Iwate Kita-Sanriku travel special feature

*Reference article (city.morioka.iwate.jp)

Travel time from Morioka Station

■Miyako Station: Approximately 1 hour and 40 minutes by express bus 106 / Approximately 2 hours and 20 minutes by JR Yamada Line / Approximately 1 hour and 20 minutes by car
■Ryusendo Cave: Approximately 2 hours by bus/approximately 1 hour and 50 minutes by car
■Kuji Station: Approximately 2 hours 45 minutes by bus (via Shirakaba/Kuzumaki) / Approximately 2 hours 25 minutes by bus (via Kuji Kohaku/Kunohe)/ Approximately 2 hours 30 minutes by car

For those using the Sanriku Coastal Road

*Sanriku Coastal Road has “half interchange (IC)” and “full interchange”. A half IC is an interchange where you can enter and exit in only one direction, either the up or down line. Please be careful when using.

For more information, please check the Sanriku Coastal Road MAP (Sanriku National Highway Office homepage) .

*The contents posted are from June 5th and June 6th, 2023.

(Miyako) Jodogahama Beach

About 300 years ago, the seventh priest of Miyakoyama Joanji Temple, Reikyo, exclaimed, “It’s just like the Pure Land,” and Jodogahama Beach is a nationally designated scenic spot that got its name.
The spectacular view that spreads out in front of you is truly breathtaking. It has a scale that cannot be conveyed in photos, and is a place you should definitely visit at least once.

The white rhyolite and green pine trees are reflected on the rippling surface of the water, and you will be mesmerized by the various nuances of the color of the sea.
In the summer, the beach is crowded with many swimmers.

Miyako City Pleasure Boat “Miyako Umineko Maru”

“Miyako Umineko Maru” started operating in July 2022 as Miyako City’s new sightseeing boat.
The refreshing coloring of white and the regional color “Jodogahama Eternal Green” defined by the Japan Regional Color Association is very charming!

You can board from two departure points: Dezaki Wharf and Jodogahama (pier), and the excursion course (about 30 minutes) takes you to Omote Jodogahama, Koyasu Jizo, Ura Jodogahama, Candle Rock, a nationally designated natural monument, etc. , you can also listen to the guide about Sanriku Geopark and geosites, which is very satisfying.
When you step out onto the spacious observation deck, the background music is “Miyako Pleasure Boat Ondo.” A must-have fun is playing with the flying gulls while holding “Umineko Bread” (¥200).

(Miyako) Janome main store

I was surprised by the reasonably priced Chirashi (¥1,600), which was packed with toppings…Isn’t it the best value for money?
There is a wide selection of nigiri sushi, rice bowls, noodle menus, and set meals, so if you are unsure, come here! It’s understandable that there are many people who say so.

(Miyako) Nishinoya main store

Is there a mysterious bread in Miyako City that sells out as soon as it opens in the morning? ! That is this “dressing” (¥320).

One half of the coppépan was stretched out to the limit, with yellow egg salad on the other half, and fresh green coleslaw on the other half.
The key is to wrap the coleslaw in plastic wrap to prevent the moisture from transferring to the bread. After removing the plastic wrap, there is a debate among the locals as to whether to put it back into the bread or eat it on a separate plate.

“Recommended! Miyako Uminekomaru” (¥1,300), which includes baked goods and coffee, is an idea product with a paper craft package.
Hungry students returning from school, families choosing sweets and cakes from the shop window. I felt the trust of our 90th anniversary in the smiles of our customers.

(Miyako) Patisserie Les de Chevres

As the name suggests, Les de Chevre (Goat’s Milk), this patisserie is famous for its Western sweets made with goat milk produced at the company’s Happiness Farm.
The eye-catching character, Yvonne the goat, has many fans, and there are many stylish goods available.

In search of “Goat Milk Cream Bread”, which is ordered from all over the country, I walked 2 minutes to “POST BAKERY”, an affiliated store.
The rich yet light aftertaste makes it perfect for both meals and snacks. The “Baby Yagi Bread Set” (¥1,350), which comes in a pack of 5 pieces (¥1,950) and a variety of mini-sized breads, is sure to get compliments as a souvenir.

Sanriku Railway “Sanriku Miyako Sweets Train”

Ride on the Les de Chevres wrapped train and enjoy a 2-hour all-you-can-eat sweets buffet made with goat milk + a souvenir included.
You can even meet the goat stationmaster who comes to work from the farm!
*The last service will be on Saturday, August 12th.

Miyako recommended accommodation information

• Jodogahama Park Hotel
• Kyukamura Rikuchu Miyako
• Hotel Omiya
• Miyako Hotel Sawada-ya
• Greenpia Sanriku Miyako

Ryusendo Cave Wakka

A new social hub in Ryusendo Cave, with a blue logo that looks like spreading ripples and a hope that many people will gather and share smiles.
The shop area will be pre-opening in April 2023, and even Sobachi, who visited for the first time, can’t help but be excited.

Ryusendo draft beer will be available from July!
In the future, the attached brewery and taproom will be brewing craft beers that can only be had here, such as wild grapes, apples, salt, and grains, using water from Ryusendo Cave, so be sure to try them!
Sake from the local sake brewery “Izumikin Sake Brewery”, which won a gold medal at the National Sake Appraisal, was also on display, allowing us to once again appreciate the blessings of Iwaizumi Town’s water.

Ryusendo Cave

Ryusendo Cave is one of Japan’s three largest limestone caves and has been designated as a national natural monument.
The fresh water gushing out from the depths forms underground lakes in several places, and the third underground lake is 98 meters deep and boasts one of the clearest waters in the world.
The lake water, known as dragon blue, and the countless stalactites inside the cave will transport you to a fantastical world.

ViTO×IWAIZUMI

ViTO x IWAIZUMI is a combination of Italian authentic gelato brand ViTO and Iwate’s fresh raw milk and Iwaizumi yogurt.
The showcase, which makes everyone cheer as soon as they see it, always has a lineup of 18 fascinating types!

I was confused, but I couldn’t pass up “Blue Dragon Salt”!
The syrup is inspired by the dragon blue of Ryusendo Cave, and when served, it is mixed with milk-based gelato and transformed into a gentle pastel color. I ordered the triple cone (¥530) along with the premium one made with Iwaizumi’s strawberries and blueberries.

Roadside Station Iwaizumi

The standard product here is Iwaizumi Yogurt, which is well-known for its refreshing packaging.

Ryusendo Cave Carbonated Water, which was served at the G7 Hiroshima Summit in May of this year, is also an exciting product.

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cafe spider

We found a cute cafe on the hill in Tanohata Village, inside the Takuyodai housing complex!
The store has a bright atrium and a stylish gazebo in the well-kept garden.
The “Spider Soda” (¥260), which has a moe-like visual that looks like a spiky cloud floating in a small ocean in a glass, and the “Watame Soft (¥370)”, which comes in 7 colors, will make you feel fluffy!

The name Kumo came from the owner’s mother who said, “Opening a cafe is like grabbing a cloud.” I started making cotton candy because I thought children would enjoy it, and it fit perfectly with the concept. There is also a wide variety of light meals on the menu, including “Carbonara (¥770)” with large cuts of bacon and hot sandwiches.

Rikuchukurosaki Lighthouse

A sparkling sea and a chalk lighthouse. There was a world where Fudai Village’s catchphrase, “Land of Blue”, was exactly what it was!
Rikuchu Kurosaki Lighthouse, which was certified as a “lighthouse in love” in 2019, is located on the 40th parallel north, the same as New York and Madrid.
It is an active lighthouse that still watches over ships sailing at night from the top of a 130m high cliff, and it is also a sacred place of romance that illuminates the future of the couple who visit here.

I tried ringing the carillon bell, which is said to bring happiness.
May your wishes for peace reach wherever you are, riding on the sacred sounds.

Sanriku Railway “Sanriku Genki! GoGo”

To commemorate the 10th anniversary of Ama-chan’s broadcast, a wrapped train made by fans is in operation.

*On Saturdays and Sundays from April 15th (Saturday) to October 1st (Sunday), there will be regular service between Mori Station and Kuji Station!
Please check the homepage for details.
Sanriku is fine! Notice of GoGo service

Information on recommended accommodations in Iwaizumi, Tanohata, and Fudai

Iwaizumi Town

Ryusendo Cave Hot Spring Hotel

Tanohata Village

Hotel Ragaso

Fudai Village

Kurosaki-so National Lodging House↗

Farm restaurant Tsukiya

In the tatami room of a renovated old folk house, you can enjoy dishes made with love and time by local mothers.
I couldn’t help but be moved by the splendor of the colors of the Keiran Gozen (¥1,200) that was brought to me!

Noda Village’s local dish “Keiran” is a seafood soup with a gentle odor of pineapple and contains dumplings the size of chicken eggs. Inside are walnuts, brown sugar, and mustard! The sweet-salty and tangy spiciness are harmoniously combined for an exquisite taste.
The flavor of the black beans used in the boiled beans, rice, and tofu was mild and delicious, giving it a true “mother’s taste.”
When visiting our store, it is best to confirm and make a reservation by phone the day before.

NANAMARUNI COFFEE

The owner, who says he loves coffee and even more loves the cafe space, carefully brewed a cup in an original cup and saucer made from local Kokuji ware.
The interior of the store, where taste shines in every corner, is filled with a quiet comfort that makes you want to stay for a long time.

The drinks and sweets other than coffee are delicate and diverse, including the beautiful “Frozen Green Tea (¥460)” with plenty of whipped cream.
NANAMARUNI is 702. The name of the store is the same as the room number used when he and his friends talked about their dreams of opening a store in Kuji someday.
Cafes are places where people can connect and local development is born.With this in mind, we hold events and develop products together with high school students. Kuji’s new cultural base is beating strongly.

Roadside Station Iwate Kita-Sanriku

At the Kita-Sanriku Nishiyama Shokudo food court, I saw the Tofu Meshi (¥500) twice because it was so impressive.
Momen tofu from Tate Tofu Shop in Hirono Town is boiled in dashi stock and served with piping hot rice! I liked the simple and nostalgic taste. Add chili pepper or pickled ginger to your preference.

“Kitasanriku Seafood Bowl with Seafood Chazuke Dashi (¥1,600)” is as shiny as a jewel!
A blissful menu that combines Kuji-raised Amber salmon with daily-changing local fish, mixed with egg yolk, and then finished off with dashi soup to make ochazuke.

A lively rest area with a souvenir shop selling Kuji’s famous confectionery, Sawagiku’s “Busuno Kobu” and Takeya Seika’s “Black Bean Cake,” a direct-from-the-farm store with specialty products from surrounding municipalities, and ample kids space. It’s a spot.
*Ingredients and serving methods may change depending on the season, etc.

Roadside Station Iwate Kita-Sanriku x Pokemon Local Acts

Ishitsubute Park, the first park in Tohoku where you can enjoy Pokemon play equipment, is located in the event plaza at Iwate Kita-Sanriku Roadside Station.
The rocky mountain that is the climbing play equipment for the Iwate cheering Pokemon Ishibute and Ptera, and Iwark is about 6.5 meters high and very impressive!
With swings, seesaws, swing toys, and more, small children can have lots of fun with their families.

There are lots of Pokemon around!
There is a Pokemon manhole called “Pokefuta” near the building of Roadside Station Iwate Kita-Sanriku.
Please also enjoy the photo spot on the wall inside the hall, which has a background inspired by Kita-Sanriku and the Rockfish and Rock Pokémon.

Sanriku Railway “Ishitsubute & Iwa Pokemon Train”

The train is wrapped with illustrations of Rock-type Pokémon as well as Rockfish, which is active as a “Rock Cheer Pokémon”. There are also many illustrations inside the car.

Operating irregularly between Kuji and Mori Station!
*On Saturdays and Sundays from July 22nd (Saturday) to September 30th (Saturday), there will be regular service between Kuji Station and Kamaishi Station!
Please check the homepage for details.
Regarding the Saturday and Sunday service of “Sanriku Railway Ishitsubute & Iwa Pokemon Train”↗

©Pokémon. ©Nintendo/Creatures Inc./GAME FREAK inc.
Pokémon is a registered trademark of Nintendo, Creatures, and Game Freak.

Seaside cuisine Kiriya

Speaking of current season in Kita-Sanriku, natural sea squirts are hand-picked using the traditional fishing method of Nanbu Moguri in Taneichi, Hirono Town!
“Diver Set Meal (¥2,200)” is Kiriya’s signature menu where you can enjoy natural sea squirts in a variety of ways.

Grilled sea squirts are prepared by returning the prepared sea squirts to their shells and grilling them over a fire, which is appealing for its pervasive ocean aroma and rare texture.
Freshly peeled raw sea squirt is a classic dish with a deep sweetness and bitterness that fills your mouth.
The fries are crispy and chewy, with a surprising texture that makes you wonder, “Is this squirt?” It goes well with the sauce and is a complete Western dish…I realized the great potential of sea squirts!

Noda/Kuji recommended accommodation information

Noda village

Eboshi-so National Residence

Kuji City

Kuji Grand Hotel

For those using the Sanriku Coastal Road

*Sanriku Coastal Road has “half interchange (IC)” and “full interchange”. A half IC is an interchange where you can enter and exit in only one direction, either the up or down line. Please be careful when using.
For more information, please check the Sanriku Coastal Road MAP (Sanriku National Highway Office homepage).

*The contents posted are from June 5th and June 6th, 2023.