Iwate Hanamaki Airport

Wanko Soba (Hanamaki)

The history of Wanko Soba in Hanamaki is as old as Hanamaki Castle, dating back over 400 years. Lord Toshinao, the 27th head of the Nanbu family, stopped by Hanamaki on his way to Edo, and to soothe him on his journey, he gave him some local specialty soba, and Toshinao was very impressed with the flavor. It is said that he was invited to the restaurant and was given a replacement many times. It is said that the name ``Wanko Soba'' came from the fact that the noodles were served in a bowl at that time. Hanamaki's Wanko Soba does not engage in provocative chants, carefully preserving the culture of hospitality given to the lords. The ``Wanko Soba All Japan Tournament'' is held on February 11th every year, where participants compete to see how many bowls of Wanko Soba they can eat within a limited time.

British coast (Kitakami River)

It is located near the confluence of the Kitakami River and Segawa River, and tuffaceous mudstone is exposed along the river. Currently, they are not often seen, but they can sometimes be seen during the dry season. Kenji Miyazawa named it the ``English Coast'' because he said, ``It feels like I'm walking on the chalk coast of England.''

Narushima Mikumano Shrine

Narushima Mikumano Shrine is said to have been built by Sakanoue Tamuramaro when he subdued the Ezo, and its quiet appearance surrounded by trees over 1,000 years old is the origin of the shrine's name, Kii Kumano Shrine. It exudes a majesty similar to Sanzan. Designated as an important cultural property of Iwate Prefecture in 1978. In the precincts, there is a 4.73m tall wooden statue of Bishamonten made from a single zelkova tree. Every May, the ``Bishamon Festival/National Crying Sumo Tournament'' is held to pray for the healthy growth of children.