Fan Notes - Iwate

Iwate Prefecture　岩手県「いわてけん」

Iwate area overview

Iwate Prefecture is located in the central part of the Tohoku region. It is an area surrounded by rich nature along the Sanriku coast facing the Pacific Ocean.

Iwate Prefecture has three main characteristics.

The first is abundant nature. Iwate Prefecture has a long coastline facing the Pacific Ocean and is blessed with an abundance of seafood. Additionally, it is surrounded by mountains such as the Ou Mountains and the Kitakami Highlands, and is rich in mountain vegetables and mushrooms.

The second is history and culture. Iwate Prefecture has been a prosperous region since ancient times. Many historical buildings remain, including world heritage sites such as Hiraizumi's Konjikido and Chusonji Temple. The area is also known for its thriving traditional performing arts and culture, and is associated with many great writers. Famous include Kenji Miyazawa, a fairy tale writer from Hanamaki City, and Takuboku Ishikawa, a poet from Morioka City, as well as Kotaro Takamura, who was evacuated to the home of Kenji's relatives, and Kunio Yanagida, who wrote "Tono Monogatari".

The third is food culture. Iwate Prefecture is characterized by its many dishes that make use of rich ingredients such as seafood and wild vegetables. B-class gourmet dishes such as Wanko Soba and Jajamen are also popular.

If you are traveling to Iwate Prefecture, be sure to visit the following spots.

- Hiraizumi : This is a town where historical buildings such as Chuson-ji Temple and Konjiki-do Temple remain, which are registered as World Heritage Sites. Nearby is Geibikei Gorge, famous for its flying dumplings and a beautiful valley designated as a place of scenic beauty and a natural monument.

- Sanriku Coast : Kitayamazaki Observation Deck is a natural scenic spot with a 200m high cliff, strangely shaped rocks, sea caves of various sizes, and a dynamic coastline that stretches for about 8km.

- Mt. Iwate: One of Japan's 100 Famous Mountains, this mountain represents Iwate Prefecture.

And, in the Tohoku region on the Pacific side, the remains of the Great East Japan Earthquake that occurred in 2011 have been maintained and remain. Many of them are scattered along the overseas coast.　Check here for more detail.→ 3.11 Densho Road Promotion Organization

Charm of Iwate's food culture

Iwate Prefecture is a mountainous region such as the Ou Mountains and the Kitakami Highlands, and is a treasure trove of mountain produce such as wild plants in the spring, mushrooms in the fall, and river fish. Preserved foods have developed in this region, and meals are now made with plenty of salted and dried wild vegetables, frozen daikon radish, and frozen tofu.

Furthermore, due to the harsh climate, not only rice but also many other grains such as wheat flour, buckwheat, soybeans, takaki millet, and amaranth have been cultivated. As a result, many local dishes are made with locally grown grains.

In addition, the Sanriku coast is an ideal environment where warm and cold currents collide, making it a favorable environment for many fish, crustaceans, and seaweed. Therefore, you can enjoy dishes made with fresh seafood and seafood.

These food cultures reflect the natural environment and history of Iwate Prefecture, and have a strong regional character. Please experience Iwate Prefecture's rich food culture through these foods.

Morioka leh-men

Recommended menu in Iwate

Iwate Prefecture has a lot of delicious gourmet food. Here are some recommendations:

- Morioka Three Great Noodles : Three noodle dishes called cold noodles(leh-men), jajamen, and wanko soba are famous.

- Fresh seafood from Sanriku : Iwate Prefecture faces the Pacific Ocean, and the Sanriku region is known for its fresh and abundant seafood. You can enjoy dishes made with fresh seafood and seafood.

- Iwate Wagyu (Maesawa Beef) : Wagyu beef from Iwate Prefecture is known for its high-quality meat, and can be enjoyed in dishes such as yakiniku and shabu-shabu. Beef is carefully raised locally as a fresh ingredient, and the exquisite balance of fat brings out the deliciousness.

- Tono Genghis Khan : Mutton, which has been eaten in Tono City for a long time, is marinated in a special miso sauce and topped with onions. A dish grilled on an iron plate with garlic sprouts

- Kitakami Croquette: A local gourmet dish in Kitakami City. A taro-based croquette with Iwate beef and asparagus.