"Ryusendo Limestone Cave" in Iwate prefecture is the world's leading underground lake called Dragon Blue. It is counted as one of Japan's three major cave. It has been drawing attention recently as "Lovers' holy land". "Ryusendo Limestone Cave" is located in Iwaizumi-cho, about 2 hours by car from Morioka city in the northeastern part of Iwate Prefecture. The length of the … [Read more...] about Ryusendo Limestone Cave, Iwate
Iwate
Chagu Chagu Umakko Festival (Horse Festival), Iwate
"Chagu Chagu Umakko Festival" (Horse Festival) is famous all over the country as a scene of the early summer of Michinoku (an old name of Tohoku region). It is a festival with faith "Sozen-sama" (the god of horses) which is held every second Saturday of June every year. In the festival, about 100 horses will march a distance of about 13 kilometers from Onikoshisozen-jinja … [Read more...] about Chagu Chagu Umakko Festival (Horse Festival), Iwate
Geibikei Gorge, Iwate
The tourist attraction "Geibikei Gorge" in Iwate Prefecture. It is a valley where a cliff that exceeds 100 meters in height continues for about 2 kilometers. In the past it was called a mysterious land, and few people knew their existence. In 1925, it was designated as the "Historical Scenic Natural Monument" of the country and the first prize of "Places of Scenic Beauty in the … [Read more...] about Geibikei Gorge, Iwate
Morioka Sansa Odori (Japanese Drum Festival), Iwate
"Morioka Sansa Odori" (Sansa Japanese Drum Festival) is a festival held for four days in summer in Morioka City, Iwate Prefecture. Many female dancer are excited at the festival which is developed mainly by women. Especially it is also interesting to show different dances in each group with dancers dancing with drums highlighted. Although it is the "Morioka Sansa Odori" … [Read more...] about Morioka Sansa Odori (Japanese Drum Festival), Iwate
Takkoku no iwaya, Iwate
Victory is thanks to Bishamonten The grotto where "Takkoku no Iwaya Bishamondo Temple" is built is said to be the place where Emishi (northerners) such as Akuro-O had been holding a fort that once was repeating rough behavior in this place. In 801, Commander SAKANOUE no Tamuramaro, who has ordered by Emperor Kanmu, went to this place as the Generalissimo for the Subjugation of … [Read more...] about Takkoku no iwaya, Iwate
Ishiwari Zakura (Rock Splitting Cherry Tree), Iwate
Stretching out the trunk vigorously from the crack of the large granite Ishiwari Zakura (Rock Splitting Cherry Tree) is a 360-year-old Edohiganzakura that grows by breaking huge rocks. This splendid big tree is blooming in the premises of Morioka District Court in Morioka City, Iwate Prefecture. This tree was designated as a natural monument of the country in 1923. This cherry … [Read more...] about Ishiwari Zakura (Rock Splitting Cherry Tree), Iwate
Chuson-ji Temple, Iwate
Registered as a world's cultural heritage The Chuson-ji temple is the head temple of the northeast of the Tendai sect of Buddhism, and Jikaku Daishi founded it in 850. In 2011, it was registered as a world's cultural heritage of the UNESCO. Many tourists visit not only from the inside of Japan but from all over the world every day. It was revived with the meaning which … [Read more...] about Chuson-ji Temple, Iwate