Iwate prefecture (Tohoku area)

Morioka City, the capital of Iwate Prefecture, is surrounded by a vast expanse of mountains centering on Mount Iwate, the prefecture's highest peak. Morioka City and its surrounding municipalities are dotted with historical sites such as Chuson-ji Temple, which is representative of the Hiraizumi culture and is registered as a UNESCO World Heritage site.

The coastal beauty of Sanriku, created by the rias coast on the Pacific Ocean side, such as Kitayamazaki, where 200 meter-high cliffs stretch for about 8 kilometers, is breathtaking to visitors. After enjoying the rural landscape of Tono, the magnificent view of Hachimantai, and Ryusendo Cave, one of the three largest limestone caves in Japan, visitors can take a relaxing dip in one of the many hot springs that spring up all over the prefecture.