Iwate Prefecture | Tohoku Rokken Trivia Media NEFT

Cold soba noodles on a wooden mat in a lacquered tray, with green onion toppings and a side dish in bowls; glass of water nearby.

A renowned restaurant specializing in 100% buckwheat soba noodles! "Harapeko," a beloved local spot [Shiwa-cho, Shiwa-gun, Iwate Prefecture]

Located in Shiwa Town and established over 40 years ago, "Harapeko" is a popular soba restaurant known for its 100% buckwheat soba (without any binding agents) and cold soba noodles, often resulting in long lines. Many regular customers travel from Morioka to visit, and the restaurant is crowded regardless of the day of the week...

DaiwaConsilio2026.06.30

Bowl of thick udon noodles with tempura shrimp, a lemon wedge, and chopped green onions in broth on a wooden table

Iwate Prefecture

"Sanuki," "Hakata," and "Inaniwa": Three must-try brand udon noodles in Morioka! [Iwate Prefecture...].

Among the various regional udon varieties found throughout Japan, there are some that are nationally famous and known as "brand udon." Examples include Sanuki udon from Kagawa Prefecture and Hakushin udon from Fukuoka Prefecture, considered the birthplace of udon in Japan...

DaiwaConsilio2026.06.10

Electronic sign warning of bear sightings

All of Tohoku

[FY2026 Edition] Bear sighting information for each of the six Tohoku prefectures - Local government primary information dissemination site...

Bear sightings are increasing nationwide year after year. In particular, sightings are increasing even in urban areas in the Tohoku region, making the situation one cannot afford to be complacent about. It's unclear what will happen in the future, but...

NEFT Editorial Department2026.06.02

Historic Site

What are the Five Hundred Arhats of Tono? A group of stone Buddha statues in Tono, Iwate Prefecture, created as a memorial for the victims of the Hōreki famine...

Located in the mountainous area of Ayaori-cho, Tono City, Iwate Prefecture, the "Gohyaku Rakan" (Five Hundred Arhats) is a group of stone Buddha statues erected in the late Edo period. While now a well-known tourist spot in Tono City, its background...

Editorial staff2026.05.26

Festival

Photo report of the Hyakushika Grand Dance (May 4, 2026: Esashi Jinku Festival) [Oshu City, Iwate Prefecture]

The Esashi Jinku Festival, held annually on May 3rd and 4th in Oshu City, Iwate Prefecture, will feature a grand performance of the folk art "Shishiodori" (deer dance), known as "Hyakushika Taigun" (Hundred Deer Grand Group), on May 4th, 2026, the second day of the festival.

Aoiwa2026.05.08

The "Great Stone of Arahabaki-no-Okami" at Tannaiyama Shrine

power spot

Tannaiyama Shrine | A sacred site of ancient Japanese animism, with a massive rock as its object of worship [Iwate Prefecture]

In Towa-cho, Hanamaki City, Iwate Prefecture, there is a shrine that enshrines a massive rock as its sacred object, and also worships a local pioneering deity, a practice not seen in other regions. Incidentally, the title "animism" refers to the worship of non-human beings...

Aoiwa2026.05.07

Grilled seafood on a barbecue: several whole fish and clams cooking on a wire grate grill for a meal

Iwate Prefecture

Enjoy grilled seafood right in front of Kamaishi Station! Savor the delicious grilled seafood at the popular spot "Sun Fish Kamaishi"...

Located in front of Kamaishi Station, where the JR Kamaishi Line and Sanriku Railway intersect, "Sun Fish Kamaishi" is a market built on an elevated platform, housing a complex of shops selling seafood and processed goods, as well as restaurants. Also located in front of the station is the Kamaishi City Information Center...

DaiwaConsilio2026.05.01

souvenir

A great souvenir for Golden Week! The appeal of the mushroom soup available only at the Iwateyama SA (downbound) and some recipe variations

Finding souvenirs for Golden Week can be surprisingly difficult, right? You want to avoid anything too heavy, but something too bland won't leave a lasting impression. That's when I discovered this mushroom soup, sold exclusively at the Iwateyama Service Area (downbound).

Hana Odagiri2026.04.21

Alcohol

Visiting sake breweries in the six Tohoku prefectures! "Hiroki," a sake enjoyed by many people, originating from the Nanbu Toji (master brewers)...

Shiwa Town, known as the birthplace of Nanbu Toji (sake brewers), currently has five sake breweries. One of them, Shiwa Sake Brewery, founded in 1903 (Meiji 36), was formerly known as "Hirota Sake Brewery," named after its founder...

DaiwaConsilio2026.04.16

stay

The best time to visit the Hachimantai Aspite Line is about a month after it reopens following its winter closure!

The "Hachimantai Aspite Line" is a mountain road that traverses a plateau area spanning Akita and Iwate prefectures, centered around Mount Hachimantai (1,613m above sea level), the highest peak in the Hachimantai volcanic group...

NORIJUN2026.04.15