives perennial youth and long life. ★Be aware that National Rt. 281 has one-way alternating traffic in some areas due to Typhoon No. 10 (as of October 17, 2016).

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