▲From PIXTA「Hiraizumi, Iwate - Motsuji Temple ~Hondo~」
A 1-night, 2-day itinerary for exploring Iwate by train
Iwate Prefecture has a rich natural and culinary culture, as well as a deep history that attracts many people. If you're planning to visit Iwate, we will introduce a 1-night, 2-day itinerary accessible by train and bus!
Iwate
- Iwate
- Model itinerary
- 2 Days / 1 Night
- No car
- Temples and shrines
Update day：2024/08/22
Destination of this trip
- Day 1
- Day 2
DAY1
Tour around Ichinoseki City
-
START
Direct from Tokyo Station by Shinkansen, arrive in about 2 hours!
1 Ichinoseki station
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▲From PIXTA「Ichinoseki station」
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▲From PIXTA「Ichinoseki station」
Begin the first day of sightseeing in Iwate, get off at Ichinoseki station before reaching Morioka Station. Travel from Tokyo Station on the Tohoku Shinkansen and reach your destination in about two hours. Ichinoseki City in Iwate Prefecture is famous for its many hot springs, offering refreshment and relaxation to travelers.
Ichinoseki Station has plenty of coin lockers where you can store bags and suitcases before heading out to explore. Leave your luggage in a coin locker first to enjoy your travel time more freely and comfortably.- Ichinoseki Station Bus Stop
- About 20 minutes
Get off at Genbikei Gorge
Bus Stop1 minute by walk -
-
Arrival!
Enjoy the signature dango while viewing the great nature
2 Genbikei Gorge
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▲From PIXTA「Genbikei Gorge」
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▲From PIXTA「Genbikei Gorge autumn leaves」
Just a 23-minute bus ride from Ichinoseki Station takes you to Genbikei, known for its breathtaking natural beauty. The gorge, carved over millennia by the Iwai River, features striking rock formations, giant boulders, and the clear stream that flows through, creating cascading waterfalls. Especially during the season of autumn leaves, colorful trees add color to the valley, and their beauty attracts visitors. There are also well-maintained pathways along the river, allowing for enjoyable walks to offer diverse views of the stunning landscapes.
Genbikei Gorge
- Address
- Takinokami, Genbi-cho, Ichinoseki, Iwate 021-0101 Japan
- Phone
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Ichinoseki Tourism Association:
+81-191-23-2350 - Access
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Car：20 minutes from Ichinoseki Station
Bus：Immediately at Genbikei Bus Stop - Business Hours
- Open all year
- Admission Fee
- Free
Get off at Genbikei bus stop1 minute by walk -
-
Arrival!
Right off the bus stop
3 Kakko-Dango
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▲From PIXTA「flying dango」
Furthermore, a famous attraction is the 'flying dango'. These dumplings, delivered across the gorge via rope from Kakko-Dango shop, are a popular treat among tourists. Enjoy them while admiring the beautiful scenery. It’s a perfect rest stop after exploring Genbikei.
If you stored your luggage in a coin locker at Ichinoseki Station, remember to collect your luggage before you leave. You can also use the coin lockers at Hiraizumi Station to store your luggage.
Here is some information about the coin lockers at Hiraizumi Station:
Coin Lockers outside the ticket gates (right side after exiting):
Payment can be made with cash or IC cards. There is also a coin exchange machine for your convenience.- ・Large: 12 lockers, ¥600 each
- ・Medium: 18 lockers, ¥500 each
- ・Small: 35 lockers, ¥400 each
Kakko-Dango
- Address
- 211 Takinokami, Genbi-cho, Ichinoseki
- Phone
- +81-191-29-2031
- Access
-
Car：20 minutes from Ichinoseki Station
Bus：Immediately off the Genbikei Bus Stop - Budget
- ¥500〜¥850
- Business Hours
-
9:30 AM to 2:30 PM (closes when sold out)
※Hours may vary slightly
※Operating period for 2024: March 15 (Friday) to November 30 (Saturday)
- Get on at Genbikei
bus stop - About 20 minutes by bus
-
Get off at the Ichinoseki Station bus stop
※Retrieve your luggage from the coin locker - Get on at Ichinoseki Station
on the Tohoku Main Line - 7 minutes by train
Hiraizumi Station
※Take out your luggage from the coin locker7 minutes walk -
-
Arrival!
Experience serenity in the beautiful gardens
4 Motsuji Temple
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▲From PIXTA「Motsuji Temple」
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▲From PIXTA「Motsuji Temple」
Motsuji Temple, established by the Oshu Fujiwara clan during the Heian period, continues to convey the history and culture of that era. In 1995, it was registered as part of the World Heritage site 'Hiraizumi - Temples, Gardens and Archaeological Sites Representing the Buddhist Pure Land', and highly esteemed from historians and scholars worldwide. The magnificent gardens, architecture, and beautiful natural surroundings attract visitors.
Motsuji Temple
- Address
- 58 Ohsawa, Hiraizumi, Hiraizumi-cho,
Nishiiwai-gun, Iwate, 029-4102 - Phone
- +81-191-46-2331
- Access
-
Wlak：7 minutes from Hiraizumi Station
Car：3 minutes from Hiraizumi Station
About 50 minutes from Morioka IC
About 15 minutes from Ichinoseki IC
About 10 minutes from Hiraizumi-Maezawa IC
5 minutes from Hiraizumi Smart IC (ETC only) - Business Hours
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8:30 AM - 5:00 PM
*November 5 to March 4: 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM - Admission Fee
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Adults: ¥700
High School Students: ¥400
Elementary & Middle School Students: ¥200
20 minute walk -
-
Arrival!
Special events and ceremonies may take place depending on the season.
5 Chusonji Temple
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▲From PIXTA「Chusonji Temple The Golden Hall」
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▲From PIXTA「Chusonji Temple Moon Viewing Slope」
Chusonji Temple, a significant temple symbolic of Japanese Buddhist culture and history. It maintains a wealth of architectural and artistic works that narrate the prosperity of the Oshu Fujiwara clan during the Heian period, overwhelming visitors with its majestic and august presence.
Chusonji Temple
- Address
- 202 Hiraizumi-Iseki, Hiraizumi-cho, Nishiiwai-gun, Iwate 029-4102
- Phone
- +81-191-46-2211
- Access
-
Car：About 5 minutes from Hiraizumi-Maezawa IC
Walk：Immediately at the Chusonji bus stop - Business Hours
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March 1 - November 3: 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM
November 4 to end of February: 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM
No closing days - Admission Fees
-
Adults: ¥1,000
High School Students: ¥700
Middle School Students: ¥500
Elementary School Students: ¥300
- Board at Chusonji Bus Stop
- About 4 minutes
-
Get off at Hiraizumi Station Bus Stop
※Take out your luggage from the coin locker - Board at Hiraizumi Station
- About 1 hour 20 minutes
Get off at Morioka Station1 minute walk -
-
Arrival!
Enjoy the Original Morioka Jajamen
6 Hakuryu
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▲From PIXTA「 Morioka Jajamen Hakuryu」
Hakuryu, located in Morioka City, is a well-known establishment recognized as the original creator of Jajamen. Since its founding, it has been well-loved by locals and has gained many fans. Hakuryu's Jajamen is characterized by its spicy and rich flavor. The medium-thick noodles are perfectly complemented by the spiciness of chili peppers, to create an appetizing dish. Despite its simplicity, the addictive taste has captivated many people.
Original Morioka Jajamen Hakuryu Fezan Branch
- Address
- Morioka Station Building, Fezan 1F, O-densekan, 1 Ekimae-dori, Morioka, Iwate
- Phone
- +81-19-623-5167
- Access
- 3-minute walk from JR Morioka Station, 32 meters
- Business Hours
- 11:00 AM - 9:30 PM (Last Order at 9:00 PM; Food Last Order at 8:45 PM)
- Budget
- ¥500〜¥1,000
- 1 minute walk
Move to around Bus
Terminal No.26 at
Morioka Station West ExitHotel guest-only shuttle
bus (advance reservation
required by 3 days before) -
-
Arrival!
Relieve the day's fatigue at Shizukuishi Takakura Onsen
H Shizukuishi Prince Hotel
Shizukuishi Prince Hotel is an all-season resort hotel with a golf course and ski resort on its grounds, with a breathtaking view of the majestic Mount Iwate right in front of you. The biggest attraction is the 'Nighttime Aerial Walk' via the Ginga Ropeway, offering stargazing and night views that can only be seen in the clear air. The hotel offers a rich array of activities that allow you to experience the enchanting natural surroundings.
Within the hotel, you'll find a variety of dining options, including course meals featuring local ingredients, a buffet restaurant, and the meticulously curated Shizukuishi Takakura Onsen. This hot spring, known as one of the rare moor springs in Japan, allows you to soak in the covered open-air bath made of cypress wood while relieving the fatigue of your journey. Additionally, the hotel provides a wealth of seasonal activities and events perfect for families.Shizukuishi Prince Hotel
- Address
- Takakura Onsen, Shizukuishi Town, Iwate District, Iwate Prefecture, 020-0593 Japan
- Phone
- +81-19-693-1111
- Access
-
Car / Taxi：About 20 minutes from Shizukuishi Station in normal traffic
Approximately 50 minutes from Morioka Station in normal traffic
Shuttle Bus for Hotel Guests (Reservation required 3 days in advance):
From the Front Entrance of Shizukuishi Station
From near Bus Terminal No.26 at Morioka Station West Exit
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DAY2
Explore around Morioka City
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START
A Paradise of Nature and Animals!
8 Koiwai Farm Makibaen
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▲From PIXTA「Koiwai Farm Makibaen」
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▲From PIXTA「Koiwai Farm Makibaen」
Koiwai Farm Makibaen is one of Japan's largest tourist farms, where you can enjoy the scenery of all four seasons. You can enjoy different beauty in every season of the year, such as cherry blossoms in spring, the lush green pastures in summer, autumn leaves in fall, and snowy landscapes in winter. The farm is home to animals like cows, sheep, and horses, allowing visitors to interact with them. You can also participate in various agricultural activities such as milking cows, making butter, and crafting sausages. The fresh milk, cheese, and ice cream made on the farm are especially delicious. Additionally, visitors can purchase the farm's special dairy products, meat products, and sweets, which are popular as souvenirs.
Koiwai Farm Makibaen
- Address
- 36-1 Maruyachi, Shizukuishi Town, Iwate District, Iwate, 020-0507 Japan
- Phone
- 019-692-4321（Office Hours: 9:00 AM - 5:30 PM）
- Access
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Car：15 minutes from Morioka IC
Taxi：About 30-40 minutes from JR Morioka Station
Bus：35 minutes from JR Morioka Station, Bus Stop No.10, bound for Koiwai Farm Makibaen - Business Hours
- 9:00 AM - 5:30 PM
- Admission Fee
-
Adults: ¥800
Children: ¥300
Pets: ¥500
- Board the bus at
Koiwai Farm Makibaen Bus Stop - 13 minutes bus
- Get off at Iwate Fusou-mae
Bus Stop - Board the bus at
Iwate Fusou-mae Bus Stop - About 4 minutes
Get off at Oirino Bus Stop8-minute walk -
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Arrival!
Enjoy A Rich Variety of Crafting Experiences
9 Morioka Handicraft Village
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▲From PIXTA「Morioka Handicraft Village」
Morioka Handicraft Village is an interactive tourist facility where visitors can deeply enjoy the local traditional crafts and food culture. For example, the village offers a wide range of crafting experiences, including Nambu ironware, Nambu senbei, kokeshi dolls, pottery, and dyeing. Guided by skilled craftsmen, you can enjoy the process of making your own unique creations.
Purchase of Local Products: At the Handicraft Village shop, you can buy handcrafted goods and foods made with great care by local artisans. The shop offers a variety of items perfect for souvenirs, such as Nambu ironware and Iwate specialties. You can also enjoy dishes and sweets made with fresh local ingredients.Morioka Handicraft Village
- Address
- 64-102 Oirino, Tsunagi, Morioka City, Iwate Prefecture, Japan
- Phone
- +81-19-689-2201
- Access
-
Car：About 25 minutes from Morioka Station
About 10 minutes from the Morioka IC on the Tohoku Expressway
Bus：About 30 minutes from Morioka Station - Business Hours
- 8:40 AM - 17:00 PM
- Admission Fee
-
Admission: Free
Experience activities: ¥100 to ¥2,500
7-minute walk -
-
Arrival!
Enjoy a refreshing lunch with Morioka cold noodles
10 Pyonpyonsha Cold Noodle Workshop
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▲Morioka Cold Noodle（Source：Pyonpyonsha Cold Noodle Workshop）
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▲Inside of workshop（Source：Pyonpyonsha Cold Noodle Workshop）
At Pyonpyonsha Cold Noodle Workshop, you can experience making Morioka Cold Noodle by hand and enjoy a tasty lunch. Guided by a professional, you can experience the entire process, from dough preparation to noodle shaping and boiling, and then enjoy tasting the finished cold noodle. Besides the handmade cold noodles, the workshop offers a wide range of Korean dishes, including yakiniku, bibimbap, and more, so you can enjoy authentic cuisine.
Pyonpyonsha Cold Noodle Workshop
- Address
- 64-119 Oirino, Tsunagi, Morioka City, Iwate, 020-0055 Japan
- Phone
- +81-120-470-473
- Access
-
Car：15 minutes from Morioka Station
Bus：25 minutes from Morioka Station, take the Iwateken Kotsu bus towards Tsunagi Onsen - Business Hours
-
10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
No regular closing day - Admission Fee
- ¥700 - ¥1,500
- 7-minutes walk
- Take Morioka Handmade Village
Front Bus Stop - About 30 minutes by bus
in normal time -
Get off at Chuodori 1-chome bus stop
Take the bus at Chuo-dori 1-chome Bus Stop - About 3 minutes by bus
in normal time
Get off at Saka-no-shita
Bus Stop about 3 minutes6-minute walk -
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Arrival!
Enjoy a beer after lunch!
11 Baeren brewery
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▲Source：From Baeren's official Instagram
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▲Source：From Baeren's official HP
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▲From Google「Baeren Brewery」
Founded in 2003, Baeren Brewery is a craft beer company that attracts beer lovers, tourists, and even non-drinkers. It utilizes historic brewing equipment from Germany, maintaining traditional methods of German beer production. The brewery offers guided tours where knowledgeable staff explain the process from selecting ingredients to brewing, fermenting, and bottling.
After the tour, you can enjoy a tasting session of Baeren’s finest craft beers, ranging from lagers and ales to seasonal varieties, providing an opportunity to find your preferred flavor.Baeren brewery
- Address
- 1-3-31 Kitayama, Morioka City, Iwate 020-0061
- Phone
- +81-19-6060-766
- Access
-
Car：10 minutes from Morioka Station
Walk：30 minutes from Morioka Station
10 minutes from Kami-Morioka Station - Business Hours
-
9:30 AM - 5:30 PM
Closed Days: Year-end and New Year holidays, January 22nd - Tour Fees
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Economy Class (without beer tasting): ¥200
Business Class (with beer tasting): ¥600
First Class (30-minute unlimited beer drinking course): ¥1,200
- About 20 minutes by bus
in normal traffic
GEt off at Morioka Station
Front Bus Stop5-minute walk -
-
Arrival!
Enjoy Maesawa beef for your final dinner!
12 Yakiniku & Cold Noodles Daidoen
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▲From PIXTA「Yakiniku & Cold Noodles Daidoen」
Daidoen offers authentic yakiniku using high-quality meat, including carefully selected Maesawa beef and Sendai beef, as well as fresh offal. The signature dish here is the original 'Negi-tan shio'. Another popular choice is the cold noodles, known for their homemade noodles and special broth. The firm noodles and refreshing soup pair excellently with yakiniku. The cold noodles can be enjoyed on their own, making them a great option for a light meal. In addition to yakiniku and cold noodles, Daidoen offers a diverse menu that includes side dishes, à la carte items, and creative dishes using local ingredients.
Yakiniku & Cold Noodles Daidoen
- Address
- 1-44 Morioka Station Front Street, Morioka Station Building Fezan Odense Hall 1F, Morioka City, Iwate, 020-0034
- Phone
- +81-19-601-5506
- Access
- 1 minute walk from Morioka Station
- Business Hours
-
Lunch and Dinner: 11:00 AM – 8:00 PM (Last Order at 7:30 PM)
No regular holidays - Budget
- ¥1,000〜¥2,000
End of the trip
Next, step into a real journey.
The Prince Hotel is ready to make your trip vibrant,
offering accommodations and leisure facilities that are perfect for sightseeing.Summary
Explore the enchantments of Iwate with a stay at the Shizukuishi Prince Hotel.
This time, it has introduced a model itinerary for touring Iwate by train.
Shizukuishi Prince Hotel is highly recommended for visitors; it offers a variety of hospitality options, including the scenic Shizukuishi Takakura Hot Springs, a golf course, and a Japanese and Western buffet featuring flavors of northeastern Japan. Make sure to stay at Shizukuishi Prince Hotel when visiting Iwate.
Find the recommendation plans
of the Shizukuishi Prince Hotel -
- Day 1
- Day 2
- *The photo is for illustrative purposes only. The actual content may differ.
- *The content may be subject to change.
The best views are at Prince.
Experience breathtaking scenery with all your senses.
Enjoy breathtaking rooms with significant views.
Unwind in hot springs beneath an incredibly close starry sky.
Savor dinners surrounded by enchanting night views.
Experience unique "spectacular nature" that makes your trip special.
Come and immerse yourself in unforgettable natural beauty.