Takuboku Ishikawa Song Memorial

The memorial stone engraved with the song My father though sixty came into his inheritance and listens at the feet of the priest stands in the grounds of the Daisenin Temple, Tairadate, NishineTown. Takuboku's father was from Tairadate. He entered the priesthood at Daisenin Temple. Here too stands the family grave of Takuboku. And in Tairadate Station is a tablet engraved with For a lark I carried my mother on my back but fell to laughing at her lightness and could not go three steps.

Access

70 minutes by car from Shizukuishi Prince Hotel

Koiwai Farm

A general farm, sprawling over the foothills of Mt. Iwate. It covers 3,000 ha and in its grounds it has a dairy and other production facilities, as well as places where you can get close to nature and animals, and many other attractions, including restaurants. You can also try your hand at horseriding or milking a cow, so it is a popular family attraction. When you are there, be sure to try some fresh milk, and ice cream made from it.

Access

15 minutes by car from the Shizukuishi Prince Hotel

Morioka Handi-works Square

Situated on Lake Gosho, this facility houses a workshop making traditional handicrafts such as furniture, pottery, and Nambu ironmongery, sweets and Nambu rice crackers, and a reconstructed Nambu bent style farmhouse from 120 years ago, as well as a center for promoting local industry. You can take a tour around the 14 different workshops and experience the art and soul of the artisans. There is also a hands-on workshop where you can try out your own skills!!

Access

25 minutes by car from Shizukuishi Prince Hotel

Hachiman Marsh, Towada-Hachimantai National Park

Connected to the Nasu volcanic belt, this is made up about 40 volcanoes that erupted during the Quaternary Era, and signs of its activity can still be seen at places like Mt. Iwate and Mt. Yake. These geological forms are many and varied, such as aspites (shield vocanoes: Hanchimantai), konidees (stratovocanoes: Mt. Iwate, Komagatake), tholoides (bell-shaped volcanoes: Mt. Yake), aspitholoides (bell-shaped shield volcanoes: Chausudake), and others, and many have crater lakes and lava flows. Also, in thermal areas such as Goshogake Hot Spring and Tamagawa Hot Spring, volcanic action such as geysers, fumaroles, and boiling mud is still active, earning the area the nickname The Volcano Museum.

Access

2 hours by car from the Shizukuishi Prince Hotel

Lake Gosho and Flying Swans

This area is famous as a place where swans migrate to in winter. The multipurpose dam built in 1981 allowed the creation of a lake where in summer you can go canoeing or board sailing, and where there are leisure spots around the edge.

Access

25 minutes by car from Shizukuishi Prince Hotel

Ryusendo Caves

The Ryusendo Caves are one of the three biggest caves in Japan, and designated as a National Natural Monument. What has been explored of the cave system is already over 2,500m long, and it is hypothesized that its total length is more than 5,000m. Also, from its depths fresh spring water wells out in several places, creating subterranean lakes. Among them, the Third Subterranean Lake is 98m deep, and the Fourth Subterranean Lake is 120m deep, the deepest in Japan, and boasts some of the clearest water in the world. The pure, unadulterated lake water breathes the wholesomeness of nature and the endless stalactites within the cave lure you into a different, haunting world where the wonders and mystery of nature are revealed.

Access

2 hours by car from the Shizukuishi Prince Hotel

Jodogahama Beach, Rikuchu Coast

This is one of the most scenic parts of the Rikuchu Coast National Park. Pure white rocks jut from the azure sea to form tiny islands. Pine trees on the cliffs add a subtle touch of color, creating a natural masterpiece. Reikyo Osho, who visited here some 300-odd years ago, is said to have named it when he exclaimed This is just like Jodo (Paradise). From the sightseeing ship Rikuchu-maru (required time: 40 mins) you can see Candle Rock and the Blowhole up close.

Access

2 hours by car from the Shizukuishi Prince Hotel

Kenji Miyazawa Memorial Hall

Kenji Miyazaki, the poet and children's author who created such classics as Night on the Galactic Railroad

Access

70 minutes by car from Shizukuishi Prince Hotel

The Golden Hall of Chosonji Temple

Over 3,000 National Treasures and Important Cultural Properties are housed here showing the glories of the Oshu Fujiwara Clan, which built a golden culture.

Access

100 minutes by car from Shizukuishi Prince Hotel

Genbi Gorge

On both sides of the Iwai River, which has its source on Mt. Kurikoma, the gorge extends for about 2km of fantastically-shaped rocks. The banks of the river, woven between steep grey cliffs and the clear water, are painted in spring by cherry blossoms, in early summer by azaleas, and in autumn by the red and yellow leaves. At Higashiya you can taste gakko dumplings brought across from the other side of the river in a basket.

Access

2 hours by car from Shizukuishi Prince Hotel, 50 minutes by car from Kanegasaki Golf Course Lodge.

Geibi Gorge

Designated a place of scenic beauty in 1925, Geibi Gorge is counted as one the Hundred Views of Japan. The gorge is on a tributary of the Kitakami River, the Satetsu River, and you can enjoy the gorge atmosphere with a boat trip down the 2km length lined with sheer cliffs. In spring, the wisteria blossoms, in summer, the deep cool verdure, in autumn the maple leaves, and in winter the Warming Table (kotatsu) Boat for Looking at the Snowscape (Dec. to Feb.).

Access

2 hours by car from the Shizukuishi Prince Hotel

Imperial Ruins Yanagino

Terraces along the River Kitakami extend from the foot of Takadachi. The quantity and quality of its remains and relics stand out among the ruins of the 12th century Hiraizumi. It is considered that the "Azuma Kagami" House is highly likely to be Hiraizumi-Kan (city hall). Now this site is open to public as a historic park.

Chuson-ji Temple Daimonji Okuribi

When a day goes down on August 16th, the last day of the Obon Festival, and the ridgeline of Mt. Tabashine and the night sky come together, the fire makes "Dai" (Great) character in a stroke order.

Chuson-ji Temple Autumn Fujiwara Festival

Chigo Gyouretsu (a child in a festival precession), local entertainment, and the Chusonji Noh performance are performed under the beautiful autumnal leaves.