Iwate in Tohoku, Japan

Hiraizumi(Chuson-ji temple・Motsu-ji temple)
Chuson-ji temple was opened in 850 by Ennin, who was a priest of the Tendai school, as Kodaijyuin temple at first. There are many historic places in Hiraizumi because Oushu Fujiwara clan went to the end of glory there, and Hiraizumi prospered next to Kyoto in Heian period. That is why there becomes the best treasury of Heian art which includes about 3000 national treatsures and important cultural properties as Konjikido temple in East Japan.
HIRAIZUMI Tourism Association http://hiraizumi.or.jp/en/

Hachimantai
Hachimantai is a generic name of the north of Ouu mountain chain. In Hachimantai, people can enjoy seeing how different four seasons are in nature; for example, summer is the season of fresh green, the leaves turn in autumn, and the trees are covered with snow and ice in winter. There are also many hot springs which are Toushichi hot spring, Fukenoyu hot spring, Goshogake hot spring, and Tamagawa hot spring.
http://www.hachimantai.or.jp/

Jyodogahama
Jyodogahama is a famous beauty spot in Sanriku that white rocks bristle. It is worth seeing the view of it. Why "Jyodogahama" was named is because a priest of the Soto Sect said "Here is the Pure Land of Unending Delight."
http://www.city.miyako.iwate.jp/cb/hpc/Article-103-1310.html
Although you can park your car in the Dai-ichi parking at Jodogahama in Iwate Prefecture, please walk down from there with caution.

Kitayamazaki
Kitayamazaki has the most beautiful seaside in Japan and there are 200m height sheer cliffs range over 8km. There is a road which has 718 steps from the observatory in the top of the sheer cliff to the beach. You can also see sheer cliffs from bottom.
There are an observatory and a rest house on the cape. From there you could also see beautiful nature.
http://www.vill.tanohata.iwate.jp/tanohata/contents/f_140/f_010/p_10

Koiwai farm
Koiwai Farm has 3000 hectares in Iwate mountain.This place is good for relaxation so a lot of people love it.
There are cafeterias, restaurants and small shops which serve a lot of delicious foods that uses fresh meat and dairy products.
http://www.koiwai.co.jp/

Appi plateau
There is a forest which has a beautiful white birch, beech, dakekanba and plateau plants that flower in each four seasons. The Appi plateau ski area is a famous ski area in Tohoku region because they have 21 courses and 45.1km extension course in 282 hectares ski run.
You can visit Appi for all season because they have a hot spring, golf club and stock farm.
http://www.appi.co.jp/

Geibikei
This 2 km gorge was made by eroding limestone.There are more than 100 m of limestone walls on both shores, waterfalls and unique shaped rocks everywhere. You can also see the limestone cave.
The current in the river is slow and quiet, and you can hear the boatman's songs on a boat. In summer enjoy coolness from the fresh green. In fall there are colored leaves and in winter feel a season on the kotatsu boat.
http://www.machinet.jp/geibikanko/

Genbikei
Gengikei is chosen as the Japanese 100 best view. You can see a beautiful river which has emerald green color and rocks and valleys. There is a famous rice cake(dango) which is called "flying rice cake(dango)"since thay have a unique system to order.
At resting place in valley if you want to order rice cake (dango), at first you have to put money in the basket which ties with the wire rope. And then you have to give them a sign which you have to hit a board. After you order and they hear the sign, they send a rice cake (dango)and tea using the basket and wire rope from across the valley.
http://ichinoseki-kankou.jp/