Last reviewed: · Prices are approximate and for orientation only.
Overview of Iwate Prefecture (岩手県)
Iwate Prefecture (岩手県) is located in the Tohoku region of Japan, with its prefectural capital at Morioka. Key sights and travel highlights across the prefecture include UNESCO World Heritage temples of Hiraizumi (Chuson-ji & Motsu-ji), dramatic Geibikei Gorge boat rides, Tono folklore village, and the rugged Sanriku Rias coastline.
How to get to Iwate Prefecture
2h 13m from Tokyo Station on the JR Tohoku Shinkansen Hayabusa to Morioka, Ichinoseki, or Kitakami. Use our Shinkansen Fare & Route Calculator and JR Pass Value Helper to compare rail tickets and regional passes.
Signature local food in Iwate
When visiting cities across Iwate, look out for these regional specialties at station restaurants, markets, and local izakaya:
- Morioka Three Great Noodles (Wanko soba, Reimen, Jajamen)
- Maesawa wagyu beef
- Sanriku oysters & sea urchin
- Nanbu senbei crackers
Best time to visit Iwate
Late April–May for Kitakami Tenshochi cherry blossoms; June–October for Sanriku Coast & Hachimantai hiking; January–March for Appi Kogen & Geto Kogen snow.
All 14 cities & municipalities in Iwate Prefecture
Click any city below for its individual travel guide, demographics, rail access, food specialties, and nearby stops:
| City (Kanji) | Type / Status | Population | Area | Guide |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Morioka 盛岡市 | Core city | 299,746 | 886.47 km² | City guide → |
| Kamaishi 釜石市 | City | 41,348 | 441.42 km² | City guide → |
| Ōfunato 大船渡市 | City | 42,119 | 323.28 km² | City guide → |
| Rikuzentakata 陸前高田市 | City | 23,961 | 232.29 km² | City guide → |
| Kitakami 北上市 | City | 94,806 | 437.55 km² | City guide → |
| Miyako 宮古市 | City | 58,342 | 696.82 km² | City guide → |
| Hachimantai 八幡平市 | City | 29,993 | 862.25 km² | City guide → |
| Ichinoseki 一関市 | City | 123,155 | 1,133.10 km² | City guide → |
| Tōno 遠野市 | City | 30,587 | 825.62 km² | City guide → |
| Hanamaki 花巻市 | City | 103,718 | 908.32 km² | City guide → |
| Ninohe 二戸市 | City | 30,685 | 420.31 km² | City guide → |
| Ōshū 奥州市 | City | 128,273 | 993.35 km² | City guide → |
| Kuji 久慈市 | City | 37,824 | 623.14 km² | City guide → |
| Takizawa 滝沢市 | City | 55,153 | 182.32 km² | City guide → |