Zatsu Tabi -That’s Journey- Iwate Prefecture Complete Pilgrimage Guide | Thorough Explanation of Locations and Filming Spots
Introduction: The Appeal of Zatsu Tabi and Iwate Prefecture
“Zatsu Tabi -That’s Journey-” is a travel manga by Kenta Ishizaka that depicts the protagonist traveling “casually” throughout Japan. Due to its unique travel style and the appearance of real tourist spots and restaurants, fans actively engage in pilgrimage tours to sacred sites.
Iwate Prefecture, with the largest area in the Tohoku region, appears as an important stage in “Zatsu Tabi.” The prefecture’s rich nature, historical cultural heritage, and delicious local cuisine are all fully depicted through the work.
This article thoroughly explains the sacred sites in Iwate Prefecture featured in “Zatsu Tabi” and provides practical information for actual pilgrimage tours.
What is Zatsu Tabi? Basic Information About the Work
Work Overview
“Zatsu Tabi -That’s Journey-” is a travel manga depicting the protagonist traveling “casually” throughout Japan on a low budget. It portrays not only the beautiful aspects of tourist spots but also realistic travel experiences, interactions with locals, and B-class gourmet food, conveying the joy of down-to-earth travel.
Significance of Iwate Prefecture’s Appearance
Iwate Prefecture appears in “Zatsu Tabi” as a representative stage in the Tohoku region. With its vast territory, Iwate has coastal seafood, inland mountain delicacies, and historical tourist spots scattered throughout, offering the diversity perfect for the work’s “casual travel” style.
Sacred Pilgrimage Spots in Morioka City Area
Around Morioka Station
Morioka Station, the gateway to Iwate Prefecture, is the first place many pilgrims visit. The station has abundant souvenir shops selling Iwate specialties, and “Zatsu Tabi” depicts scenes such as the protagonist purchasing ekiben (station bento).
Access Information
- Get off at Tohoku Shinkansen “Morioka Station”
- About 2 hours 10 minutes from Tokyo
- About 40 minutes from Sendai
Morioka Castle Ruins Park (Iwate Park)
The ruins of the Nambu clan’s castle, Morioka Castle Ruins Park is cherished as a place of relaxation for citizens. “Zatsu Tabi” depicts the beauty of the stone walls and strolling through the park, which is particularly crowded with tourists during cherry blossom season.
Highlights
- Beautiful stone wall groups
- Nature through four seasons
- Hilltop overlooking the city
Hours & Fees
- Free admission
- Free of charge
Sacred Sites of Morioka’s Three Great Noodles
Morioka is famous for its three great noodles: “wanko soba,” “cold noodles,” and “jaja-men.” “Zatsu Tabi” features scenes enjoying these noodle dishes, whetting readers’ appetites.
Wanko Soba
A unique style where servers continuously add soba to bowls. “Zatsu Tabi” humorously depicts the protagonist’s challenge.
Recommended Shops
- Azumaya Honten
- Hatsukoma Honten
- Chokurian
Morioka Cold Noodles
A dish adapted from Korean Peninsula cold noodles to Morioka style. Characterized by firm noodles and refreshing soup.
Recommended Shops
- Seirokaku
- Shokudoen
- Pyonpyonsya
Jaja-men
Morioka’s unique noodle dish with flat noodles topped with meat miso, cucumber, and green onions. “Chi-tan-tan,” made by adding egg after finishing, is also a specialty.
Recommended Shops
- Hakuryu Honten
- Pairon
- HOT JaJa
Zaimoku-cho Yoichi Market
A morning market held every Saturday where fresh local vegetables and processed products are sold. “Zatsu Tabi” depicts it as a place for interaction with locals, a spot where you can feel everyday Morioka life.
Event Information
- Dates: Every Saturday (April to November)
- Time: Around 5:00 AM~
- Location: Zaimoku-cho Shopping Street
Sacred Sites in Miyako City and Sanriku Coast Area
Jodogahama Beach
A scenic spot representing Sanriku Reconstruction National Park, beautiful with the contrast of white rock surfaces and blue sea. “Zatsu Tabi” impressively depicts its spectacular scenery and tranquility.
Highlights
- White rhyolite strange rocks
- Highly transparent sea
- Views from sightseeing boats
Access
- About 20 minutes by route bus from JR Miyako Station
- Parking available (crowded during peak season)
Miyako Fish and Vegetable Market
A market with fresh Sanriku seafood, “Zatsu Tabi” features scenes enjoying seafood bowls and grilled seafood. Open from early morning, you can feel the local vitality.
Business Information
- Hours: Varies by store (many from early morning to around 2:00 PM)
- Closed: Varies by store
- Specialties: Seafood bowls, sea urchin, scallops
Sanriku Railway Rias Line
The Sanriku Railway, a symbol of recovery from the Great East Japan Earthquake. “Zatsu Tabi” depicts the beautiful coastline views from the train windows and the warmth unique to local lines.
Ride Information
- Route: Sakari Station to Kuji Station (163km)
- Via Miyako Station
- Value tickets available including 1-day free passes
Sacred Sites in Tono City Area
Tono Furusato Village
A facility with relocated and restored farmhouses from the Edo to Meiji periods, introduced in “Zatsu Tabi” as Japan’s original landscape. You can experience thatched-roof magariya (L-shaped houses) and traditional farming life.
Facility Information
- Hours: 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM
- Admission: Adults 550 yen
- Experiences: Soba making, straw crafts, etc.
Kappa-buchi
The setting of the kappa legend appearing in Tono Monogatari. “Zatsu Tabi” also depicts this mystical atmosphere, a healing spot surrounded by the murmur of streams and greenery.
Highlights
- Kappa guardian dog statues
- Jokenji Temple
- Kappa fishing experience (using cucumber as bait)
Access
- About 10 minutes by car from Tono Station
- Parking available
Tourist Information Center in Front of Tono Station
A tourist information center that may appear in “Zatsu Tabi” as a stopping point. Perfect as a starting point for sacred site pilgrimage where you can obtain detailed Tono information and maps.
World Heritage Sites in Hiraizumi Town Area
Chusonji Konjikido (Golden Hall)
A World Heritage site conveying the prosperity of the Oshu Fujiwara clan. “Zatsu Tabi” depicts its historical value and solemn atmosphere.
Visit Information
- Hours: 8:30 AM to 5:00 PM (varies by season)
- Admission: Adults 800 yen
- Time Required: 1 to 2 hours
Motsuji Temple
A temple with beautiful Pure Land gardens, a World Heritage component along with Chusonji. “Zatsu Tabi” depicts strolling through the tranquil gardens.
Visit Information
- Hours: 8:30 AM to 5:00 PM (varies by season)
- Admission: Adults 700 yen
- Highlights: Pure Land Garden, Oizumi Pond
Sacred Sites in Hanamaki City Area
Miyazawa Kenji Memorial Museum
A facility where you can experience the world of Kenji Miyazawa, the fairy tale writer Iwate is proud of. It may be introduced in “Zatsu Tabi” as Iwate culture.
Facility Information
- Hours: 8:30 AM to 5:00 PM
- Admission: Adults 350 yen
- Access: About 3 minutes by car from Shin-Hanamaki Station
Hanamaki Onsen Resort
A hot spring resort consisting of multiple hot spring areas, with abundant day-trip bathing facilities perfect for “Zatsu Tabi’s” casual travel style.
Main Hot Spring Areas
- Hanamaki Onsen
- Dai Onsen
- Osawa Onsen
- Namari Onsen
Practical Model Courses for Sacred Site Pilgrimage
1 Night 2 Days Course: Morioka and Hiraizumi Tour
Day 1
- 9:00 Arrive at Morioka Station
- 9:30 Stroll Morioka Castle Ruins Park
- 11:00 Morioka Three Great Noodles (lunch)
- 1:00 PM Zaimoku-cho stroll
- 3:00 PM Move to Hiraizumi (about 1 hour 30 minutes by car)
- 4:30 PM Stay in Hiraizumi Town
Day 2
- 8:00 AM Visit Chusonji
- 10:00 AM Visit Motsuji
- 12:00 PM Lunch in Hiraizumi
- 2:00 PM Depart for home
2 Nights 3 Days Course: Iwate Traversal Sacred Site Pilgrimage
Day 1
- Morning: Morioka city sightseeing
- Afternoon: Move to Tono, Tono Furusato Village and Kappa-buchi
- Accommodation: Tono City
Day 2
- Morning: Move to Miyako, Jodogahama sightseeing
- Lunch: Miyako Fish and Vegetable Market
- Afternoon: Sanriku Railway ride experience
- Accommodation: Miyako City
Day 3
- Morning: Sanriku Coast drive
- Afternoon: Return to Morioka, souvenir shopping
- Evening: Depart from Morioka Station
Day Trip Course: Morioka Full Enjoyment Plan
- 9:00 AM Arrive at Morioka Station
- 9:30 AM Morioka Castle Ruins Park
- 11:00 AM Wanko soba experience
- 1:00 PM City stroll (Zaimoku-cho, Konya-cho, etc.)
- 3:00 PM Cafe break
- 4:00 PM Souvenir shopping
- 5:00 PM Dinner with Morioka cold noodles
- 6:30 PM Depart from Morioka Station
Transportation Information Useful for Sacred Site Pilgrimage
Rail Access
Tohoku Shinkansen
- Tokyo to Morioka: About 2 hours 10 minutes
- Sendai to Morioka: About 40 minutes
Conventional Lines
- JR Tohoku Main Line: Morioka to Hiraizumi
- JR Yamada Line: Morioka to Miyako
- JR Kamaishi Line: Hanamaki to Tono to Kamaishi
- Sanriku Railway Rias Line: Traverses coastal area
Recommendation for Rental Car Use
Iwate Prefecture is vast, and there are many spots difficult to visit using only public transportation, so rental cars are convenient.
Rental Car Bases
- Around Morioka Station: Multiple company offices
- Iwate Hanamaki Airport: Offices in airport
- Around major stations: Miyako, Hanamaki, etc.
Route Buses and Highway Buses
Route Buses
- Iwate Kotsu
- JR Bus Tohoku
- Various municipal community buses
Highway Buses
- Tokyo to Morioka: About 7 to 8 hours
- Sendai to Morioka: About 3 hours
Iwate Prefecture’s Specialty Gourmet Food and Souvenirs
Must-Eat Gourmet
Morioka Three Great Noodles
- Wanko soba
- Morioka cold noodles
- Jaja-men
Seafood
- Sea urchin (especially summer)
- Scallops
- Pacific saury (autumn)
- Salmon roe
Local Cuisine
- Hittsumi (suitor dumplings)
- Mamebu soup
- Ichigo-ni (sea urchin and abalone soup)
B-Class Gourmet
- Fukuda Pan (sweet bread buns)
- Jaja noodles
Recommended Souvenirs
Confections
- Kamome no Tamago (Saito Confectionery)
- Nambu senbei
- Goma-suri dango
- Platinum pork products
Local Sake
- Nanbu Bijin
- Asabiraki
- Hamachidori
Crafts
- Nambu ironware
- Hidehira lacquerware
- Homespun
Precautions and Etiquette for Sacred Site Pilgrimage
Photography Etiquette
When making sacred site pilgrimages for “Zatsu Tabi,” you’ll want to take photos from the same angles as scenes in the work, but be mindful of the following:
- Absolutely no trespassing on private property without permission
- Ask staff permission at restaurants
- Be considerate not to disturb other tourists
- Check for photography-prohibited areas at temples and shrines
Consideration for Locals
- Don’t make loud noises
- Always take garbage home
- Contribute to the economy by using local shops
- Use designated parking areas
Seasonal Precautions
Winter (December to March)
- Watch for snow and ice
- Studless tires required
- Thorough cold weather preparation
Summer (July to August)
- Heat stroke prevention
- Sun protection measures
- Insect repellent measures
Information to Enjoy Sacred Site Pilgrimage More
Preparation and Review of the Work
Reading the relevant “Zatsu Tabi” episodes before pilgrimage makes it more enjoyable. By actually experiencing scenes that appeared in the work, you can feel Iwate from the same perspective as the protagonist.
Information Gathering on SNS
Searching hashtags like “#ZatsuTabi” and “#ZatsuTabiSeichijunrei” on Twitter and Instagram allows you to see other fans’ pilgrimage reports. You may find the latest store information and hidden spots.
Sacred Site Pilgrimage Notebook and Stamp Rally
Creating your own sacred site pilgrimage notebook is also recommended. Recording photos of places visited, impressions, and comparisons with the work creates a memorable keepsake.
Utilizing Local Tourism Associations
Tourism associations in each municipality provide detailed maps and pamphlets. Contacting them in advance may provide advice on efficient pilgrimage routes.
Basic Information About Iwate Prefecture
Climate and Clothing
Iwate Prefecture has different climates between inland and coastal areas.
Inland (Morioka, etc.)
- Summer: Days exceeding 30°C but cool mornings and evenings
- Winter: Can drop below -10°C, heavy snowfall
Coastal (Miyako, etc.)
- Summer: Relatively cool and comfortable
- Winter: Milder than inland but strong winds
Dialect and Language
In Iwate Prefecture, dialects such as “Nambu-ben” and “Kesen-go” are used. “Zatsu Tabi” sometimes features dialects in conversations with locals, creating a warm feeling.
Commonly Heard Dialects
- “~dabe”: isn’t it/probably
- “Keppare”: do your best
- “Nda”: that’s right
Disaster Recovery and Tourism
The coastal areas of Iwate Prefecture suffered major damage in the 2011 Great East Japan Earthquake, but recovery has progressed and the area has regained vitality as a tourist destination.
“Zatsu Tabi” sometimes depicts the recovered townscapes and the positive attitudes of locals. Being conscious that sacred site pilgrimage also contributes to recovery support makes for a more meaningful journey.
Disaster Remains and Memorial Facilities
- Great East Japan Earthquake and Tsunami Memorial Museum (Rikuzentakata City)
- Taro Kanko Hotel (Miyako City)
Summary: Rediscovering Iwate’s Appeal Through Zatsu Tabi
Sacred site pilgrimage for “Zatsu Tabi -That’s Journey-” in Iwate Prefecture is a wonderful opportunity not only to enjoy the work but also to experience Iwate’s rich nature, history, culture, and gourmet food.
Following the work’s “casual travel” style, not over-planning and having room to enjoy chance encounters and discoveries can be said to be the real pleasure of Iwate sacred site pilgrimage.
Iwate is packed with diverse attractions including Morioka’s three great noodles, fresh Sanriku seafood, Tono’s world of folk tales, and Hiraizumi’s historical heritage. If you’ve become interested in Iwate through “Zatsu Tabi,” please actually visit and experience both the world of the work and real Iwate.
Through sacred site pilgrimage, not only will your understanding of the work deepen, but affection for the land of Iwate will also be born. Seeing the same scenery as the protagonist, tasting the same food, and feeling the same air—that is the greatest appeal of sacred site pilgrimage.
We hope this article will be of assistance for your “Zatsu Tabi” Iwate Prefecture sacred site pilgrimage. Enjoy a safe and pleasant journey!
