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🕓 2023/11/25
＃観光地
What is Iwate?
Iwate Prefecture is a beautiful and charming area located in the Tohoku region of Honshu, Japan. Its abundant nature and unique history are highly attractive to foreign tourists.
Known as Mutsu since ancient times, Iwate Prefecture is also the cultural center of the Tohoku region, where the Heian culture flourished under the Oshu Fujiwara Clan. Two feudal lords, the Morioka Clan and the Nanbu Clan, nurtured their own distinct cultures here.
Iwate Prefecture captivates visitors with its beautiful landscapes, including World Heritage sites such as Chusonji Temple, Tono Folk Village, and breathtaking views along the Hachimantai Aspite Line. Local cuisine and traditional crafts that utilize local ingredients also add to the enjoyment of sightseeing.
Lastly, there's a rumor in Iwate Prefecture about a "dog familiar." In reality, it's not a dog but a local legendary character called Inugami, which adds a humorous and playful atmosphere to the area.
Top 3 Selected Tourist Attractions in Iwate
1. Morioka Castle Ruins Park
● Attractions
Morioka Castle Ruins Park, located in Morioka City, Iwate Prefecture, was developed during the Meiji era as Iwate Park. The park aims to restore the buildings of Morioka Castle and serves as a beloved relaxation spot for locals and tourists. It houses cultural assets related to renowned figures such as Nitobe Inazo, Ishikawa Takuboku, and Miyazawa Kenji, offering a glimpse into Japan's literary history. Seasonal events like the Cherry Blossom Festival and various other activities, including the illumination of a bottle-built castle tower, add to its charm。
● History
Morioka Castle, initiated in 1597 by Nambu Nobunao, was the residence of the Nambu clan, prominent during Japan's Warring States and Edo periods. The park, thriving as the castle town of the Nambu domain in the Edo period, preserves these historical remnants. It is known for having the largest scale of stone wall constructions in a flatland castle north of the Kanto region, reflecting its significant historical value。
● Access
- Address: 1 Uchimaru, Morioka City, Iwate Prefecture (Iwate Park)
- Google Maps Link: Morioka Castle Ruins Park Map
- Walking Directions: About 15 minutes walk from Morioka Station.
- Train/Bus Information: Accessible by city buses from Morioka Station.
2. Morioka Hachiman-gu
● 魅力
Morioka Hachiman-gu is a shrine located in Morioka City, Iwate Prefecture, with Hachiman, the deity personified as Emperor Ojin, as its main deity. The shrine is widely revered for its association with agriculture, industry, commerce, academia, and the essentials of human life. It serves as a center for wedding ceremonies, life rituals, and celebrations deeply rooted in the lives of the local community. Traditional events such as the Chagu-Chagu Umako and festival float events are integral to Morioka's cultural heritage, offering a unique experience for visitors.
The shrine complex includes various sub-shrines such as Kasamori Inari Shrine, Shinmei Shrine, Umemiya Shrine, each with distinct historical and cultural backgrounds, offering visitors an opportunity to delve into Japanese Shinto culture and history.
● 歴史
Morioka Hachiman-gu was originally established in 1062 by Minamoto no Yoriyoshi during his campaign against the Abe clan. In 1593, the Nanbu clan rebuilt the shrine, and in 1680, Nanbu Shigenobu relocated it to its current location. In the Meiji era, the Hatsumori Hachiman was moved to the new Hachiman site and merged with the local Hakusan Shrine.
● アクセス
- Address: 13-1 Hachiman-cho, Morioka City, Iwate Prefecture
- Google Maps Link: Map of Morioka Hachiman-gu
- Public Transport: Take the Iwate Prefecture Transportation bus from East Exit 5 of JR East IGR Iwate Galaxy Railway Morioka Station. Get off at Hachiman-gu Mae or Sanno and walk for 5 minutes.
3. Chuson-ji
● 魅力
Chuson-ji, located in Iwate Prefecture, is a prominent temple of the Tendai sect in the Tohoku region, known for its beautiful Golden Hall and festivals and historic sites symbolizing the glory of the Buddhist Pure Land. The temple houses over 3,000 national treasures and important cultural properties, with the Golden Hall being a treasure trove of Heian-period Buddhist art in Eastern Japan. For visitors, Chuson-ji offers a unique opportunity to experience ancient Japanese Buddhist art and history. The temple complex includes 17 sub-temples, each with its own historical and cultural significance. Additionally, the Chuson-ji Lotus flowers and the long approach called Tsukimi-zaka offer natural beauty.
● 歴史
Chuson-ji's history is profound, believed to have been founded in 850 by Jikaku Daishi Ennin, but was actually established in the early 12th century by Fujiwara no Kiyohira. Kiyohira faced familial conflicts during the Former Nine Years' War and initiated the construction of Chuson-ji in Hiraizumi. The Golden Hall, constructed in 1124, houses the remains of Kiyohira and his descendants, symbolizing the opulent culture of the Oshu Fujiwara clan across four generations.
● アクセス
- Address: 202 Hiraizumi, Hiraizumi-cho, Nishi-Iwai-gun, Iwate Prefecture
- Google Maps Link: Chuson-ji Map
- Public Transport: From the front of Ichinoseki Station on the Shinkansen line, take a bus to Chuson-ji bus stop (about 25 minutes), or go to Hiraizumi Station on the JR Tohoku Main Line and then by bus or on foot. From Chuson-ji bus stop, walk about 560 meters along the long approach, Tsukimi-zaka, to the main hall.