Iwate is the second largest prefecture behind Hokkaido, and with the lowest population density in Japan, there are a lot of cool things out there that few people even know exist, which you can make yours if you look hard enough.

 

Iwate is home to three UNESCO World Heritage Sites, 27 Pokémon manhole covers, caves, and tons of wildlife! If you like exploring outdoors, it is the perfect place for you!

 

Local lesser-known beaches on the coast of the prefecture, varieties of sake you can buy straight from the breweries in some of the smaller cities and towns, and special spots where vibrant ecology can be seen or harvested are just some of the hidden gems waiting to be discovered in Iwate. While we will list some of the more notable things to do in the prefecture, there are still tons of things that you will be able to find by getting out there and exploring yourself. 

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Due to Iwate's size, the main means of transportation is driving. In more rural areas, cities will be spread far apart, and so longer drives may be necessary to reach a larger city. There are local train lines, express buses and Shinkansens that help connect the cities, but departure times are infrequent so relying only on public transit can be inconvenient. Getting a bicycle is a good secondary option for those who don't drive.

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​If you have the chance, try asking the local people in your community for their recommended travel spots, restaurants, and more! Rather than searching for online guides, this is a much more effective way to become familiar with your area and take advantage of everything it offers. As you learn about Iwate’s cool places, culture, and local festivals, it then becomes your turn to treasure that advice and pass it on to others as when you can.

 

If you have any recommendations of places you want to share with others, let us know and we might update our travel page with your suggestions!

 

Getting to know the people in both your city and on your travels is an important part of integrating into the community and society of Japan.