Japan’s Best-Kept Secret of Nature, Culture, and Tranquility
In a country celebrated for its stunning variety of landscapes and traditions, Iwate Prefecture stands out, not because it shouts for attention, but because it quietly offers some of the most awe-inspiring, heartfelt, and rejuvenating experiences in all of Japan.
Located in the northeastern Tohoku region, Iwate is Japan’s second-largest prefecture by area but one of its least densely populated. That means more space to breathe, mountains to roam, and traditions to uncover, without the overwhelming crowds you might find elsewhere.
Whether you’re a first-time visitor to Japan or a seasoned traveller looking to go off the beaten path, Iwate belongs on your itinerary.
1. Natural Beauty in Every Season
Iwate’s landscapes are vast, unspoiled, and stunningly diverse. Here are just a few highlights:
Mount Iwate: Often called the “Mount Fuji of the North,” this dormant volcano rises majestically above the surrounding plains and offers excellent hiking trails.
Geibikei Gorge: Take a serene boat ride along this dramatic river gorge, where steep cliffs and seasonal foliage create a breathtaking canvas. The boatmen even sing traditional songs as you float.
Jodogahama Beach: With crystal-clear waters, white rocky outcrops, and pine-dotted cliffs, this scenic spot in Miyako feels like a postcard from a mystical coastal paradise.
Hachimantai Plateau: A nature lover’s dream with marshlands, crater lakes, autumn foliage, and even snow corridors in spring.
From cherry blossoms in Kakunodate and Kitakami, to autumn leaves in Tono, and soft, snowy wonderlands in winter, Iwate’s natural appeal never fades.
2. Rich Cultural and Spiritual Heritage
Iwate is a cradle of spiritual history and traditional Japanese culture, with roots that run deep and wide:
– Chuson-ji Temple in Hiraizumi: A UNESCO World Heritage Site, this temple complex includes the breathtaking Konjikido (Golden Hall) entirely covered in gold leaf and housing sacred relics. Hiraizumi once rivaled Kyoto in cultural importance.
– Motsu-ji Temple and its Pure Land Garden: A tranquil garden representing Buddhist paradise on Earth.
– Tono: Known as the “home of Japanese folklore,” Tono preserves folk tales, yokai legends, and rural traditions. Visit the Tono Folktale Village and hear age-old stories come to life.
This deep spiritual and cultural atmosphere makes Iwate a perfect place for slow travel, introspection, and quiet awe.
3. Delicious Local Food and Hospitality
Iwate cuisine is hearty, comforting, and rich in regional flavours. A few must-try specialties:
– Wanko Soba: Tiny bowls of soba noodles served continuously until you’re full (or defeated!). Many people try to eat 100 bowls. If you can, you’ll receive a wooden plaque. Wanko sobs is not just a meal, it’s an experience!
– Morioka Reimen: Cold, chewy noodles in a refreshing broth. It’s perfect in the summer.
– Jajamen: A Morioka specialty, this thick udon-style noodle dish is topped with a miso-meat sauce and eaten with egg and vinegar.
– Maesawa Beef: A prized wagyu that rivals Kobe and Matsusaka in tenderness and flavour.
– Fresh seafood from the Sanriku Coast: Abalone, uni (sea urchin), and scallops harvested from clean northern waters.
Everywhere you go, you’ll find hospitality that’s warm but humble, and meals made with care from local ingredients.
4. Festivals and Seasonal Events
Iwate is home to some of Japan’s most vibrant and heartfelt festivals, including:
– Morioka Sansa Odori: A summer dance festival featuring thousands of taiko drummers in unison. It’s joyful, energetic, and unforgettable.
– Chagu Chagu Umakko: Watch as hundreds of colourfully adorned horses parade from Takizawa to Morioka to celebrate farming traditions.
– Koiwai Winter Illumination: During the snowy season, Koiwai Farm lights up with magical displays and warm winter treats.
These local events offer a glimpse into community spirit and centuries-old customs still alive today.
5. Relaxing Hot Springs and Rural Stays
For those seeking rest and rejuvenation, Iwate is full of scenic onsen towns and ryokan:
– Hanamaki Onsen: Elegant resorts with beautiful views and healing mineral waters.
– Tsunagi Onsen: Overlooking Lake Gosho, this peaceful hot spring town is perfect for a quiet escape.
– Yuda Onsenkyo and Oshuku Onsen: Smaller, lesser-known spots beloved for their intimacy and hospitality.
Stay in a traditional inn, soak in a riverside bath, wear a yukata, and watch the stars.
6. Accessibility and Underrated Appeal
Despite its tranquility, Iwate is easy to reach. The Tohoku Shinkansen connects Tokyo to Morioka in about 2.5 hours, and from there, buses and local trains can take you just about anywhere.
And because it’s not overrun with tourists, you’ll enjoy a quieter, more authentic experience. You’ll meet locals who are surprised and delighted by your visit, and you’ll leave feeling like you discovered a secret gem.
One reason for people not visiting Iwate in the past was the lack of English language support when compared to other parts of the country, but with the rise of smartphones and translation at your fingertips, it’s now very accessible.
Final Thoughts: Why Iwate Belongs on Your Bucket List
Iwate Prefecture is Japan at its most poetic. Majestic mountains, ancient temples, folkloric charm, and open skies offer a counterbalance to the neon speed of Tokyo and Osaka or Kyoto and Nikko’s crowds.
It’s a place to reconnect with nature, with history, with stillness.
So whether you’re tracing the path of the samurai, enjoying soba in a mountain town, or watching sunlight dance across the Pacific, Iwate will leave a mark on your heart.
