Iwate
Genbikei Gorge
Genbikei Gorge, where visitors can enjoy the beauty of the valley while strolling along the river. The 2-km stretch of the gorge is home to natural formations such as oddly shaped rocks, abysses, and waterfalls created by the erosion of the Iwai River, which flows from Mt.
The course that circles the calm lower reaches of the river takes about 30 minutes. The scenery created by the sound of the murmuring stream and the emerald green color of the water is indescribably relaxing. We also recommend the 70-minute tour upstream, which is characterized by its roughness. You can see the precious “ou-ana” (hole), where pebbles are carved round the bedrock as they rotate in the water current.
Motsuji Temple
Like Chuson-ji Temple, Motsu-ji Temple is registered as a World Heritage Site. It is a rare temple in Japan that has been designated as a “Special Historic Site” and a “Special Place of Scenic Beauty” by the national government.
The Pure Land Garden, which recreates the world of Buddha, is breathtakingly beautiful. Centered around the Oizumigaike Pond, the garden features a beach, a water divider in the Araisho-style, and Hashibiki-ishi (bridge-piercing stones), all of which are examples of Heian-period garden techniques.
The Motsuji Garden is decorated with beautiful flowers throughout the four seasons, attracting visitors. In particular, the Iris Festival in early summer and the Hagi Festival in early autumn attract many visitors.
Jodogahama
Jodogahama, a nationally designated scenic spot representing the Sanriku coast. A small boat called a sappa boat takes visitors on a tour of the caves in the bay. This cave is said to continue all the way to Hachinohe City in Aomori Prefecture, and is also known as “Hachinohe Hole. The mysterious sight of the color changing with the seasons and weather is breathtaking.
Hanamaki Onsenkyo
Hanamaki Onsen-kyo is a hot spring resort with 12 hot spring resorts where you can enjoy a wide variety of hot springs. There are many unique hot spring resorts, including open-air baths with views along a mountain stream and inns with a secluded atmosphere. Hanamaki, the hometown of poet and children’s story writer Miyazawa Kenji, is also dotted with many places associated with him. The rose garden at Hanamaki Onsen is a vast site with more than 450 varieties of roses in full bloom, offering visitors different hues of color each season.
Geibi Gorge
Geibikei Gorge is one of the 100 most scenic spots in Japan and is designated as a national historic site and natural monument. Along the Sunatetsu River, a 2-km-long gorge with a bank more than 50 m high stretches along the river.
This is the only boat cruise in Japan where only one pole is used to go back and forth on the river. The boatman sings “Geibi Oiwake” in beautiful harmony with the sound of the clear river. Fish swim gracefully in the crystal clear river, and you can even feed them from the boat.