Introduction to Iwate Prefecture

Morioka Sansa Dance

It is said to have originated from the legend of exterminating demons at Mitsuishi Shrine, which is also the origin of the name of Iwate Prefecture. A crowd of about 35,000 people including dancers, flutes, and drums parade together. In 2014, a world record for simultaneous Japanese drum performances was set, making it the world's largest taiko festival. The brave and energetic group dance, set to a powerful rhythm, is truly impressive. After the parade, there will be a ring dance in which spectators are free to participate. Please join us.

Contact information	Morioka Sansa Dance Executive Committee (Morioka Chamber of Commerce and Industry) 019-624-5880
URL	http://www.sansaodori.jp/
Date	August 1st to 4th every year

Mount Iwate

Mt. Iwate, known as Southern Katafuji, is the highest peak in Iwate Prefecture, with an altitude of 2,038 meters. There are seven unique mountain trails, and you can enjoy many different ways to climb by combining the climbing route and the descending route. Near the summit, there is a colony of dicentra, which is rare on mountains 2,000 meters above sea level, and many other beautiful alpine plants greet climbers. At the summit, you can enjoy a 360-degree panoramic view of Mt. Iwaki, Mt. Hakkoda, and Mt. Chokai in the distance.

Address	Takizawa Iwateyama, Takizawa City, Iwate Prefecture
Contact information	Takizawa City Hall Economy, Trade and Industry Department Tourism and Products Division 019-656-6534
Access	20 minutes by car from JR Takizawa Station
Business hours	Available time to enter the mountain: May to October

Kitakami Exhibition Area

Kitakami Tenshochi, located on the banks of the calmly flowing Kitakami River, is known as one of the best cherry blossom viewing spots in the Tohoku region, and is counted as one of the "Top 100 Cherry Blossom Spots" and "Michinoku's Top 3 Cherry Blossom Spots." In addition to the row of cherry blossom trees that stretches for 2 kilometers from Sango Bridge, it is said that there are about 10,000 cherry trees of 150 different types, and various types of cherry blossoms compete for beauty from mid-April to early May. At night, the cherry blossoms are beautifully illuminated and reflected on the river, creating a magical scenery.

Address	Tachibana, Kitakami City, Iwate Prefecture
Contact information	Kitakami Tourism and Convention Association 0197-65-0300
Best time to see	Mid April to early May

Chagu Chagu Umako (Umakko)

This is a traditional event that has been going on for over 200 years to give thanks to agricultural horses. Nearly 100 agricultural horses march along a 14-kilometer journey from Onikoshi Sozen Shrine in Takizawa City to Morioka Hachiman Shrine. The biggest attraction of Chagu Chagu Umako is the brightly colored costumes worn by the horses and the sound of the bells, which are said to have as many as 700 pieces per horse. Please enjoy the beautiful costumes that vividly color the early summer in the Morioka area and the sound of chirping bells.

Address	[Procession route] Takizawa City Onikoshi Sozen Shrine - Morioka Station - Nakatsugawa - Morioka Hachiman Shrine
Contact information	Chagu Chagu Umako Preservation Society (inside Morioka City Hall) 019-651-4111
Date	Held in early June

Nanbu Ironware

Nanbu Ironware boasts a history of 400 years and is the first casting in Japan to be designated as a national traditional craft. Even today, each piece is handcrafted using the traditional method of casting. Recently, in addition to the traditional black ironware, colorful Nanbu ironware such as red, pink, blue, and orange have appeared, and their popularity overseas is increasing. Nanbu ironware, which retains heat well, makes food taste mellow, and even provides iron replenishment, is a popular traditional craft from Morioka and Oshu cities that is world-renowned.

Contact information Nanbu Ironware Cooperative Association
019-689-2336

URL https://www.ginga.or.jp/nanbu/

Contact information	Nanbu Ironware Cooperative Association 019-689-2336
URL	https://www.ginga.or.jp/nanbu/

Wanko soba

One of the noodle dishes called "Morioka three major noodles" along with Morioka cold noodles and Morioka jajamen. This is Iwate Prefecture's most representative food entertainment, where bite-sized soba noodles are dipped in hot soba soup and placed in a bowl to the chants of "Hai, Dondon" and "Hai, Janjan!" in a challenge to see how many bowls you can eat. Interacting with the wait staff is one of the best parts of Wanko Soba. Please try the delicious and fun Wanko Soba.

Contact information	Morioka Tourism and Convention Association 019-604-3305
Fees	Wanko soba fee: around 2,500 yen per person (varies depending on the store)

Geibikei Gorge

Geibi Gorge, which is counted as one of Japan's top 100 scenic spots, is a 2km long valley created by the Satetsu River eroding limestone. There are cliffs over 100m high on the riverbank, creating a fantastic deep mountain valley that has been designated as a national scenic spot. During the snowy winter months, we operate a "kotatsu boat" where you can enjoy wood-nagashi nabe. The scenery will be deeply engraved in your mind as if you have stepped into the world of ink painting.

Address	467 Nagasaka Aza-cho, Higashiyama-cho, Ichinoseki City, Iwate Prefecture
Contact information	Geibi Tourism Center 0191-47-2341
URL	http://www.geibikei.co.jp/funakudari/
Access	5 minutes walk from JR Geibikei Station
Fees	Flight fare: Adults 1,800 yen, Elementary school students 900 yen, Infants 200 yen

Great East Japan Earthquake memorial event “Lights of Prayer”

The "Prayer Lights" is an event to pray for the repose of the souls of the many victims of the Great East Japan Earthquake that occurred on March 11, 2011, for peace of mind for those affected, and to renew our commitment to recovery. On March 11th, the day the earthquake occurred, the main venue was the Morioka History and Culture Museum Plaza in Morioka Castle Ruins Park, where approximately 10,000 lanterns donated from all over the country were lit to pray.

Address	Morioka Uchimaru 3-46 (inside Morioka Reconstruction Support Center)
Contact information	Lights of Prayer Executive Committee Secretariat 019-654-3523
URL	https://inorinotomoshibi.jimdofree.com/