Sightseeing Spots

Zashukan/Denpoji Temple Ruins

There is a small mountain called Zashukan at the foot of the mountain in the western part of the town, and it is said that there was a castle there, but the owner of the castle is unknown. The foundation stone and monument still remain. Also, at the southern foot of the mountain are the remains of a Buddhist temple called Yahikosan Denpo-ji Temple of the Tendai sect. However, as a complex of medieval mansion ruins and Buddhist temple ruins, castle walls and other features still remain in the area.

Yanzan Dam

An earthen dam with a height of 23 meters that dammed the Iwasaki River, which was frequently causing floods and other water damage. The view of the town from the dam side is exceptional, and there is also a health road that goes around the dam. Nearby are the hot spring bathing facility ``Pastoral Baden'' and the indoor heated pool ``Nanchang Green Heights.''

Torigoe Kannon

This is an old temple that is said to have been founded by Jikaku Daishi in the early Heian period (early 9th century). Nukabe is known as one of the 29 temples of the 33-sho Kannon pilgrimage, and as there is a record of a pilgrimage tag from 1512, it is believed that it was already a popular sacred place for Kannon pilgrimages in the latter half of the Muromachi period. has been done. The Okunoin temple was built in a rocky hut on a steep cliff of Mt. Torigoe, and is visited by many worshipers as a sacred place of Kannon.

Nusakake Falls and Kitanosawa Otaki Falls

Nusakake Falls is located at the eastern entrance of Mt. Nanchang, and it is said that in the past, when mountaineers entered the mountain, they offered money to the mountain god to pray for safety. The waterfall is 7m high and 4.5m wide, and appears to have two tiers. There is a promenade along the river to the basin of the waterfall. Upstream is Kitanosawa Falls, which is 13m high and 3m wide.

Kitakami River Source/Iwatemachi River Station

Adjacent to the Kitakami River source Yuzuzu no Izumi. As the starting station of the Kitakami River, this facility is a symbol of cooperation in the Kitakami River basin. It also opened in June 2004 as a place for ``Japan's original scenery'' and ``environmental learning for children.'' Outside, there are rest facilities, a babbling stream for playing in the water, a water wheel, a lotus pond, and a grassy field.

Whale and Sea Science Museum

The Whale and Sea Science Museum aims to introduce the mysterious ocean from various angles and deepen visitors' interest in the ocean. Exhibits are organized by theme from the top of the building to the bottom, and you can explore it as if you were taking a walk into the ocean. The museum introduces the romantic world of whales through exhibits such as the world's largest skeletal specimen of a gigantic sperm whale, a creature of the sea.

Kashiwagidaira Lake Resort Facilities

The riverbed along the Sarugaishi River is used to provide dining, leisure, and sports facilities. Putting golf, gateball field, baseball field, mountain bike course, cottage, barbecue garden, etc.

Oshu Thirty-Three Kannon No. 19 Niizan Kannon-do

Oshu Thirty-Three Kannon Temple No. 19 Principal Image: Eleven-faced Kanzeon Bodhisattva Mr. Itaru Kumagai *Residing in Sendai City

Hiraniwa Kogen

Located 800 meters above sea level on the slopes of Mt. Hiranwa, which straddles Kuzumaki Town and Kuji City, the vast Hiranwa Kogen is a scenic area designated as a prefectural natural park. It is a plateau where you can enjoy nature to the fullest all year round, starting with wetland plants such as the messenger of spring, the Japanese katakuri, to the dazzling green white birch forest in early summer, azaleas blooming all over the plateau, autumn leaves, and skiing in winter.

Shiwa sightseeing vineyard

The Sahiuchi district of Shiwa Town, which is surrounded by green hills, is one of the leading grape producing regions in Iwate Prefecture. Why not enjoy some time in the vineyard under the shining sun and a pleasant cool breeze? Once you experience freshly picked grapes, it is sure to become an unforgettable memory. *Grape picking in 2023 will be from late August to Monday, September 25th.

Michinoku Hydrangea Garden

*The opening period in 2023 is from Saturday, June 24th to Monday, July 24th. 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 more than three times the size of Tokyo Dome, and are in full bloom one after another. There is also a rest area where you can relax and enjoy nature. [Opening period] Late June to late July every year

Mitsuishi Shrine

Behind Token-ji Temple, there is Mitsuishi Shrine, which is made up of three huge granite stones, and there is a legend of a demon's handprint on these three stones, which is said to be the origin of the name Iwate. It is also the legendary birthplace of the Sansa dance.