Introduction to Iwate-ken Japan

Today we will be focusing on one of the many prefectures of the Tohoku area Iwate-ken.

Iwate was historically part of the Mutsu province. it was brought into the Japanese empire around 800A.D.

 Iwate faces the Pacific Ocean to the east and is bordered by Aomori to the north, Akita to the west and Miyagi to the south. This area is a vast mountainous region and the Kitakami River running through the center of the prefecture.

The Capital of the area is a city named Morioka 盛岡市.

This is a city filled with beautiful scenery and great travel and sight seeing. here are Some of the most famous and must see attractions in Morioka. Just a short walk from Morioka Jr station is Iwate park, the former site of Morioka Castle and the seat of the Nambu clan during the edo era. The castle was built in 1633 A.D. but after year of war and vicious battles all that remains are ancient granite walls.

The park also contains the Sakurayamam shine and the rock-splitting cherry tree. A cherry tree that is approximately 400 years old growing out of a granite boulder in front of the district courthouse.   

Morioka like most of Japan is also famous for natural hot springs also known as an onsen 温泉. About 40 kilometers south of Morioka is pssibly one of the oldest and most famous hot springs in the Tohoku area the Dogo onsen. Please remember that Dogo Onsen not only refers to the hot spring but the entire town. The Dogo onsen bathhouse is set in a large, traditional Japanese house and offer many different experiences depending on how much you willing to spend. Some basics rules and tips for entering a Japanese hot spring. Onsens are public baths with water sourced from natural volcanic hot springs. Make sure to bring your favorite soap, shampoo, a wash cloth and a towel. Most onsens provide towels, soap, shampoo, towles and lockers for your vaulables.

The most important rule and one you will appreciate, is the baths are only used for soaking, not cleaning.

All onsens will have a area for you to wash and rinse before you enter the bath. Most onsens have many pools ranging from ice cold to piping hot. This is one thing no tourist should miss out on while in Japan and I truly promise you will love it.