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Kitayamazaki Promontory (Tanohata Vil.)
A soaring series of 200-m cliffs continues for 8-km at this awesome example of
Iwate's Rias coast's beauty. Visitors can take advantage of the great observation
decks and numerous paths.
Access: 25 mins by bus from Sanriku Tetsudo Kita Rias Line Tanohata Sta.
Information: Tanohata General Tourism Information Center 0194-33-2611
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Todogasaki Cape (Miyako City)
At an east longitude of 142o 4' 34", Todogasaki is Honshu's easternmost
point. Though now unmanned, its stark, white lighthouse was the inspiration for
the 1957 movie known in English as Years of Joy and Sorrow.
Access: 1 hr 20 mins by car from Miyako Sta. to Omoe Peninsula, 1 addt'l hr on
foot
Information: Miyako Tourism Association 0193-62-3534
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Jodogahama (Miyako City)
This name, meaning "Pure Land beach" was given by the priest Reikyo,
who, overcome with the location's singular beauty uttered the now famous phrase, "it
is just as the Buddha's Pure Land paradise." Though it now has the somewhat
more mundane reputation of a great spot for a dip in the ocean, this white liparite
beach has maintained its marvelous beauty.
Access: 15 mins by bus from Jodogahama Sta.
Information: Miyako Tourism Assoc. 0193-62-3534
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Shiofukiana (Miyako City)
On days when the sea is rough, plumes of brine soar as high as 30 meters from
the narrow opening between rocks on the coast facing Dejima Island. This "tidal
blow hole" has been named a National Natural Monument - find out why for
yourself.
Access: 20 mins by bus to Jodogahama Rest House from Jodogahama Sta.; board sightseeing
tour boat from Jodogahama Terminal Bldg.
Information: Miyako Tourism Assoc. 0193-62-3534
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Ryusendo Cave (Iwaizumi Town)
One of Japan's three great stalactite caves, Ryusendo stretches over 2500 m into
the earth. The astonishing translucency and transparency of the cave's underground
lake and swift-flowing rivers are among the attractions which draw tourists from
near and far.
Access: 15 mins by bus from Iwaizumi Sta.
Information: Ryusendo Information Center 0194-22-2566
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Kappabuchi (Tono City)
This outwardly unremarkable pool is known as the dwelling of the mischievous,
green water sprites called kappa. Kappa gained renown for their appearance in
Yanagida Kunio's world-famous Tales of Tono, which also cemented the city's reputation
as the home of Japanese folklore. There is an air of mystery and magic here behind
Kozenji Temple.
Access: 22 mins by bus to Denshoen from Tono Sta.; 2 addt'l mins on foot
Information: Tono Tourism Assoc. 0198-62-1333
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Kanazawa Shimizu (Hachimantai City)
Chosen by Japan's Ministry of the Environment as one of Japan's Selected 100
Exquisite and Well-conserved Waters, this group of springs pumps out an astounding
0.7 tons of water per second. The numerous uses for this cool, pure water include
trout aquaculture and much more.
Access: 1 hr 10 mins by bus to Higashi Hachimantai Koryu Center from Morioka
Sta.; 1 addt'l min by car
Information: Hachimantai Tourism Assoc. 0195-78-3500
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Fudo no Taki Falls (Hachimantai City)
A 15-m curtain of water and spray falls near Sakuramatsu Shrine. The shrine is
noted for its waterwheel house, and a tree on the grounds said to be effective
in matchmaking. This is also an excellent area for a refreshing walk along the
stream.
Access: 10 mins by car from Arayashinmachi Sta.
Information: Hachimantai Tourism Assoc. 0195-78-3500
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