Iwate 2017

Geibikei

In June, I went to Iwate with a couple of friends.  Here are some of the photos.

Hiraizumi

This is a sort of hidden gem of a temple complex.  Built around one thousand years ago, it has historical importance and a fascinating mix of nature and culture.  Not pictured here is the golden temple, which is exactly as it sounds.  With the increase in tourism in Japan's major cities (Tokyo, Osaka, Kyoto) this was a refreshingly peaceful stroll through the temple complex and surrounding areas.

Geibikei

A real unexpected gem, this river canyon has a small, flat boat with a person who paddles tourists down the river.  It is serene and peaceful, and the guide told us about the canyon, the river, and some history of the area - as well as stories about himself and his family (including opinions about his daughter's life).  He even sang us a traditional song - one that as was slow, unforced, and rugged as the river.

"Silver Zone"

Ryuusendou Cave

For a bunch of geography/science reasons, there is a huge network of caves in Iwate.  Really beautiful.

Sanriku Coast

This is the coast line north of where the 2011 Tsunami hit.  Very similar to Matsushima Bay in Miyagi.

Tono

This is where the kappa are from.  It is their shrine and they have a river and so on.  If you don't know what a kappa is, check them out.  There are amazing.  They love to eat cucumbers and shirikodama (尻子玉).  One of my favourite creatures so long as they don't eat my soul.