Taking advantage of the Tohoku Destination Campaign, which will be held from April to September 2021, we have solicited recommended spots from local residents under the theme of ``Iwate Rain'' so that you can enjoy Iwate even on rainy days.
Based on the information we receive, we will introduce spots where you can spend a charming time on a rainy day.
Due to the spread of the new coronavirus infection, operating hours may change. Please check the information for each facility before heading out.
INDEX
- Tateyama Historical Park (Iwayado Castle Honmaru Ruins) (Hydrangea Spot)
- Jingaoka Camp Ruins (Hydrangea Spot)
- Tendaiji Temple (hydrangea spot)
- Morioka City Protected Garden “Ichinokura House” (Central Area)
- Atagoyama Memorial Park (Central area)
- Mitsuharasha (Central area)
- Takizawa Forest Park/Nature Center (Central Area)
- Iwateyama Shrine (Central area)
- Kenji Miyazawa Fairy Tale Village (southern area of the prefecture)
- Poran Square (southern slope/sundial flower bed) (southern area of the prefecture)
- Osawa Onsen (southern area of the prefecture)
- Kitakami City Park “Tenshochi” (southern area of the prefecture)
- Marukan Building Diner (Southern area of the prefecture)
- Oni no Yakata (southern area of the prefecture)
- Samurai mansion Omatsuzawa family (southern area of the prefecture)
- Kuji Underground Aquarium Science Museum Mogranpia (north of the prefecture, coastal area)
- Masenkyo (north of the prefecture/coastal area)
- Jodogahama (north of the prefecture, coastal area)
- Ryusendo Cave (north of the prefecture, coastal area)
Michinoku Hydrangea Garden (Hydrangea Spot)
For about a month from late June, Sugiyama’s alleys are decorated with brightly colored hydrangea flowers. Approximately 40,000 hydrangeas of 400 varieties are planted on Sugiyama, which is the size of four Tokyo Domes, and are in full bloom one after another. There is also a rest area where you can relax and enjoy nature.
Tateyama Historical Park (Iwayado Castle Honmaru Ruins) (Hydrangea Spot)
The castle ruins of a powerful family that ruled this region since ancient times. It is said that Fujiwara Tsunekiyo and his son Kiyohira used it as a fortress in the late Heian period. In addition, the octagonal hall building, Nisei-in (Buddha statue preservation), was built as a facility to honor the achievements of Tsunekiyo and Kiyohira father and son. In addition to hydrangeas, you can enjoy the seasonal scenery with cherry blossoms and maple trees.
Jingaoka Camp Ruins (Hydrangea Spot)
Jingaoka, where Minamoto no Yoriyoshi and his son Yoriie are said to have set up camp during the Nine Years War, was the base of numerous wars. It is a sacred place full of poetic beauty, with cherry blossoms and azaleas in spring, hydrangeas in summer, and autumn leaves in autumn.
Tendaiji Temple (hydrangea spot)
Tendaiji is an ancient temple with a history of 1200 years. When Jakucho went to work as chief priest at Tendaiji Temple, he called on people to start planting hydrangeas in order to revive the temple grounds, which had fallen into disrepair after the war with cedar trees being cut down. Now, in early summer, hydrangeas in a gradation of purple bloom on the stone steps leading up to the shrine and within the grounds, adding a noble color to the ancient temple.
Morioka City Protected Garden “Ichinokura House” (Central Area)
Reasons why it is recommended for rainy days
The garden was constructed by transplanting many maple trees from Kyoto, and the fresh greenery and autumn leaves in the rain are so beautiful that words cannot describe them. Lotus flowers are blooming and tadpoles in the pond will welcome you. The sound of raindrops falling on the pond is extremely relaxing.
Atagoyama Memorial Park (Central area)
Reasons why it is recommended for rainy days
I wonder if the building was designed to turn rain into art? That’s why I would like you to go on a rainy day. The scenery on a sunny day is nice, but it’s also nice to enjoy the raindrops.
A park built on Mt. Atago adjacent to Morioka city. There is an observation deck within the park that offers a panoramic view of the city of Morioka.
Mitsuharasha (Central area)
Kogensha is the publisher of Kenji Miyazawa’s collection of children’s stories, “Restaurant with Many Orders,” published before his death. At the “Kakaikan” coffee room, which has a pleasant atmosphere decorated with stained glass, you can enjoy hand-brewed coffee and the famous “walnut cookies.”
Takizawa Forest Park/Nature Center (Central Area)
Reasons why it is recommended for rainy days
On rainy days, the trees in the quiet forest turn a deep green, and the leaves and flowers sparkle with the raindrops, making them sparkle and become more beautiful. When you walk around wearing rain boots, you can enjoy a different atmosphere than usual.
Iwateyama Shrine (Central area)
Reasons why it is recommended for rainy days
Iwateyama Shrine is surrounded by a dense forest and is tranquil, so on rainy days you can listen to the sound of the rain and feel the mystical atmosphere. Listen to the sound of rain while drinking delicious water, also known as the secret water of Kamiyama.
Iwateyama Shrine
Iwateyama Shrine in Shizukuishi Town is said to be the place where Sakanoue Tamuramaro built a gojin hut to subdue his enemies holed up on Mt. Iwate, and the water that springs within the grounds is said to be the ``secret water of the sacred mountain.'' .
- Address
- Nagayamatamuno, Shizukuishi Town, Iwate Prefecture
- Inquiries
- (One company) Shizukui Tourism Association Tel. 019-692-5138
- Access
- Shizukuishi Station → [30 minutes by car] Iwateyama Shrine
Kenji Miyazawa Fairy Tale Village (southern area of the prefecture)
Reasons why it is recommended for rainy days
This is an indoor facility where you can experience the worldview of Kenji Miyazawa, and it is designed to be fun for children as well. At Fairy Tale Village, where illuminations are lit depending on the season, everyone will be fascinated by the mysterious world. It’s indoors, so you can enjoy it even if it rains.
Poran Square (southern slope/sundial flower bed) (southern area of the prefecture)
Reasons why it is recommended for rainy days
Park your car at the Ihatov-Kan parking lot and walk from there to the Miyazawa Kenji Memorial Museum.The path leads to a flower bed, and among these is the South Oblique Flower Bed designed by Kenji. Even on rainy days, it’s nice to take a walk with an umbrella.
Osawa Onsen (southern area of the prefecture)
Reasons why it is recommended for rainy days
There was no sound as the rain fell on the thatched roof, and it was a quiet morning.
Kitakami City Park “Tenshochi” (southern area of the prefecture)
●The 2km-long line of cherry blossom trees is soaked in the rain, and the air is so clean that it feels great to take a walk.
●Cherry blossoms look good under a sunny sky, but the petals falling wet in the rain also have a taste.
●Cherry blossoms are reflected in the puddles that form when it rains, giving you a special view that cannot be seen on sunny days.
Marukan Building Diner (Southern area of the prefecture)
The specialty is the 10-layer soft-serve ice cream that you can eat with disposable chopsticks. The nostalgic Neapolitan cutlet is also famous.
Marukan Building Dining Room
- Address
- 6-2 Kamimachi, Hanamaki City, Iwate Prefecture
Oni no Yakata (southern area of the prefecture)
Reasons why it is recommended for rainy days
In addition to learning about the history of demons, you can also try various hands-on activities such as Oni Kenbu cosplay and making demon masks, which both parents and children can enjoy.
Samurai mansion Omatsuzawa family (southern area of the prefecture)
Reasons why it is recommended for rainy days
The garden is famous for its autumn leaves, but the fresh greenery on rainy days is also recommended. The fresh greenery, brightened by the rain, is a perfect match with the soft indoor lighting!
It will heal your heart.
Samurai mansion Omatsuzawa family
The Samurai House Omatsuzawa House is located in the Suwakoji district of Kanegasaki Town, which is the only one in the prefecture that has been designated as a nationally important preservation district for groups of traditional buildings. You can enjoy the autumn leaves. Please spend a relaxing time in a relaxing space surrounded by trees.
- Address
- 2-2 Nishinetatsukoji, Kanegasaki-cho, Iwate Prefecture
- Inquiries
- Samurai mansion Omatsuzawa family Tel.080-5552-2071
- Access
- ●Kanegasaki Station → [20 minutes walk] Samurai House Omatsuzawa Family
●Mizusawa IC → [10 minutes by car] Samurai Yashiki Omatsuzawa Family - Business Hours
- Cafe 10:00-15:00 Lunch 11:30-13:30
[Closed] Mondays (the next day if Monday is a public holiday)
Kuji Underground Aquarium Science Museum Mogranpia (north of the prefecture, coastal area)
Reasons why it is recommended for rainy days
The aquarium is located underground, so you can enjoy it leisurely without worrying about the rain. In the aquarium that recreates the Sanriku sea, you can watch free diving demonstrations by the northernmost ama divers. Also popular are the corner where you can learn about the recovery efforts from the Great East Japan Earthquake and the direct-from-the-farm corner with local specialties.
Masenkyo (north of the prefecture/coastal area)
Reasons why it is recommended for rainy days
Drive to Ninohe. Unfortunately it was a rainy day, but the view looking up from the road was like a world of ink paintings.
Jodogahama (north of the prefecture, coastal area)
Reasons why it is recommended for rainy days
●The rain falling on the sea surface further enhances the mystery of Jodogahama.
●Even if it rains, you can enjoy delicious seafood while looking out at the ocean at Jodogahama Rest House.
●Even in the rain, the rocks are just as beautiful as on a sunny day.
Ryusendo Cave (north of the prefecture, coastal area)
Reasons why it is recommended for rainy days
Since it is a limestone cave, you can visit it without rain gear even if it rains. Especially recommended in the summer. Even if it’s hot outside, it’s cool inside, so you can tour comfortably.
