IWATE PREFECTURE

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IWATE MAIN CITIES and TOWNS

Hiraizumi is a town in Iwate Prefecture of Tohoku region, which is famous for the three temples which form the World Heritage Site known as the "Historic Monuments and Sites of Hiraizumi". The three temples include Chusonji Temple, Kanjizaio-in Temple and Motsuji Temple. Hiraizumi was the base for Hiraizumi Fujiwaras and thus has several historic sites, which also include the ruins of Muryoko-in Temple and Takkoku no Iwaya Bishamon Hall.

Morioka is the capital city of Iwate Prefecture which is located in the Tohoku Region. Morioka is famous for its brewing industry, Nambu Senbei (rice cracker) and noodles. Until 803 the area around Morioka was controlled by the Emishi people who were an indigenous group of people who lived in the area for thousands of years. In 803 Sakanoue no Tamuramaro built Shiwa Castle.

IWATE CASTLES

Iwayado Castle (also known as Shakuchi Castle) was a Japanese Castle located in Oshu Iwate Prefecture. Iwayado Castle was a hilltop castle design. Today only ruins remain of Iwayado Castle and Hachiman Shrine, Iwayado Elementary School and Iwayado High School have been built on the site.

Morioka Castle (also known as Kozukata Castle) was a Japanese Castle located in Iwate Park, Morioka Iwate Prefecture. Morioka Castle was built for Nobunao and completed in 1633. Today only the granite stone walls and a storehouse remain from Morioka Castle which was destroyed in battles during the Meiji Period. Morioka Castle used the natural defences of Kitakami River to its west and Nakatsu River to south east instead of building outer moats. Morioka Castle then has secondary and tertiary enclosures. Morioka Castle never had a central keep or tower.

IWATE SHRINES and TEMPLES

Chusonji Temple is a Tendai Buddhist temple located in Hiraizumi Iwate Prefecture. The Golden Hall (Konjiki-do) is one of the two buildings to survive from the original Chusonji Temple complex. Konjiki-do is a wooden building covered with gold leaf and mother of peral, which contains the mummified remains of the Northern Fujiwara clan who ruled northen Honshu in the 12th century. Chusonji Temple is designated as a "Special Place of Scenic Beauty" and a UNESCO World Heritage Site and forms part of the "Historic Monuments and Sites of Hiraizumi" listing.

Kanjizaio-in Temple is the site of a Buddhist temple located in Hiraizumi Iwate Prefecture. Kanjizaio-in Temple was located directly across the Frontier Way from the Enryuji and Kashoji temples (now located within the Motsuji Temple complex). Kanjizaio-in Temple also included a Jodo (pure land) Japanese Garden. Kanjizaio-in Temple was destroyed by fire in 1226. Kanjizaio-in Temple is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and forms part of the "Historic Monuments and Sites of Hiraizumi" listing.

Motsuji Temple is a Tendai Buddhist temple located in Hiraizumi Iwate Prefecture. Motsuji Temple complex includes a Jodo (pure land) Japanese garden that contains the ruins of two much older temples, Enryuji and Kashoji which date back to the 12 century. Enryuji and Kashoji were both destroyed by fire in 1226. Motsuji Temple is designated as a "Special Place of Scenic Beauty" and a UNESCO World Heritage Site and forms part of the "Historic Monuments and Sites of Hiraizumi" listing.

IWATE GARDENS and PARKS

Takamatsu Park, located in Morioka Iwate Prefecture, is most famous for its cherry blossom and is considered one of Japan's Top 100 Cherry Blossom Spots.

Tenshochi Park, located in Kitakami Iwate Prefecture is famous for its 10,000 cherry blossom trees and is considered one of Japan's Top 100 Cherry Blossom Spots.