Recommended course

Feel the spring breeze: Oshu and Tono Driving Route


Recommended course

Day 1
Morioka Sta.


約1H


Kitakami Public Park Tenshochi


約30min


Esashi-Fujiwara Heritage Park


約10min


Sakura Corridor (The National Road 397 Sakura Corridor)


約45min


Genbikei Gorge
Day 2
Konjikido (Golden Hall), Chuson-ji Temple


約2H30min


Tono Meat Center


約15min


Nabekura Park


約15min


Kappabuchi Pool


約1H30min


Morioka Sta.

Recommendation tourist attraction

Day 1

There is a line of Sakura trees that spans for 2 kilometers along the Kitakami riverside. During the 10th of April and the 7th of May when the Sakura festival is held, the upper reaches of the river are decorated with the traditional Japanese "carp streamer" decoration and ferries can be found sailing as well. Best time to view: Late April


A park with buildings that recreates Japan's history and dubbed as "Michinoku (Tohoku) Hollywood" because historical dramas are taped on this place. You can wear a traditional kimono and have a commemorative photo taken.


At the National Route 397 that crosses Iwate Prefecture in Oshu city, there's a section of the highway called the "Sakura Corridor" where Sakura trees are lined up to 7 km. A festival is also held depending on the season, and it is lighted up beautifully at night. Best time to view: Late April


A beautiful, 2 kilometer gorge where you can see a beautiful view of snow-water flowing through, and complemented with blooming Sakura. There is a popular dumpling shop known as "Flying Dango" on the other side of the stream where you place and receive your order with a basket via a line crossing the gorge.


Day 2

A Buddhist hall within a temple that is listed as a World Heritage Site. Covered with gold leaf both inside and out, the decoration and ornament will captivate you and take your breath away. In autumn, it is a spectacular sight surrounded by autumn leaves.


It is said that many kappa (legendary creatures in Japanese folklore) once lived in the small pool behind Jokenji Temple. There is a small shrine dedicated to Kappa by the pool.