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Top Page > What is the Towada-Hachimantai Sightseeing Region?

What is the Towada-Hachimantai Sightseeing Region?

[Basic Concept of the Sightseeing Region]

This sightseeing region covers 8 cities and towns around Morioka, the capital city of Iwate Prefecture, as well as Morioka City and neighboring Miyako City, Iwaizumi Town, and Kosaka Town, located near Kazuno City in Akita Prefecture and which links Hachimantai to Lake Towada. This region, made up of 4 cities, 7 towns and 1 village, has much to offer throughout the year, including 2 national parks - the grandiose Towada-Hachimantai National Park with its huge expanse of nature and the Rikuchu Kaigan National Park famous for its sawtooth-shaped coastline; the Hayachine Quasi-National Park, a treasure-trove of precious alpine plants; marine sports and ski resorts; winter skating and other winter sports; hiking and trekking; and golf.

In addition to well-known hot springs such as Tsunagi hot spring, Oshuku hot spring, Hachimantai hot spring village, Matsukawa hot spring, Oyu hot spring, Toshichi hot spring and Yuze hot spring, which line the Ou mountain range on the western edge of the sightseeing region, numerous smaller, less-known hot springs are also dotted throughout the area. Blessed with excellent hot spring water quality and quantity, this region has long been fondly considered a health resort by many.

The eastern edge of this region faces the Pacific Ocean. The Kitakami mountain range rises up to the east of Morioka, an area known not only for its sansai (wild edible plants) and mushrooms but also for its livestock of Japanese Shorthorns, made famous throughout Japan by Akabeko (a toy of a red cow).

Tourist sites and festivals in this region are centered around castle towns, streetscapes, buildings, art and history museums, science museums, commemorative halls, limestone caves and mining sites. Not only does the region offer a diverse range of attractions, but each area also taps into and offers its own unique tourist resources.

Our aim is to strengthen ties within the region by developing themes such as nature, food, hot springs, history and culture, sports, and family and friends, and to offer courses and activities that will give visitors the experiences and memories that will make them want to come back again with their family and friends.