
Chūson-ji
Iwate Prefecture
Established in AD 850 by the priest Ennin, the Chūson-ji complex was expanded by the Ōshu Fujiwara family in the 12th century. A total of 300 buildings…
Shutterstock / Thanya Jones
The glorious temples of Hiraizumi are among only a few physical reminders of the turbulent feudal past of Iwate Prefecture (岩手県; Iwate-ken), but there are nonetheless plenty of opportunities for exploration in Japan's second-largest prefecture. Sleepy valleys, a rugged coastline and high, lush mountains attract discerning hikers and those looking for a tree-change, but it’s perhaps the Tōno Valley, where countless folk tales are still born and told, where travellers will glimpse that all-too-rare Lost Japan.
Iwate Prefecture
Established in AD 850 by the priest Ennin, the Chūson-ji complex was expanded by the Ōshu Fujiwara family in the 12th century. A total of 300 buildings…
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Wildlife & Nature
Why Japan’s Michinoku Coastal Trail is the best hike I’ve ever doneNov 19, 2019 • 8 min read
Get to the heart of Iwate Prefecture with one of our in-depth, award-winning guidebooks, covering maps, itineraries, and expert guidance.