9 Otherworldly Places to Visit in Iwate: Timeless Realms and Natural Wonders

This underground space is counted among Japan’s three great limestone caves. Of its total length of 4,088 m, Approx. 700 m is open to the public, and several underground lakes and stalactites continue inside the cave. Highlights include the mysterious space created by nature and the underground lakes formed by water springing from the limestone cave.
Features include the straight passage known as Hyakken Roka and the cave environment where bats live. Spots with names such as Chomei no Izumi and Ryu no Fuchi appear one after another, giving a sense of depth as the scenery changes the farther you walk.

This limestone cave exposes strata and fossils from Approx. 350 million years ago just as they are. As you move through its long, narrow passages, traces of the ancient world overlap with the space of the present.
Inside the cave, slender passages continue, creating a mystical landscape dotted with stalactites such as icicle-shaped formations and underground lakes that glow emerald green. Fossils of sea lilies, coral, and more remain on the walls, making it a place where you can observe the geology itself. The exhibition hall also offers explanations of fossils and strata. With each step, the feeling of tracing layers of time steadily builds.

A museum where you can experience the history and culture of amber, ancient tree resin transformed over time.
Amber from the Kuji region belongs to the Late Cretaceous period of the Mesozoic era, the age of dinosaurs Approx. 90 million years ago, and is said to be among the oldest amber used for jewelry and other decorative items.
In addition to exhibits on how amber forms and the history of trade, the museum offers mining and processing experiences. Take time to encounter materials that connect past and present, including ancient landscapes recreated in dioramas and amber containing insects.

This waterside area is known as a setting for folk tales passed down in Tono. Along the small stream that flows behind Jokenji Temple, the legend still lives on.
The stream behind this old temple is called Kappabuchi Pool, and legend says that many kappa once lived there and played tricks on people.
Around the pool, customs involving small shrines and offerings remain, creating a landscape where faith and legend overlap. The temple grounds also have kappa guardian dogs, another point of interest showing how the stories remain in physical form.

This temple is striking for its hall built as if nestled against a rock wall. It is said to have been founded by the shogun Sakanoue no Tamuramaro.
Over its long history, fires from war and various disasters took their toll, and the current fifth-generation Bishamondo was rebuilt in 1961. Bishamonten is enshrined inside the hall, and the grounds preserve many forms of faith, including a cliff-carved Buddha and Bentendo Hall. The space where rock wall and architecture become one carries a tension found nowhere else.

This is one of the representative cliff landscapes of the Sanriku Coast. Cliffs 200 m high continue for Approx. 8 km, and the dynamic scenery has earned the area the nickname “Alps of the Sea.”
From the observatory, you can take in a sweeping view of sheer rock walls dropping toward the sea. Several observation decks and walking trails are in place, making it easy to enjoy the scenery from different angles. When sea fog appears, the cliffs fade into a misty, dreamlike scene. Experience the vastness created by the sea and landforms.

A waterfall with a distinctive form, gently flowing down over a massive rock.
The waterfall flows over a giant rock measuring 8.5 m high and 30 m wide, and it has been selected as part of the nationally designated Place of Scenic Beauty “Ihatov Landscape.”
The sight of multiple streams separating into lines and falling into the basin combines strength with calm. Walking paths and poetry monuments are maintained nearby, so you can visit while enjoying a stroll. Spend a while surrounded by the sound of water.

A gorge landscape carved by the river over many years.
The Iwai River, which has its source on Mount Kurikoma, eroded massive rocks, creating a chain of unusual rock formations that extends for Approx. 2 km.
The powerful current upstream and the calm water surface downstream create a contrast, revealing different expressions from place to place. The richly varied scenery formed by rock and water changes in impression with every step. Explore while sensing the depth of the gorge.

This gorge runs along the Satetsu River, with cliffs 50–100 m high lining both banks.
Its fantastical scenery, dotted with unusual rocks, caves, and waterfalls, is counted among the 100 Landscapes of Japan and is also designated as a National Historic Site, Place of Scenic Beauty, and Natural Monument.
By taking a boat ride down the river, you can experience the scenery up close from the water. Along the way, you can also get off the boat to see unusual rock formations or try throwing lucky stones into a wish-making hole.
The time spent moving forward with the boatman’s song becomes a memorable experience unique to this gorge.