This "Iwate trip" is a 4-day, 3-night journey to Iwate Prefecture, a wonderful destination on Honshu, north of Tokyo. From Sendai Airport, you can take the train and then rent a car for a full itinerary: visiting World Heritage sites, stopping at sacred temples and shrines for blessings, touring famous museums, breathing fresh air among flower gardens, and enjoying delicious grilled meat, a specialty dish of the prefecture.
Whether you're traveling as a couple, with friends, or with family, if you love road trips through the Japanese countryside, this is a great trip that will leave you with unforgettable memories.
| Day 1: Close to Nature & Onsen in Hiraizumi | |
| 11.30-12.45 | Travel from Sendai Airport to Iwate Prefecture, rent a car at Nippon Rent-a-Car Ichinoseki Office |
| 13.00-13.30 | Lunch at Shochiku |
| 13.45-14.50 | Admire the beauty of Geibikei Gorge |
| 15.00-16.15 | Visit Takkoku Saikoji Temple (Bishamondo), over 1,200 years old |
| 16.30-17.30 | Visit the World Heritage ruins of Kanjizaio-in Temple |
| 17.40 | Check in at Inn Maizuru, soak in the onsen, and enjoy a kaiseki set meal |
| Day 2: World Heritage Sites in Hiraizumi and Smaller Towns of Iwate | |
| 8.00-8.45 | Breakfast at the hotel |
| 9.00 | Check out |
| 9.10-10.15 | Explore the nature and history of Motsu-ji Temple |
| 10.30-12.30 | Admire the beauty of the golden hall at Chuson-ji Temple (Konjikido Golden Hall) |
| 12.30-13.15 | Lunch at Kanzantei Restaurant |
| 14.00-15.00 | Experience history at Esashi Fujiwara Heritage Park |
| 16.00-17.00 | Pray for blessings and enjoy nature at Shiwa Inari Shrine |
| 17.45-18.45 | Shopping at Don Quijote Morioka Kamido |
| 19.00 | Check in at Hotel Metropolitan Morioka |
| 19.15-20.30 | Dinner at Seirokaku |
| 20.40 | Return to the hotel |
| Day 3: Driving Around Morioka & Secondary Towns in Iwate | |
| 8.00-8.45 | Breakfast at the hotel |
| 9.00 | Check out |
| 9.10-10.30 | Enjoy the scenic views at Morioka Castle Ruins Park (Iwate Park) and pray for blessings at Sakurayama Shrine |
| 11.00-12.30 | Visit Koiwai Farm, a famous farm in Iwate |
| 12.40-13.15 | Lunch at Shinzan Soba |
| 14.15-15.45 | View the works of the famous artist at Miyazawa Kenji Memorial Museum |
| 16.15-17.15 | Breathe fresh air at Kitakami Tenshochi Park |
| 18.30 | Return the rental car at Nippon Rent-a-Car Ichinoseki Office |
| 18.45 | Check in at Toyoko Inn Ichinoseki Ekimae |
| 19.00-20.00 | Dinner at Tomizawa |
| 20.10 | Return to the hotel |
| Day 4: Return to Sendai Airport | |
| 7.15-8.00 | Breakfast at the hotel |
| 8.15 | Check out |
| 8.40-10.00 | Travel to Sendai Airport |
| 12.00 | Depart on the return flight home |
Day 1 Itinerary: Close to Nature & Onsen in Hiraizumi
11.30-12.45 Travel from Sendai Airport to Iwate Prefecture to rent a car at Nippon Rent-a-Car Ichinoseki Office
Your flight arrives at Sendai Airport (Sendai International Airport) at around 10:30. After clearing immigration, head to Hiraizumi in the southern part of Iwate Prefecture, and go to Nippon Rent-a-Car Ichinoseki Office for added convenience. Several types of rental cars are available, but it's recommended to book in advance on the website, and you'll need an International Driving Permit under the 1949 Geneva Convention.
Access: Take the train from Sendai Airport Station on the Sendai Airport Access Line to Sendai Station, then take the Tohoku Shinkansen to Ichinoseki Station, and walk to the rental car office (about 1 hour 45 minutes total).
Transport cost: ¥4,900
Hours: 8.00-19.00
Cost: Depends on the car type, ETC card (expressway card), car insurance, and fuel
Map: https://maps.app.goo.gl/aZLudpz79gsi8XpWA
13.00-13.30 Lunch at Shochiku
Stop for lunch at a Japanese restaurant decorated in a traditional style. The menu offers a variety of dishes such as tonkatsu, eel rice bowl, tempura, and more, served with side dishes and miso soup — a satisfying first meal of the trip.
Access: About a 3-minute drive from the rental car office
Transport cost: Fuel
Hours: 11.00-14.00 and 17.00-19.00, closed Mondays
Cost: ¥1,000-2,000
Map: https://maps.app.goo.gl/4AQQWpgVLTwx4CpM9
13.45-14.50 Admire the beauty of Geibikei Gorge
A gorge carved by the Satetsu River, with steep limestone cliffs rising on both banks that stretch for about 2 km. You can stop to take photos at the popular spot known as Tenko, or enjoy other activities such as relaxing at a riverside cafe or boating on the river. Highlights include cherry blossoms in spring and autumn leaves in fall — a beauty not to be missed.
Access: Drive following GPS from the restaurant, about 20 minutes
Transport cost: Fuel
Hours: Open 24 hours
Cost: Free
Map: https://maps.app.goo.gl/Dksc4oXxNdR29TYP7
15.00-16.15 Visit Takkoku Saikoji Temple (Bishamondo), over 1,200 years old
A famous temple with a history of over 1,200 years, notable for its ancient Japanese architecture. Highlights include visiting the Bishamondo Hall, worshipping the large Buddha statue carved into the cliff face, and enjoying the surrounding views, each beautiful in its own way in spring and autumn.
Access: Drive following GPS from the gorge, about 10 minutes
Transport cost: Fuel
Hours: 8.00-17.00
Cost: Free
Map: https://maps.app.goo.gl/8XmxeJwG2swPoMocA
16.30-17.30 Visit the World Heritage ruins of Kanjizaio-in Temple
Another important historic site registered as a World Heritage site. At its center is Maizuru Pond, set against the backdrop of Mount Kinkeizan. Although the original buildings have long since been destroyed, leaving open ground, you can still enjoy cherry blossoms or beautiful autumn leaves while breathing fresh air.
Access: Drive following GPS from the temple, about 10 minutes
Transport cost: Fuel
Hours: Open 24 hours
Cost: Free
Map: https://maps.app.goo.gl/uaZ6nvbp2qGbWBpw5
17.40 Check in at Inn Maizuru, soak in the onsen, and enjoy a kaiseki set meal
Stay at a ryokan-style hotel with an onsen bath to relax in after a full day of travel. Enjoy a kaiseki set meal focused on seasonal ingredients. Choose between traditional tatami rooms and Western-style beds.
Access: Located directly across from the Kanjizaio-in Temple ruins
Transport cost: Fuel
Map: https://maps.app.goo.gl/ej5ehCGTvS8d7VeV9
Day 2 Itinerary: World Heritage Sites in Hiraizumi & Secondary Towns of Iwate
8.00-8.45 Breakfast at the hotel
9.00 Check out
9.10-10.15 Explore the nature and history of Motsu-ji Temple
This temple is another World Heritage site, built in 850 AD at the base of Mount Doyama. The original buildings were completely destroyed, leaving only the garden and the foundations of the original temple grounds, so a new main hall was built in its place while keeping the original style. The highlight is the surrounding nature, which changes with the seasons — beautiful whichever time of year you visit.
Access: Drive following GPS from the hotel, about 5 minutes
Transport cost: Fuel
Hours: 8.30-17.00
Cost: ¥700
Map: https://maps.app.goo.gl/7qq89k3KwffHLPXW6
10.30-12.30 Admire the beauty of the golden hall at Chuson-ji Temple (Konjikido Golden Hall)
A temple registered by UNESCO as a World Heritage site. Its large grounds hold many points of interest, such as Tsukimisaka Slope, the Hondo Main Hall, and Kanzantei Cafe, but the highlight is Konjikido, the Golden Hall, covered in gold leaf since the 12th century and still remarkably well preserved. Inside are murals and statues, while the grounds around the temple are shaded and peaceful.
Access: Drive following GPS from Motsu-ji Temple, about 5 minutes
Transport cost: Fuel
Hours: 8.30-17.00
Cost: ¥1,000 (golden hall)
Map: https://maps.app.goo.gl/vD5B2JfhvZfQ1of76
12.30-13.15 Lunch at Kanzantei Restaurant
This restaurant is located near the golden hall, focusing mainly on ramen dishes, along with snacks and drinks, so you can enjoy the beautiful surrounding scenery with Mount Yakeishi as the backdrop.
Access: Walk from the golden hall, about 5 minutes
Transport cost: Free
Hours: 10.00-15.00
Cost: ¥1,000-2,000
Map: https://maps.app.goo.gl/tD1t31pTbq3t6mmV6
14.00-15.00 Experience history at Esashi Fujiwara Heritage Park
A historical park that recreates life in the Heian period, originally built as a film set and now open to the public. It features noble residences connected by walkways, samurai houses, and more, but the highlight is the wisteria tunnel with cascading purple, pink, and white blooms, about 80 meters long, in summer — lit up at night for even more beauty.
Access: Drive following GPS from the restaurant, about 40 minutes
Transport cost: Fuel
Hours: 9.00-17.00
Cost: ¥1,000
Map: https://maps.app.goo.gl/GgfdMb7Lfn8SzGqDA
16.00-17.00 Pray for blessings and enjoy nature at Shiwa Inari Shrine
This shrine, surrounded by forest, is regularly visited by people praying for blessings, especially for safety and protection from harm. Inside the shrine grounds stands a cedar tree more than 1,000 years old that is revered as sacred, and visitors have recently reported seeing a fox on the grounds.
Access: Drive following GPS from the park, about 1 hour
Transport cost: Fuel
Hours: 8.30-17.15
Cost: Free
Map: https://maps.app.goo.gl/299Nde2ATXHgXQ9Y7
17.45-18.45 Shopping at Don Quijote Morioka Kamido
Go shopping at Don Quijote, a store popular with both locals and many tourists. It offers food, everyday items, and souvenirs at affordable prices, plus tax-free shopping.
Access: Drive following GPS from the shrine, about 40 minutes
Transport cost: Fuel
Hours: 9.00-2.00
Map: https://maps.app.goo.gl/j3wqaDWNAX7uebeU6
19.00 Check in at Hotel Metropolitan Morioka
Access: Drive following GPS from Don Quijote, about 10 minutes
Transport cost: Fuel
Map: https://maps.app.goo.gl/hjnzd92n1q7kaKv67
19.15-20.30 Dinner at Seirokaku
Enjoy dinner at this excellent yakiniku (grilled meat) restaurant, including the popular Japanese-style cold noodle dish, plus other tasty dishes and side dishes. Finish off with a refreshing cold drink.
Access: Walk from the hotel, about 5 minutes
Transport cost: Free
Hours: 11.00-24.00
Cost: ¥2,000-3,000
Map: https://maps.app.goo.gl/6yP2D6TUCeLC1Ehf9
20.40 Return to the hotel
Day 3 Itinerary: Driving Around Morioka & Secondary Towns in Iwate
8.00-8.45 Breakfast at the hotel
9.00 Check out
9.10-10.30 Enjoy the scenic views at Morioka Castle Ruins Park (Iwate Park) and pray for blessings at Sakurayama Shrine
This park was originally the site of a castle, which was demolished in 1874, so you can still see the stone walls around the grounds. The highlight is the cherry blossoms in full bloom in spring and the autumn leaves in fall. Nearby, you can also stop at Sakurayama Shrine for blessings, enjoy the scenery, and look for snacks at the Sakurayama market.
Access: Drive following GPS from the hotel, about 10 minutes
Transport cost: Fuel
Hours: Open 24 hours
Cost: Free
Map: https://maps.app.goo.gl/c64ZY4yLam51JVYH9
11.00-12.30 Visit Koiwai Farm, a famous farm in Iwate
A famous farm in Iwate where you can enjoy sweeping natural scenery that changes with the seasons, from cherry blossoms and autumn leaves to lush green trees, or even a beautiful blanket of snow in winter. The farm is also known for popular products like milk and butter, and offers interesting activities such as watching milk production, milking cows, horse riding, sheep shows, and visiting the observatory.
Access: Drive following GPS from the park, about 30 minutes
Transport cost: Fuel
Hours: 9.00-17.00
Cost: ¥800
Map: https://maps.app.goo.gl/ogjJi2tHJGmN9ZGs8
12.40-13.15 Lunch at Shinzan Soba
Stop for lunch at this authentic soba restaurant, where the noodles have a pleasantly firm, springy texture thanks to traditional preparation methods. Choose hot or cold soba, plus side dishes like vegetable salad, tempura, and more. The surrounding view is also very relaxing.
Access: Drive following GPS from the farm, about 10 minutes
Transport cost: Fuel
Hours: 11.00-14.45, closed Thursdays
Cost: ¥1,000-2,000
Map: https://maps.app.goo.gl/ytonorx4as5E87Uj8
14.15-15.45 View the works of the famous artist at Miyazawa Kenji Memorial Museum
Learn about the story of Miyazawa Kenji, Iwate's greatest poet, a man of extraordinary talent in literature, science, agriculture, and education. Walk through exhibits of his works, especially the famous poem "Ame ni mo Makezu," see displays of his personal belongings, and enjoy a beautiful flower garden, among many other things.
Access: Drive following GPS from the restaurant, about 1 hour
Transport cost: Fuel
Hours: 8.30-17.00
Cost: ¥350
Map: https://maps.app.goo.gl/8EboysZhrFv6uAWVA
16.15-17.15 Breathe fresh air at Kitakami Tenshochi Park
A famous park in Kitakami, filled with over 10,000 cherry trees, so in spring the whole park turns pink, as if it had been painted. There's also a horse-drawn carriage tour to view the cherry blossoms, boat rides on the river, night illuminations, and koi-nobori (carp streamer) decorations to celebrate Japan's Children's Day. In other seasons it's beautiful in its own way too — in winter you can feed the migratory swans, and the autumn leaves have a quiet charm.
Access: Drive following GPS from the museum, about 30 minutes
Transport cost: Fuel
Hours: Open 24 hours
Cost: Free
Map: https://maps.app.goo.gl/Pe949aeL5Dh8UTxw9
18.30 Return the rental car at Nippon Rent-a-Car Ichinoseki Office
Access: Drive following GPS from the park, about 1 hour 10 minutes
Transport cost: Fuel
Hours: 8.00-19.00
Cost: Depends on the car type, ETC card (expressway card), car insurance, and fuel
Map: https://maps.app.goo.gl/aZLudpz79gsi8XpWA
18.45 Check in at Toyoko Inn Ichinoseki Ekimae
Access: No more than 5 minutes on foot from the rental car office
Transport cost: Free
Map: https://maps.app.goo.gl/1dSw3cyDtnCSUDar8
19.00-20.00 Dinner at Tomizawa
Finish the day with fresh seafood delivered daily by local fishermen. Choose from a wide variety of fish, whether as sashimi, sushi, or rice bowls — the flavor is excellent.
Access: Walk from the hotel, no more than 5 minutes
Transport cost: Free
Hours: 12.00-14.00 and 17.00-21.00
Cost: ¥2,000-3,000
Map: https://maps.app.goo.gl/sr2jo3yeEe4ANhsV9
20.10 Return to the hotel
Day 4 Itinerary: Return to Sendai Airport
7.15-8.00 Breakfast at the hotel
8.15 Check out
8.40-10.00 Travel to Sendai Airport
Access: Walk from the hotel to Ichinoseki Station, take the Tohoku Shinkansen (8.40 departure) to Sendai Station, then transfer to the Tohoku Line to Sendai-Airport Station
Transport cost: ¥4,900
12.00 Depart on the return flight home via AirAsia
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Estimated Cost Summary
Transport cost: ¥9,800
Car rental: ¥16,375 / person (excluding fuel and expressway tolls)
Admission costs: ¥3,850 / person
Food: ¥9,500 / person
Accommodation: ¥30,000 / person
Total: ¥69,525 / person (excluding fuel, expressway tolls, parking, and shopping)