【Zatsu Tabi -That’s Journey-】(Hanamaki City, Iwate Prefecture)
Introduction: Zatsu Tabi and the Charm of Iwate Prefecture
“Zatsu Tabi -That’s Journey-” is a travel manga by Kenta Ishizaka that depicts the protagonist traveling “casually” throughout various parts of Japan. Due to its unique travel style and the appearance of real tourist spots and restaurants, fans actively engage in pilgrimage tours to these locations.
Iwate Prefecture is the largest prefecture in the Tohoku region by area, and serves as an important setting in “Zatsu Tabi.” The work beautifully portrays the attractions of Iwate, including its abundant nature, historical cultural heritage, and delicious local cuisine.
This article provides a thorough explanation of sacred sites in Iwate Prefecture that appear in “Zatsu Tabi,” along with practical information for actually visiting these locations.
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” across the country on a low budget. The work portrays not only the beautiful aspects of tourist destinations, but also realistic travel experiences, interactions with local people, and B-grade cuisine, conveying the joy of travel at an authentic level.
Significance of Iwate Prefecture as a Setting
Iwate Prefecture appears in “Zatsu Tabi” as a representative setting in the Tohoku region. With its vast territory, Iwate boasts diverse attractions perfect for the work’s “casual travel” style—from seafood in the coastal areas to mountain delicacies in the inland regions and historical tourist spots scattered throughout.
Sacred Sites in Morioka City Area
Morioka Station Surroundings
Morioka Station, the gateway to Iwate Prefecture, is the first place many pilgrims visit. The station interior features shops selling Iwate specialties, and “Zatsu Tabi” depicts scenes such as the protagonist purchasing station box lunches.
Access Information
- Tohoku Shinkansen “Morioka Station” Exit
- Approximately 2 hours 10 minutes from Tokyo
- Approximately 40 minutes from Sendai
Morioka Castle Ruins Park (Iwate Park)
Morioka Castle Ruins Park, the former residence of the Nanbu clan, is cherished as a place of recreation for citizens. “Zatsu Tabi” depicts the beauty of its stone walls and the park’s scenery, with many visitors particularly during cherry blossom season.
Highlights
- Beautiful stone walls
- Nature through the seasons
- High ground with panoramic city views
Hours and Admission
- Free admission
- No admission fee
Morioka’s Three Famous Noodle Dishes
Morioka is famous for three noodle dishes: “wanko soba,” “reimen,” and “jaja-men.” “Zatsu Tabi” includes scenes of the protagonist enjoying these noodles, tempting readers’ appetites.
Wanko Soba
A unique style where servers continuously add bowls of soba noodles. “Zatsu Tabi” depicts the protagonist’s attempt in a humorous manner.
Recommended Restaurants
- Touya Honten
- Hatsushio Honten
- Nao Riken
Morioka Reimen
Cold noodles with Korean origins adapted to Morioka style. Characterized by firm noodles and refreshing broth.
Recommended Restaurants
- Shorōkaku
- Shokudōen
- Pyonpyon-sha
Jaja-men
Morioka’s original noodle dish with flat noodles topped with seasoned ground meat, cucumber, and scallions. The “chi-tanta” made by adding an egg after finishing is also a specialty.
Recommended Restaurants
- Hakuryū Honten
- Pylon
- HOT JaJa
Zaimoku-chō Morning Market
A morning market held every Saturday featuring fresh vegetables and processed foods from local producers. “Zatsu Tabi” portrays it as a place of interaction with locals, a spot where you can experience Morioka’s daily life.
Event Information
- Held: Every Saturday (April to November)
- Time: Around 5:00 AM onwards
- Location: Zaimoku-chō Shopping Street
Sacred Sites in Miyako City and Sanriku Coast Area
Jōdo-ga-hama
A scenic spot representing the Sanriku Fukko National Park, featuring striking contrasts between white rock faces and blue sea. “Zatsu Tabi” impressively depicts its beautiful scenery and tranquility.
Highlights
- Odd rock formations of white rhyolite
- Highly transparent sea
- Views from sightseeing boats
Access
- Approximately 20 minutes by bus from JR Miyako Station
- Parking available (crowded during peak season)
Miyako Fish and Vegetable Market
A market where fresh seafood from Sanriku is displayed. “Zatsu Tabi” includes scenes of enjoying seafood bowls and grilled seafood. The market operates early in the morning and allows visitors to feel the local energy.
Business Information
- Hours: Vary by vendor (most open early morning to around 2 PM)
- Closed: Varies by vendor
- Specialties: Seafood bowls, sea urchin, scallops
Sanriku Railway Rias Line
A symbol of recovery from the Great East Japan Earthquake, the Sanriku Railway. “Zatsu Tabi” depicts the beautiful coastal views from the train windows and the warmth characteristic of local lines.
Riding Information
- Route: Mori Station to Kuji Station (163 km)
- Via Miyako Station
- All-day passes and other discount tickets available
Sacred Sites in Tōno City Area
Tōno Furusato Village
A facility featuring reconstructed farmhouses from the Edo and Meiji periods. “Zatsu Tabi” introduces it as representing the original Japanese landscape. Visitors can experience thatched-roof curved houses and traditional rural life.
Facility Information
- Hours: 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM
- Admission: ¥550 for adults
- Experiences: Soba making, straw crafts, etc.
Kappa-buchi
The setting for the kappa legend appearing in “Tōno Monogatari.” “Zatsu Tabi” depicts this mystical atmosphere, a healing spot surrounded by babbling streams and greenery.
Highlights
- Kappa guardian dogs
- Jōkkenji Temple
- Kappa fishing experience (using cucumber as bait)
Access
- Approximately 10 minutes by car from Tōno Station
- Parking available
Tōno Station Tourist Information Center
A possible stopping point in “Zatsu Tabi,” the tourist information center provides detailed information about Tōno and maps, making it an ideal starting point for pilgrimage tours.
World Heritage Sites in Hiraizumi Town Area
Konjikudō at Chūsonji Temple
A World Heritage site conveying the prosperity of the Ōshū Fujiwara clan. “Zatsu Tabi” depicts its historical significance and solemn atmosphere.
Visitation Information
- Hours: 8:30 AM to 5:00 PM (varies by season)
- Admission: ¥800 for adults
- Time needed: 1-2 hours
Motsuji Temple
A temple featuring beautiful pure land gardens, a World Heritage site parallel to Chūsonji Temple. “Zatsu Tabi” depicts visitors strolling through the quiet gardens.
Visitation Information
- Hours: 8:30 AM to 5:00 PM (varies by season)
- Admission: ¥700 for adults
- Highlights: Pure land garden, Ōizumigaike Pond
Sacred Sites in Hanamaki City Area
Miyazawa Kenji Memorial Hall
A facility where visitors can experience the world of Miyazawa Kenji, a celebrated storyteller from Iwate. “Zatsu Tabi” may introduce this as part of Iwate’s culture.
Facility Information
- Hours: 8:30 AM to 5:00 PM
- Admission: ¥350 for adults
- Access: Approximately 3 minutes by car from Shin-Hanamaki Station
Hanamaki Hot Spring Area
A hot spring area comprising multiple springs, perfect for “Zatsu Tabi’s” casual travel style, with many day-use facilities.
Main Hot Springs
- Hanamaki Hot Spring
- Dai Hot Spring
- Ōsawa Hot Spring
- Namari Hot Spring
Practical Model Courses for Pilgrimage Tours
1 Night 2 Days: Morioka and Hiraizumi Tour
Day 1
- 9:00 AM Arrive at Morioka Station
- 9:30 AM Stroll through Morioka Castle Ruins Park
- 11:00 AM Morioka’s three famous noodles (lunch)
- 1:00 PM Explore Zaimoku-chō
- 3:00 PM Travel to Hiraizumi (approximately 1.5 hours by car)
- 4:30 PM Stay overnight in Hiraizumi
Day 2
- 8:00 AM Visit Chūsonji Temple
- 10:00 AM Visit Motsuji Temple
- 12:00 PM Lunch in Hiraizumi
- 2:00 PM Head home
2 Nights 3 Days: Complete Iwate North-South Sacred Site Tour
Day 1
- Morning: Sightsee in Morioka
- Afternoon: Travel to Tōno, visit Tōno Furusato Village and Kappa-buchi
- Overnight: Stay in Tōno
Day 2
- Morning: Travel to Miyako, sightsee Jōdo-ga-hama
- Lunch: Miyako Fish and Vegetable Market
- Afternoon: Experience riding the Sanriku Railway
- Overnight: Stay in Miyako
Day 3
- Morning: Sanriku coast drive
- Afternoon: Return to Morioka, shop for souvenirs
- Evening: Depart from Morioka Station
Day Trip: Morioka Full Experience Plan
- 9:00 AM Arrive at Morioka Station
- 9:30 AM Morioka Castle Ruins Park
- 11:00 AM Experience wanko soba
- 1:00 PM City exploration (Zaimoku-chō, Konya-chō, etc.)
- 3:00 PM Café break
- 4:00 PM Shop for souvenirs
- 5:00 PM Dinner with Morioka reimen
- 6:30 PM Depart from Morioka Station
Transportation Information for Pilgrimage Tours
Access by Train
Tohoku Shinkansen
- Tokyo to Morioka: Approximately 2 hours 10 minutes
- Sendai to Morioka: Approximately 40 minutes
Local Lines
- JR Tōhoku Main Line: Between Morioka and Hiraizumi
- JR Yamada Line: Between Morioka and Miyako
- JR Kamaishi Line: Between Hanamaki, Tōno, and Kamaishi
- Sanriku Railway Rias Line: Runs along the coast
Recommendation for Renting a Car
Iwate’s vast expanse makes renting a car convenient for visiting spots difficult to reach by public transportation alone.
Car Rental Bases
- Around Morioka Station: Multiple company offices
- Iwate Hanamaki Airport: On-site office
- Around major stations: Miyako, Hanamaki, etc.
Local and Expressway Buses
Local Buses
- Iwate Kōtsū
- JR Bus Tōhoku
- Community buses in each municipality
Expressway Buses
- Tokyo to Morioka: Approximately 7-8 hours
- Sendai to Morioka: Approximately 3 hours
Iwate’s Famous Cuisine and Souvenirs
Must-Try Dishes
Morioka’s Three Famous Noodles
- Wanko soba
- Morioka reimen
- Jaja-men
Seafood
- Sea urchin (especially summer)
- Scallops
- Saury (autumn)
- Salmon roe
Local Cuisine
- Hittatsumi (dumpling soup)
- Mamebu jiru
- Ichigo-ni
B-Grade Cuisine
- Fukuda Pan (melon pan bread)
- Jājā-men
Recommended Souvenirs
Sweets
- Kamome no Tamago (Saitō Seika)
- Nanbu senbei (cracker)
- Goma-suri dango
- Hatsukabutaton (Platinum Pork) products
Local Sake
- Nanbu Bijin
- Asabiraki
- Hamachidori
Crafts
- Nanbu ironware
- Hidehira lacquerware
- Homespun
Etiquette and Precautions for Pilgrimage Tours
Photography Manners
When visiting “Zatsu Tabi” sacred sites, while wanting to photograph scenes matching those in the work, please observe these points:
- Never trespass on private property
- Obtain permission from restaurant staff before photographing
- Be considerate of other tourists
- Check for photography-restricted areas at temples and shrines
Consideration for Locals
- Avoid loud noise
- Always take trash with you
- Support local businesses through purchases
- Use designated parking areas
Seasonal Precautions
Winter (December to March)
- Caution regarding snow and ice
- Studless tires required
- Proper cold-weather preparation
Summer (July to August)
- Heat stroke prevention
- Sun protection
- Insect repellent
Enhancing Your Pilgrimage Experience
Preparation and Review of the Work
Re-reading the relevant episodes of “Zatsu Tabi” before visiting enriches the experience. By experiencing scenes from the work in person, you can see Iwate from the protagonist’s perspective.
Information Gathering via SNS
Searching for hashtags like “#ざつ旅” or “#ざつ旅聖地巡礼” on Twitter and Instagram reveals other fans’ pilgrimage reports. You can discover the latest restaurant information and hidden gems.
Creating a Pilgrimage Notebook or Stamp Rally
Creating your own pilgrimage notebook is recommended. Recording photos, impressions, and comparisons with the work at visited locations creates a treasured keepsake.
Using Local Tourism Associations
Municipal tourism associations provide detailed maps and pamphlets. Contacting them in advance may yield advice on efficient pilgrimage routes.
Basic Information about Iwate Prefecture
Climate and Clothing
Iwate’s climate differs between inland and coastal areas.
Inland (Morioka, etc.)
- Summer: Some days exceed 30°C, but mornings and evenings are cool
- Winter: Can drop below -10°C with heavy snowfall
Coastal areas (Miyako, etc.)
- Summer: Relatively cool and comfortable
- Winter: Warmer than inland but with strong winds
Dialect and Language
Iwate uses dialects such as “Nanbu-ben” and “Kesen-go.” “Zatsu Tabi” features these dialects in conversations with locals, conveying warmth.
Common Dialects
- “~dabe”: probably; you think
- “Keppare”: do your best; hang in there
- “Nda”: yes; that’s right
Tourism and Disaster Recovery
The coastal areas of Iwate Prefecture suffered significant damage in the 2011 Great East Japan Earthquake; however, recovery is now progressing, and the region is regaining vitality as a tourist destination.
“Zatsu Tabi” sometimes depicts the recovered towns and the forward-looking attitude of locals. Undertaking a pilgrimage with awareness of contributing to recovery efforts makes the journey more meaningful.
Disaster Heritage Sites and Commemoration Facilities
- Great East Japan Earthquake and Tsunami Reconstruction Memorial Hall (Rikuzentakata City)
- Tarō Kanko Hotel (Miyako City)
Conclusion: Rediscovering Iwate’s Charm Through Zatsu Tabi
A pilgrimage tour of Iwate Prefecture sacred sites from “Zatsu Tabi -That’s Journey-” offers a wonderful opportunity not only to enjoy the work but to experience Iwate’s rich nature, history, culture, and cuisine.
Following the work’s “casual travel” style, avoiding overly detailed planning and maintaining space for chance encounters and discoveries represents the true essence of an Iwate pilgrimage tour.
From Morioka’s three famous noodles to the fresh seafood of Sanriku, the folklore world of Tōno, and the historical heritage of Hiraizumi, Iwate is filled with diverse attractions. If “Zatsu Tabi” sparked your interest in Iwate, please visit in person to experience both the world of the work and the reality of Iwate.
Through pilgrimage tours, not only does your understanding of the work deepen, but also affection for Iwate as a place grows. Seeing the same scenery as the protagonist, tasting the same cuisine, and feeling the same air—this represents the greatest charm of pilgrimage tourism.
I hope this article assists in your “Zatsu Tabi” Iwate Prefecture pilgrimage tour. Enjoy a safe and wonderful journey!
