The "Cultural Heritage of Hiraizumi" was registered as a World Heritage Site in 2011. Chuson-ji Temple is famous for its gorgeous golden Konjikido (Konjikido), but there is much more to see, including Benkei-do, Yakushido, and the main hall!


Chuson-ji was founded in 850 by the great priest Jikaku Daishi Ennin, and in the early 12th century, Kiyohira, the first generation of the Oshu Fujiwara clan, began the construction of a large hall and pagoda. Kiyohira, who had lost his family in the war, is said to have expressed his wish for a peaceful ideal society based on the teachings of Buddha. Hiraizumi prospered as a gold-producing area, and Motohira the second, followed by Hidehira the third, flourished for nearly 100 years until Yasuhira the fourth was destroyed by the Minamoto clan. Konjikido, National Treasure No. 1, is the culmination of the craftsmanship of the time, including mother-of-pearl inlay, openwork carving, and lacquer maki-e. The "Sankozo" houses Buddhist statues and other valuable cultural assets. As a treasure house of Buddhist art representative of eastern Japan, the museum preserves the history and prosperity of the Oshu Fujiwara clan.


The temple is also attractive for its seasonal changes in appearance: cherry blossoms in spring, fresh greenery in summer, autumn leaves in fall, snow in winter, and the building and its natural surroundings.

Kesennuma Umi-no-ichi is a tourist and product facility adjacent to the Kesennuma Fish Market where you can find all kinds of seafood from the Sanriku region. On the first floor, there are stores and restaurants selling seafood landed at Kesennuma Port and processed seafood products made from them, and on the second floor, there is a tourist service center and Japan's only shark museum, the Shark Museum. The Tourism Service Center, which is staffed at all times, provides information on the city's attractions, eating out, lodging, etc., while the Shark Museum features real models of sharks and exhibits that explain the mysterious ecology of sharks in an easy-to-understand manner, offering a wealth of surprises and attractions unique to Kesennuma, the largest shark catch in Japan. The museum is full of surprises and attractions unique to Kesennuma, which boasts the largest catch of sharks in Japan. In addition, the "Reconstruction Theater" in the museum presents a 15-minute video showing the earthquake disaster, reconstruction, and progress toward the future as seen through the eyes of local citizens.

In addition to the Kesennuma Bay Cruise, which is operated regularly during the tourist season, we can offer a variety of on-board event cruises, such as chartered cruises (up to 300 people) and Kesennuma Bay sunset & night cruising (planned on an irregular basis).

In the tsunami that struck Japan at the time of the Great East Japan Earthquake of 2011, a total of 70,000 pine trees were knocked down and washed away along this stretch of coast. Only one withstood the raging waters and remains to this day the “Miracle Lone Pine Tree.” A 2km stretch of this coastline was once filled with pines, but today only this single tree remains. Near the tree is the mangled wreckage of a building that used to be a youth hostel and it stands today in silent witness to the power of the earthquake and tsunami. Although the disaster inflicted tremendous damage on the region, the Miracle Lone Pine Tree was a source of reassurance to the people who sought to rebuild their lives.
Subsequently the roots of the tree rotted due to seawater infiltration and the tree was confirmed to have died. However, the “Miracle Lone Pine Tree Preservation Project” was launched out of a desire to retain this symbol of hope for future generations and it was preserved as a monument. It is visited by many people both by day and by night, who stand in front of it and pray for reconstruction.

The museum was built together with Roadside Station Takada Matsubara in Takada Matsubara Tsunami Reconstruction Memorial Park to convey the facts of the Great East Japan Earthquake that occurred in Iwate Prefecture through images and photographs of what was actually damaged and what was captured at the time, and at the same time to powerfully convey the lessons of the Great East Japan Earthquake so that the sorrows of that time will never be repeated.

Cassen Ofunato is a commercial facility that opened in April 2017 within the Ofunato Station area, a central area of the city that suffered major tsunami damage.The facility is mainly occupied by local stores as tenants, and is divided into eight sections, including restaurants featuring delicious Sanriku seafood, souvenir facilities, and lodging facilities.

A nursery school building in the fishing village of Hakozaki Shirahama has been renovated and reborn as a stay-and-go accommodation facility where you can experience the lifestyle and hospitality unique to a fishing village.You can experience the unique lifestyle and hospitality of a fishing village, and taste "exquisite beach cuisine" prepared by fishermen's mothers, using a wide variety of seasonal seafood from the local Sanriku area.
Note: There is no public transportation.There is no public transportation. If you are coming by car, please ask for a pick-up service when you make a reservation.

Jodogahama Beach in the Sanriku Geopark is located within the Sanriku Fukko National Park and is officially recognised as a place of scenic beauty. The beach sits on a peaceful inlet formed by volcanic white rocks and pebbles and contrasts beautifully with the surrounding green pine grove, reminding visitors of the beauty of traditional Japanese rock gardens. Legend has it that a Buddhist priest who once visited compared the beach’s beauty to Buddha’s Paradise giving rise to the name Jodogahama (Buddha’s Paradise Beach).
The calm beach is a popular bathing location during summer and is regularly listed as one of Japan’s best swimming locations.
Pleasure boat cruises are also available. Departing from Jodogahama, passengers have the chance to feed flocks of black-tailed gulls while enjoying the superb views of the national natural treasure Shiofuki-ana, the sheer cliffs of Anegasaki Cape and Hidejima Island.
Visitors can learn the history of the local area and its marine life at the nearby Jodogahama visitor centre and Iwate Marine Science Museum before heading along the walking trails to observation decks offering panoramic views of the beach and the Pacific Ocean. The Jodogahama Rest House is the perfect place for a break offering a range of local dishes and souvenirs with wonderful coastal views.
Boat tours to Hachinoheana, known as the Blue Cave, are available from the Jodogahama Marine House. The tour weaves through dynamic coastal landscapes before reaching the incredible blue waters within the cave. A morning tour is particularly recommended as this is when the emerald green of the ocean water is at its most impressive.
Kenji Miyazawa, a famous poet and writer of fairy tales, is among the well-known visitors to Jodogahama. Enjoy the stunning scenery of this beach long-compared to Buddha’s Paradise!
A thematic journey in the Tohoku region:Nature・Spectacles

Ryusendo Cave is one of the three largest limestone caves in Japan and was designated as a national natural monument in 1938 as "Iwaizumi Yungkutsu and Bats.The total length of the caves, which are still being investigated, is estimated to be over 5,000 meters.The total length confirmed by the latest survey is over 4,088m, with a height difference of ±195m.About 700 m of the site is open to the public as a sightseeing course, with the highlights being the mysterious cave space that stretches in a straight line from the entrance and the underground lake with abundant clear water and a "dragon blue" glow.
Visitors can tour from the first underground lake, which was discovered during a survey in the 1930s, to the third underground lake, which boasts a maximum depth of 98 meters.The mineral-rich water from Ryusendo, nurtured by the surrounding forest area, is used as the water supply for the town of Iwaizumi and is also popular as a souvenir.
The Kikugashira bats, which live in Ryusendo, are often seen here, and five other bat species have been confirmed to inhabit the caves, including bats that visit the caves to overwinter.Do not touch them and observe them gently!
You can also enjoy the Ryusendo New Cave Science Museum, which is accessible with a common ticket with Ryusendo.This is a science museum using a natural cave with approximately 200 meters of limestone caves open to the public.Located right across from the entrance to Ryusendo, the museum features stalactites of various shapes nurtured in ancient strata.Ruins that are thought to date back to the early Jomon period have also been found, and earthenware, ornaments, shells, and other artifacts have been excavated.

The Kuji region is known as Japan's largest amber-producing area. The Kuji Amber Museum is the only museum dedicated to amber where it has been mined for a long time in Japan.
In the movie Jurassic Park, the fossils of mosquitoes trapped in amber are used to extract dinosaur DNA and recreate the once-extinct creatures in the modern day. Amber from the Kuji area precisely dates to the late Cretaceous period in the Mesozoic Era. Recently, fossilised insects trapped in amber have been discovered one after another, which are like time capsules that have captured prehistoric time. You can see the full mysteries of the earth in these precious amber specimens.
You can also go into the field outside with an ice pick or spade to experience amber mining the Cretaceous stratum under the guidance of museum staff, and try your hand at making amber balls and accessory crafts (reservation required, extra fees apply).
A thematic journey in the Tohoku region:Art galleries・Museums

There are eight quaint yokochoes in the central city of Hachinohe, ranging from quaint alleys that have existed since the 1945s to newer eating and drinking districts that extend to the upper floors of buildings. These side streets are all within walking distance of each other, and visitors can enjoy a back-alley sake tasting experience that is like stepping back in time to the Showa period, in search of local cuisine using seasonal ingredients and a variety of locally brewed sake.

Oirase Mountain Stream is one of the most popular attractions in Tohoku and has been awarded two stars in the Michelin Green Guide. The stream stretching for 14km is home to boundless scenic beauty. The journey between viewing highlights can be made by car or bus however walking the route is particularly recommended in order to enjoy this spectacle to its fullest, the extra time and effort are highly rewarded! While walking through the natural green tunnels of the trail, visitors can appreciate the beauty of the vibrant mosses and foliage, breathe in the forest air, and be dazzled by the dance of the sunshine filtering through the overhead foliage on the sparkling water surface.
Photography enthusiasts in particular should walk from the lower to the upper stream to find the ideal vantage points of the natural light shining on the stream and surrounding foliage. The trail is an easy walk without any challenging climbs. The four-hour full trekking route from the pleasure boat pier of Lake Towada (Nenokuchi bus stop) to Yakeyama bus stop close to the Oirase Stream Museum is as follows:
Nenokuchi - (20min) - Choshi Otaki - (50min) - Kumoi no Nagare - (30min) - Kumoi no Taki - (30m) - Makado Iwa - (15min) – Ishigedo - (70min) - Yakeyama
The best time to enjoy the area’s verdant greens is from mid-May to mid-June. Gorgeous autumn leaves are at their best from mid to late October. Journey times may be slower due to traffic congestion during these peak seasons. Beat the crowd by starting your trek in the early morning and you will also have the chance to see the fantastic morning dews sparkling in the sunshine filtering through the foliage.

The Kenashi-Paradise Line is a downhill trekking course that traverses the central part of Kenashitai.You can enjoy the fresh green and red leaves of the mountains and alpine flora in each season.You will trek about 7 km with a guide.The tour guide will accompany you, so even first-time trekkers can enjoy the tour without any worries.

Sukayu Onsen is located in Towada-Hachimantai National Park. It was designated as "National Recreational Hot Spring Resort No. 1" in 1954 in recognition of its outstanding hot spring benefits, abundant spring water, spacious accommodations, pure natural environment, convenient transportation, and low rates. The famous "Hiba Senninburo" baths are 160 tatami in size, and the culture of mixed bathing still exists today (women-only hours are available in the morning and evening). A variety of rooms are available, from quaint Touji rooms to Western-style rooms with beds, where you can relax and unwind from the daily stress.

Four of the large Nebuta floats that have been used in the Nebuta Festival are on display. Aomori Nebuta Festival experience is available every day.
【Main Facilities】　Visitors can learn about the history of the Nebuta Festival and how it works.　　(1) Live Nebuta music performance and hands-on experience of the Nebuta Festival and its music 11:10, 13:10, 15:10, 17:10 (20 minutes each)　   (2) Nebuta Operation Showings: 9:30, 10:00, 10:30, 11:00, 11:30, 12:00, 12:30, 13:00, 13:30, 14:00, 14:30, 15:00, 15:30, 16:00, 16:30, 17:00, 17:30 (10 minutes each)　　(18:00 and 18:30 added from May to August)　　Hours of Operation　Nebuta Museum May-August 9:00-19:00, September-April 9:00-18:00 (last admission 30 minutes before)　Store May-August 9:00-19:30 September-April 9:00-18:30　Restaurant May-August Lunch time 11:00-15:00 (15:00-20:00) September-April 11:00-15:00 (15:00-19:00) *Reservations required for times in parentheses.
　One hour free parking for Nebuta Museum Hall visitors　　　Discounts for the disabled are available.
(Information as of September 25, 2024)

Experience the Jomon period in its entirety! You can wear the Jomon clothes on loan and walk freely in the ruins. Projection mapping will begin in the museum in April, 2008.

Inspired by the excavation site of the Sannai-Maruyama Ruins, the building was designed by the spirited architect Jun Aoki. Visitors can view works by artists associated with Aomori Prefecture, such as Chagall's 9m x 15m stage background painting for his large-scale ballet "Areco," as well as works by Yoshitomo Nara, Shiko Munakata, and Shuji Terayama.This is a space where visitors can experience Aomori's unique artistic creation scene.