Route 40°
North Latitude------2
Wonders and
Marvelous Route

Jodogahama Beach (Miyako City)

The appreciation of beauty is central to the culture, religion, and lifestyle of northern Tohoku, all of which have developed from the struggle with nature. Take a journey full of surprising discoveries in the living folk museum that is northern Tohoku.

Kabushima (Hachinohe City)
This breeding ground of black tailed gulls has been designated as a Japanese Natural Monument. In May, when their numbers are greatest, about 40,000 gulls can be seen.

Yagen Hot Springs (Mutsu City)
These hot springs are located at the foot of Mt. Osore. From here the Yagen Mountain Stream, famed for its beautiful autumn colors, leads to Okuyagen Hot Springs. Enjoy a walk on the path beside the stream.

Mt. Osore (Mutsu City)
Mt. Osore is one of the three main holy mountains in Japan. Stones piled up by the worshippers line the sacred area, creating a surreal atmosphere. Psychics attempt to summon the dead during Mt. Osore's main festivals held from April 20-24 and from October 9-11.

Tazawako Art Village (Senboku City)
A refreshing spot for mind and body led by "Warabiza," a theatrical company. There is a theater, accommodations, hot springs, an art hall, restaurants, and more.

Ryusendo Cave (Iwaizumi Town)
One of Japan's three biggest limestone caves. Ryusendo's full length is supposedly 5000 meters (currently under exploration). The emerald water in the cave's lake is the most transparent underground water in the world.

Kitayamazaki (Tanohata Village)
Called the "Alps in the sea," Kitayamazaki is a 200 meter-high cliff that runs for 8 km, with reefs and giant rocks scattered throughout. There are six daily pleasure boat cruises that trace the full length of the cliff.

Kamaishi Daikannon (Kamaishi City)
The great Kannon, 48.5 meters high, was built to honor the memories of people killed by tsunami and natural disasters in the Sanriku area. There is an observatory on the top floor.

Hayachine Kagura (Hanamaki city)
Hayachine kagura refers to the music and dancing performed in homage to Mt. Hayachine. The traditional performance has been handed down for generations by mountain priests and ascetics. (Performed during the Hayachine Shrine's Annual Grand Festival, and also from July 31-August 1, at the end of December, and from January 2-3)

Hotokegaura Coastline (Sai Village)
This beach, with strangely shaped rocks and stones, worn down by rains and rough waves, runs for 3 km. The rocks have Buddhist names, such as Gohyakurakan and Kannoniwa.

Sannoiwa (Miyako city)
Three strangely shaped rocks consisting of the drum-shaped Taikoiwa, the 50 meter-high Otokoiwa, and the nearby Onnaiwa. It is said that you will achieve good fortune if you can pass through Otokoiwa's cave, which was created by wave erosion.

Mt. Osore
There are many mountains dedicated to gods or Buddha in Japan. They are called reizan. Mt. Osore (Aomori Prefecture) is regarded as one of the three main reizan in Japan, along with Mt. Koya (Wakayama Prefecture) and Mt. Hiei (Shiga Prefecture). Worshippers believe that Mt. Osore is the place where souls of the dead reside. It is especially famous in Japan as a place where women called itako can summon the spirits of the dead. These spirits speak through the itako in a ritual known as kuchiyose. During the main summer and autumn festivals, many worshippers and tourists from all over Japan visit the mountain.

Rias Coast
This jagged coastline was created when mountains sank and the sea level rose. The Sanriku Coast in Tohoku, the north-west part of Spain, the Maine Coastline in the United States, and the Brittany Peninsula Coast in France are all examples of Rias coastlines. Dotted with caves, peninsulas, and sheer cliff faces, the Sanriku Coast provides excellent views. However, the history of the Sanriku region has been fraught with disaster as the area is also susceptible to tsunami and high waves.

Tazawako Art Village
Northern Tohoku is home to a great deal of traditional folk entertainment. You can experience the art and culture of northern Tohoku at the Tazawako Art Village in Tazawako Town. It's a new type of resort led by the theatrical company, "Warabiza." This company performs in Japan and abroad, presenting folk songs and traditions from various areas. Tazawako Art Village offers a theatre, hot springs, accommodations, a local food hall, a forest art hall, a folk art research institute, and more.

Life Sketch

Folktales

In days past, parents told old stories to their children sitting by the hearth. Though there are fewer opportunities to do so now, there are many folk tales and legends from northern Tohoku. Examples include the tales of Lake Towada's Ryujin and Lake Tazawa's Tatsukohime, who metamorphosed into a dragon. Tono City in Iwate Prefecture is famous all over the country as "the hometown of folk tales." Tono's simple scenery evokes the world of folk tales.