Minami Iwate Exchange Plaza

Azalea of ​​Mount Kyozuka

Kyozukayama is said to have been Fujiwara Hidehira's sutra store in the old days, and at the top of the mountain there is a ``horseshoe stone'' where Minamoto Yoshitsune is said to have ridden his horse and made hoof prints. In addition, the view from the summit towards Hiraizumi and Maezawa is wonderful, with the Isawa alluvial fan spreading out from the Ou Mountains, the Shizui villages and countryside dotted there, and the Kitakami River that meanders slowly across the area. It is a famous place for azaleas that grow in clusters, and the best time to see them is late May.

Shinpei Goto

A politician from Mizusawa Ward, Oshu City. He was the director and medical principal of Aichi Prefectural Hospital, but entered government after treating Taisuke Itagaki. After serving as Director-General of Civil Affairs in the Taiwan Governor-General's Office, he became the first president of the Manchuria Railway Company and devoted his efforts to the development of Manchuria.

Daumehekazan Endong Shoboji Temple

Commonly known as ``Oku-no-Shobo-ji,'' it was opened in 1348 by Zen Master Muzo Ryosha. It was once the third head temple of the Soto sect, along with Eiheiji (Fukui Prefecture) and Sojiji (Yokohama City). Even now, monks gather from all over the country to undergo rigorous training. The precincts are solemn, yet filled with an atmosphere that makes you feel as if time is passing slowly. The serpentine stone steps and the thatched roof of the 720 tsubo (approximately 720 tsubo) law hall, one of the largest in Japan, are spectacular. The main hall, shrine, and somon are designated important cultural properties by the country. We also offer various Zen meditation sessions and vegetarian cuisine (reservations required), allowing you to have a valuable Zen temple experience.