7 Recommended Tourist Spots in Iwaizumi Town, Iwate Prefecture! Have a Unique Experience in Iwaizumi!

In Iwaizumi Town, Iwate Prefecture, there are many mystical tourist attractions such as limestone caves and natural spring waters. The spring water is so clear that it has been selected as one of Japan's Top 100 Famous Waters. Thanks to the abundant supply of pristine water in Iwaizumi, there are various tourist spots where visitors can enjoy activities like fishing and watching fireflies. This time, we will introduce seven highly recommended tourist spots you should definitely visit in the nature-rich town of Iwaizumi.

1. Kumanohana Observatory

Named after its resemblance to a bear's nose tip, "Kumanohana Observatory" is located on a peninsula that juts out to the south. It’s a popular tourist spot in Iwaizumi, where the contrast between the blue sea and the old pine trees is stunning. A highlight of the area is Ryukogai Rock of Omoto, a triangular rock formation at Omoto Coast. There are benches and tables available as rest areas, so you can sit back and enjoy the scenic view at your leisure.

2. Michi-no-Eki Iwaizumi (Roadside Station Iwaizumi)

A must-stop place when traveling is a "Michi-no-Eki" (Roadside Station). It’s a convenient spot to enjoy local gourmet food and shop for souvenirs, with many of the area’s specialties gathered here. At "Michi-no-Eki Iwaizumi," you’ll find various Iwaizumi gourmet dishes and handicrafts.

You can purchase "Iwaizumi Tankaku Beef" at the "Waku Waku House" souvenir shop or enjoy it at "Restaurant Iwaizumi." At the "Waku Waku Market," a direct sales area for local produce, you’ll find vegetables grown by local cooperative members and regional specialties like pickles, making it a great place to find souvenirs.

3. Michi-no-Eki Mitakai Bunkou (Roadside Station Mitakai Bunkou)

Michi-no-Eki Mitakai Bunkou is an eye-catching tourist spot, renovated from an old elementary school building. It creates a nostalgic atmosphere that brings comfort even to adults. Here, you can shop for souvenirs or enjoy a meal to satisfy your hunger—perfect for a break during your Iwaizumi travels.

In the shop, we recommend the "Kinako Fried Bread," which is a familiar item from school lunches, and the local specialty "Kyoutou Manju" is also worth trying. Fresh agricultural products and livestock goods from the region, along with handmade wood crafts, are available here, and just browsing is fun enough!

4. Hayasaka Plateau

From spring to autumn, you can enjoy colorful flowers and beautiful landscapes at Hayasaka Plateau. Designated as a "Prefectural Natural Park," it is home to a variety of plants such as Rengetsu Azalea, white birch, and shinanoki trees.

It’s also recognized as a "Therapy Road," with gentle slopes, grazing cows, and lush greenery creating a soothing landscape. In autumn, you can witness stunning autumn foliage, and it’s also a place where you can find wild vegetables and mushrooms. Hayasaka Plateau is a great spot to visit on a scenic drive.

5. Sashihata Farm

About 10 minutes north from the old Route 45 along the coastline, you’ll find Sashihata Farm. The dairy cows raised here are the rare Jersey breed in Japan. They’re smaller in size and produce less milk compared to the common Holstein cows, but their milk is highly nutritious with a rich flavor.

At Sashihata Farm, they also produce cheese and yogurt. Their mozzarella cheese features the rich taste and chewy texture unique to Jersey cows. Their yogurt is so thick and rich, it’s said to be like eating rare cheesecake. Savor these gourmet delights at Sashihata Farm, where the owner Mr. Sashihata pours his passion into his products.

6. Ryusendo Cave

Ryusendo Cave is one of Japan’s three greatest limestone caves, a mystical and breathtaking natural wonder. Along with the bats that inhabit the cave, it has been designated a national natural monument. During hot summer days, the cave attracts many tourists. With a height difference of about 249 meters inside, it’s the fifth-longest cave in Japan and one of Iwaizumi’s prideful attractions. The scenery, shaped by nature over thousands of years, is truly spectacular.

Inside, it’s cool and refreshing, and the illuminated interior creates a mysterious atmosphere. The paths are wide and well-maintained, with handrails along stairs, making it safe and comfortable for children and the elderly alike. There are also several underground lakes in Ryusendo Cave, one of which is said to be the largest in Japan.

In front of the cave, there’s a spot where you can drink fresh spring water, which has been selected as one of Japan’s Top 100 Famous Waters. Ryusendo Cave is a must-see destination in Iwaizumi.

7. Fureai Land Iwaizumi

Fureai Land Iwaizumi is a leisure spot where both children and adults can have fun. With campsites and a cottage village, it’s a great place to relax and enjoy holidays with family or friends. Its symbol is the "Blue Train Nihonkai," where you can actually stay overnight inside the iconic blue train.

Since you can rent an entire train car, it’s perfect for large groups. There’s a shower room exclusively for guests, and you can also have a barbecue in the square in front of the Blue Train. At "Flower Hill," you can enjoy colorful flowers, and at "Children’s Hill," there are playground equipment and an artificial ski slope! It’s an ideal spot for families with kids.

◎ Summary

Every tourist spot in Iwaizumi is full of unique charm and features that can only be found there. Another appeal is that both adults and children can enjoy themselves. Whether you want to relax in a mystical space, have a lively barbecue with your kids, or take a scenic drive and soak in the pastoral landscapes, Iwaizumi offers a variety of experiences and moods to enjoy. Leave behind the hustle and bustle of the city and create unforgettable travel memories that you can only experience in Iwaizumi.

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