Things To Do
in Iwate
Iwate Prefecture sits along the rugged Pacific coast in Japan's Tohoku region, offering a dramatic blend of sea, mountains, and rural towns. Its heritage shines at UNESCO sites in Hiraizumi and through traditional crafts in Morioka. The capital blends modern amenities with soba houses, sake breweries, and coastal markets.
Visitors can savor fresh seafood, explore mountains, and enjoy seasonal festivals across the year.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Arrive at Iwate Hanamaki Airport and begin your journey by soaking in the scenic views of the surrounding mountains. After checking in to your hotel, take a leisurely stroll around the nearby area to acclimatize to this beautiful prefecture. Enjoy a traditional breakfast featuring local specialties such as wappa meshi, a delicious rice dish.
Head towards the historic city of Hiraizumi, a UNESCO World Heritage site, and explore its ancient temples and gardens. Visit the Chuson-ji Temple, famed for its stunning golden hall, and appreciate the intricate architecture and serene atmosphere. As you wander through the moss-covered landscapes, you’ll discover the deep cultural heritage embedded in each monument.
Wrap up your first day with a delectable dinner at a local izakaya, trying out fresh seafood and Iwate's famous wagyu beef. As the sun sets, take a relaxing walk along the nearby riverbank to absorb the tranquil ambiance. Return to your hotel for rest, ready to embrace the adventures to come.
Begin your morning with a visit to Morioka, the capital city of Iwate Prefecture. A visit to the Morioka Castle Ruins Park offers panoramic views of the city as well as blooming cherry blossoms in springtime. Enjoy a typical Morioka breakfast that often includes delicious fish and rice.
After breakfast, visit the historic district of Nakoda, renowned for its traditional blacksmithing and artisanal crafts. Explore the local shops and enjoy the exquisite craftsmanship of handmade knives and tools. Don't miss trying out Morioka's famous cold noodles, wanko soba, at a local restaurant.
As evening approaches, relax at one of the city's onsen (hot springs) to unwind from the day's activities. Choose a traditional ryokan offering authentic Japanese hospitality for your stay. Enjoy a multi-course kaiseki dinner featuring seasonal ingredients before retiring for the night.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $10-15 |
| ☕Coffee or tea | $2-5 |
| 🚌Public transit day pass | $7-15 |
| 🏨1-night mid-range hotel | $60-120 |
| 🍱Bento lunch | $6-12 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Rich history and natural scenery
- Safe, clean, and welcoming for travelers
- Excellent seafood and soba traditions
- Rural areas can be quiet and less English-friendly
- Public transport outside cities can be slower or less frequent
- "こんにちは" - Hello
- "ありがとうございます" - Thank you
- "すみません" - Excuse me / I'm sorry
- "お願いします" - Please
- "いくらですか" - How much is it?
- "トイレはどこですか" - Where is the restroom?
- "日本語が話せますか" - Do you speak Japanese?
Places to Visit in Iwate
Visit one of these nice places.
A UNESCO site renowned for the Golden Hall and its tranquil landscape gardens—spectacular in every season, especially autumn reds and spring blossoms.
Elevated park with open spaces and views over Morioka; ideal for cityscapes and sunset shots along the green hillside.
A picturesque coast with turquoise water, rocky outcrops, and sweeping sea views—great for wide-angle coastal photography.
One of Japan’s notable blue-lit caves near Kuji; the underground blue water and limestone formations create dramatic interior photos.
Riverside park along the Kitakami River with cherry blossoms in spring and vibrant foliage in autumn; a classic riverside photography spot.
Food in Iwate
Iwate Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
Iconic Morioka specialty featuring many tiny bowls of soba served with dipping sauce and toppings; the fun challenge is to finish as many bowls as possible.
Must-Try!
Chilled buckwheat noodles served in a light broth with toppings; a refreshing summer favorite with a Korean-inspired heritage.
A seafood donburi featuring fresh local catch (e.g., uni, tai, crab) served over rice in coastal towns; best enjoyed at seaside or market-side restaurants.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
Coastal towns host markets with fresh seafood, grilled shellfish, and ready-to-eat snacks; early mornings are ideal for the best selection.
A market area offering produce, local snacks, and soba-related treats; great for picking up edible souvenirs.
Coastal market street with seafood stalls and regional produce; sample grilled fish and seasonal bites.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
Remove shoes when entering homes, temples, traditional inns (ryokan), and some shops; use slippers provided.
Speak softly on trains and in public spaces; avoid loud conversations and tipping as a gesture.
Follow rituals and signs; don’t touch restricted artifacts; photograph may be restricted in certain areas.
Safety
Tipping in Iwate
Ensure a smooth experience
Tipping is not customary in Japan and is generally not expected in most service settings in Iwate. Excellent service is considered standard; simply pay the bill and say thank you (arigatou gozaimasu).
Cash is widely accepted, especially in rural shops and markets. Major credit cards are accepted in cities and larger establishments. IC cards (like Suica) and mobile payments are increasingly common in urban areas and tourist spots.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Mild days with cherry blossoms and fresh greenery; comfortable for outdoor strolling and temple visits.
Warm to hot with high humidity; early mornings and evenings are ideal for outdoor activities. Expect occasional rain and the early onset of festival season.
Spectacular foliage along rivers and in the mountains; comfortable temperatures for hiking and photography.
Snowy landscapes, especially inland and in the mountains; prime time for skiing at Appi Kogen and tranquil hot springs ambiance.
Iwate at Night
Hiking in Iwate
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
Alpine trails with panoramic views and seasonal wildflowers; suitable for multiple fitness levels.
Extensive network of trails and volcanic landscapes offering dramatic scenery.
Airports
How to reach Iwate by plane.
Nearest regional airport serving domestic flights; convenient access to Morioka and Hiraizumi by ground transport.
Coastal airport serving northern Iwate and Aomori; connects to major Japanese hubs and some regional destinations.
Regional hub with broader international connections; reachable by rail or road for onward travel to Iwate.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
Like many rural areas in Japan, Iwate faces an aging demographic, with younger residents concentrated in urban centers.
Morioka and coastal towns have more developed services, while inland and rural areas maintain traditional communities and slower-paced life.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
Widely popular in schools and communities; local games and fan culture add to regional pride.
Local teams and university clubs play across the prefecture; matches can be enjoyed in season.
Winter sports are strong in inland and mountainous areas, with Appi Kogen offering reliable snow and runs.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Iwate.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Vegetarian options exist, including temple-inspired dishes and vegetable-forward meals. When ordering, ask for dashi (soup stock) without fish to accommodate vegetarians; many places can tailor dishes, or opt for soba with plain toppings and tofu-based bowls.