Hey there, fellow travelers! Mark here, your friendly American backpacker, fresh off an incredible adventure in Iwate, Japan. You might know me from my explorations across Asia, and let me tell you, Iwate just blew me away. After exploring Miyagi, I ventured north to this stunning prefecture, and I'm here to spill the tea on why you need to add it to your travel bucket list. This region boasts unparalleled natural beauty, from breathtaking gorges to serene hot springs. Forget the bustling cityscapes for a while and immerse yourself in the tranquility of Iwate. It's a perfect destination for those seeking an authentic Japanese experience away from the usual tourist traps.
Cruising Through Paradise: Geibikei Gorge
I'll be honest, I wasn't always a huge fan of rivers and streams. But my trip to Geibikei Gorge completely changed my perspective. This stunning gorge, rightfully selected as one of Japan's top 100 scenic spots, offers an 80-minute boat tour that will leave you speechless. Forget just seeing the water – you'll be cruising through the canyon, surrounded by towering cliffs and lush greenery.
But the fun doesn't stop there. Midway through the tour, the boat docks at a small island where you can disembark and explore. From there, you'll walk to a cliff face where you can test your luck by throwing "lucky stones" into a natural opening in the rock. Each stone represents a different kind of fortune – wealth, luck, love, you name it. You choose three and try to toss them into the hole, which is quite a distance away (I'd guess about 8 meters). I shared the boat with a group of baseball players who were incredibly accurate, hitting their targets every time. Me? Not so much. Let's just say my husband encouraged me to "try harder" after my first stone plummeted straight into the water. It's a fun activity for all ages, though!
Before you board the boat, grab some locally made snacks at the vendor near the dock. Imagine cruising through the misty gorge, surrounded by stunning rock formations, while enjoying delicious treats. It's pure bliss.
The "Flying Dumplings" of Genbikei Gorge
After the magic of Geibikei, I wondered how any other gorge could compare. Enter Genbikei Gorge, known as the most beautiful gorge in Japan. Yes, you heard that right: Geibikei is a top 100 spot, but Genbikei holds the title of the most beautiful.
Genbikei is a feast for the eyes, no matter the season. Cherry blossoms in spring, vibrant greenery in summer, fiery foliage in autumn, and pristine snow in winter. There's a lovely walking path along the gorge, perfect for a leisurely stroll if you're driving. But the real highlight, for everyone from solo travelers to tour groups, is the "flying dumplings."
Here's how it works: on one side of the gorge, there's a pavilion with a wooden board and mallet. You knock on the board to signal the folks on the other side. They send over a basket attached to a rope pulley system, with a sign indicating the 500 yen price. You place your money in the basket, send it back, and voila! They send back a basket filled with delicious dumplings and hot tea. You get to enjoy this local delicacy right there, surrounded by the breathtaking beauty of Genbikei Gorge. It's an experience unlike any other.
| Gorge | Description | Key Features |
|---|---|---|
| Geibikei | One of Japan's top 100 scenic spots | Boat tour, lucky stone throwing, cliff views |
| Genbikei | Japan's most beautiful gorge | Flying dumplings, scenic walking path |
Relax and Rejuvenate: Hanamaki Onsen
After a day of exploring gorges, it's time to unwind. Before heading home from Hanamaki Airport (yes, the Hanamaki, home of Shohei Ohtani!), I highly recommend spending a night at Hanamaki Onsen. This hot spring resort boasts twelve different types of onsen waters, so you're sure to find the perfect one for you.
I stayed at the Senkyaku, one of four established onsen hotels in the area, including the Momiji-kan, Hanamaki Hotel, and Kashoen (which has even hosted the Japanese Emperor!). These hotels are interconnected, so you can actually access the different onsen at each hotel, regardless of where you're staying. Talk about options!
Some of the must-try baths include the rose bath and the open-air rock bath. And if traditional Japanese-style (tatami) rooms aren't your thing, don't worry. They offer a variety of room types, from mixed style to Western-style, to accommodate everyone's needs.
As with most onsen hotels in Japan, Senkyaku offers a one-night stay with two meals (dinner and breakfast). Even in Iwate, you can still indulge in local delicacies like gyutan (grilled beef tongue) and succulent crab legs. All this for around $180 per person, including meals and accommodation. That's a steal!
So, there you have it – my unforgettable adventure in Iwate. From stunning gorges to relaxing hot springs, this prefecture has something for everyone. If you're looking for an authentic Japanese experience away from the crowds, add Iwate to your list. You won't regret it.
