(Exploring Iwate) Ofunato – A Personal Connection

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My First Home in Japan When I first stepped into Ofunato in 2008, I didn’t know that this small coastal city in Iwate would change my life. It wasn’t just the waves, or the cliffs, or the quiet charm of a fishing town on the edge of the Sanriku coast. It was the people, the community, and the way Ofunato gently, steadily became my home. The Beginning: A New Life in a New Country I had come to Japan to teach. I had no idea what to expect, only that I was moving to a city most maps didn’t even highlight in bold. But Ofunato welcomed me. I taught in … Read more

(Exploring Iwate) Discover Ofunato

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Iwate’s Scenic Port City of Resilience and Natural Wonder On the rugged Sanriku Coast of Iwate Prefecture lies a city shaped by the sea, scarred by tragedy, and strengthened by hope. This is Ofunato, a place where ocean cliffs rise like cathedrals, fishermen cast their nets with quiet pride, and cherry blossoms bloom as symbols of renewal. Ofunato isn’t just a destination, it’s an experience of nature, history, and healing. Why Visit Ofunato? – For breathtaking coastal views – For warm-hearted locals who welcome you with sincerity – For peaceful reflection and inspiring stories of recovery – And for hidden spots that most travellers to Japan never see Whether you’re … Read more

(Exploring Iwate) Morioka – A Personal Connection

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A Love Letter to the City Where Everything Began There are places we visit.And then there are places that shape our lives forever.For me, that place is Morioka. Nestled between mountains and rivers, Morioka isn’t loud or flashy. It’s quiet, proud, and full of depth. And for me, it’s not just a city. It’s home, memories, and the start of everything. Where I Met My Wife Morioka is where I first met Mai, my wife, my best friend, and the reason I’ll always carry a piece of Iwate in my heart. And one afternoon, standing beneath those ancient stone walls where a castle once stood, I asked her to marry … Read more

(Exploring Iwate) The History of Morioka

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Stones, Samurai, and the Spirit of the North Long before it became a peaceful city of cherry blossoms, soba noodles, and hot springs, Morioka was a frontier town. It was caught between rival clans, shaped by volcanic earth, and quietly growing into the historical heart of northern Japan. Let’s wander through the centuries and uncover how Morioka became what it is today. Ancient Beginnings: From River Plains to Castle Town The area that is now Morioka has been inhabited for thousands of years, thanks to its fertile valleys and the meeting point of three rivers: the Kitakami, Shizukuishi, and Nakatsu. Archaeological finds reveal Jōmon-period settlements, where early people lived off … Read more

(Exploring Iwate) Welcome to Morioka

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The Cozy Capital of Iwate Tucked at the foot of Mount Iwate, surrounded by rivers, cherry trees, and stories that stretch back centuries, lies Morioka. It’s a city that many travellers overlook but few ever forget. It’s not a neon megacity. It’s not a rustic village. It’s something better: a slow-travel gem that blends food, culture, nature, and friendliness into one peaceful package. Let’s explore why Morioka deserves a top spot on your Japan itinerary. Top Reasons to Visit Morioka 1. The Famous Rock-Splitting Cherry Tree (石割桜)A 360-year-old cherry tree growing right out of a granite boulder in front of the courthouse. Best visited in late April, when soft pink … Read more

(Exploring Iwate) The Wildlife of Iwate

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Foxes, Bears, and the Secret Lives of the Forest Iwate is more than mountains, myths, and noodles. It’s also teeming with life. From silent deer stepping through snow to mischievous monkeys in the trees, the forests and rivers of Iwate are home to some of Japan’s most iconic (and sometimes elusive) animals. This is a land where real animals and legendary yōkai overlap, and if you listen closely, you might just hear the whisper of wings or the soft crunch of paws in the underbrush. 1. Nihon-zaru (Japanese Macaque) – The Snow Monkey These fuzzy-faced monkeys are Japan’s northernmost primates, and they love Iwate’s mountainous regions. – Known for soaking … Read more

(Exploring Iwate) Iwate’s Mythical Creatures

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Beyond Kappa and Zashiki-warashi You’ve heard of the Kappa, lurking in rivers with cucumbers in hand, and the Zashiki-warashi, the mischievous house spirit bringing luck and giggles. But in the quiet forests and shadowed mountain paths of Iwate, more mysterious creatures stir. Some helpful, some frightening, and all very much part of the region’s rich folklore. Let’s take a stroll (carefully!) through Iwate’s world of yōkai and kami, where the supernatural hides in plain sight. 1. Yama-uba (山姥) – The Mountain Crone Deep in the mountains, beware of the kindly old woman who invites you into her hut. She might just be a Yama-uba, the wild witch of the woods. … Read more

(Exploring Iwate) Skiing and Snowboarding in Iwate

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Japan’s Underrated Snow Paradise When people think of skiing in Japan, they often rush to Niseko or Hakuba, but if you’re looking for uncrowded slopes, breathtaking scenery, and legendary powder, look north to Iwate Prefecture. Here in Iwate, winter brings a different kind of magic: peaceful forests blanketed in snow, locals welcoming you with warmth, and wide-open ski fields where it feels like you have the mountain all to yourself. Let’s carve into why Iwate is a hidden gem for skiers and snowboarders. Why Choose Iwate for Winter Sports? 1. Less crowded than major resorts—more time on the snow, less time in lines 2. Affordable lift tickets and rentals 3. … Read more

(Exploring Iwate) Hiking in Iwate’s Wild Heart

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Nature Trails and Hidden Wonders Iwate is often described as Japan’s best-kept secret, and nowhere is that more true than in its mountains, forests, and river valleys, where trails wind past waterfalls, ancient shrines, and views that steal your breath away. Whether you’re an experienced hiker or a curious wanderer, Iwate’s nature invites you to slow down, step quietly, and discover beauty that feels untouched. Why Iwate Is a Hiker’s Paradise 1. Less crowded than the trails of Kyoto or the Alps of Nagano. 2. Diverse landscapes from jagged coastline to volcanic peaks. 3. Deep spiritual energy with hidden shrines dotting the region. 4. Trails often pass through living villages, … Read more

(Exploring Iwate) The Rock-Splitting Cherry Tree

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Morioka’s Blooming Miracle In front of a courthouse in Morioka City, Iwate, stands a tree that defies reason, and inspires awe. Its roots are wrapped not in soft soil, but in solid granite. Its trunk emerges from a crack in the stone. And every spring, like clockwork, it bursts into soft pink bloom, reminding everyone who passes that even the impossible can blossom. This is the Rock-Splitting Cherry Tree (Ishiwarizakura, 石割桜). It’s a symbol of strength, resilience, and quiet beauty. What Is the Rock-Splitting Cherry Tree? The tree is a single cherry tree (Edohigan-zakura) that has grown from the center of a large granite boulder. The crack through which it … Read more