Ichinoseki, the second largest city in Iwate Prefecture, both in size and population. The centre of economics, culture and education in southern Iwate and northern Miyagi, it functions as a hub of the centre of MiyagiTohoku.
Gorges of Genbikei
Genbikei, designated a natural monument and a picturesque place of beauty, is a magnificent spectacle at any time of year. No wonder Genbikei won the admiration of the feudal lord, Date Masamune, who had made this land his territory. It is said that he built a tea ceremony room and ordered the planting of cherry trees along the throat. The ‘Teizan Cherry Blossom’, over 350 years old, is named after Lord Taizen, the pen name of Date Masamune.
Genbikei is home to sparkling emerald green waters and impressive rock walls formed by the ashes deposited by Mount Kurikoma. The trails on either side of the gorge offer spectacular views. Genbikei is particularly popular in spring, for daffodils and cherry trees in flowers or autumn, for golden shades of foliage that contrast with emerald water. Snowy winters are beautiful but shops and restaurants are usually closed at this time.
Genbekei is also popular for its unique way of ordering dango (mochi-based pellets), named kakkou dango. To place an order, put the money in the basket and then hit on the wooden board. The basket is then raised, before returning to you with your dango.
Geibekei Gorges
Geibikei, in Iwate Prefecture, is considered one of the most beautiful gorges in Japan and is one of the 100 landscapes of Japan. The boats sail every day all year long, allowing you a quiet walk along the water to enjoy the magnificent views whatever the season.
Garden of Hortensias
Michinoku Garden is certified by the Japan Hydrangea Association as Japan’s first garden of hortensias. The magical forest has 40,000 plants, 400 types of different shapes and colours.
The garden has 3 main trails: the 1.2 km Okuhime route, the 900 m Kurenai route and the 650 m Miyama route. It is possible to borrow them all because they are connected between them, it will take a few hours to go around. These trails are accessible by cart if available, but most people walk through them. Small roads through the garden can only be travelled on foot.
Pokemon train
The train connects Ichinoseki to Kesennuma with some fun stops along the way.
The train does not operate every day, usually on Saturdays and Sundays (see here days of service: https://www.jreast.co.jp/e/joyful/pokemon.html )
Daito matsuri
The Mizukake Matsuri, or Water Launch Festival, is held in Ohara d’Iwate on February 11 of each year. Men run half naked in the streets of Daito in Ichinoseki while being sprayed with ice water.
It has been a tradition for hundreds of years. A long time ago, a great fire broke out in Ohara when kimonos were made. This event is a reminder of this event and the importance of fire safety. Unfortunately, it is a tradition in which only men can participate. Women are not allowed to run or throw water during the festivities. The privilege of throwing water itself is given to the baseball team at the local school.
Many participants run with messages written on their backs. They can be resolutions, people for whom they come, lucky or simply something embarrassing written by their friends. When the time comes, everyone is invited to cross the city to a nearby temple to pray and be sprayed with an inaugural water jet.
Go to Ichinoseki
The line JR Tohoku passes through Ichinoseki, just like the line Ofunato which also stops at Geibikei. Taking the Ofunato line, you may have the chance to catch a Pikachu train.
Ichinoseki will be a one-day stop betweenSendai andMorioka.
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