【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 main character traveling throughout Japan in a “haphazard” manner. Due to its unique travel style and the appearance of real tourist destinations and restaurants, sacred site pilgrimages by fans are thriving.
Iwate Prefecture is the largest prefecture in the Tohoku region by area and appears as an important setting in “Zatsu Tabi.” Its abundant nature, historical cultural heritage, and delicious local cuisine are all depicted comprehensively through the work, showcasing Iwate’s charm.
This article provides a thorough explanation of sacred sites in Iwate Prefecture that appear in “Zatsu Tabi” and offers practical information for those wishing to visit them.
What is Zatsu Tabi? Basic Information About the Work
Work Overview
“Zatsu Tabi -That’s Journey-” is a travel manga depicting the main character traveling throughout the country on a low budget in a “haphazard” manner. It portrays not just the beautiful aspects of tourist destinations but also the reality of travel, interactions with local people, and B-grade gourmet food, conveying the genuine joy of travel.
The Significance of Iwate Prefecture Appearing in the Work
Iwate Prefecture appears in “Zatsu Tabi” as a representative setting for the Tohoku region. With its vast land area, Iwate features an array of coastal seafood, inland mountain produce, and historical tourist spots, possessing the diversity that perfectly suits the work’s “haphazard travel” style.
Morioka City Area Sacred Sites
Morioka Station Surroundings
Morioka Station, the gateway to Iwate Prefecture, is the first place many pilgrims visit. The station interior has excellent souvenir shops handling Iwate specialties, and “Zatsu Tabi” depicts scenes such as the main character purchasing station box lunches.
Access Information
- Get off at “Morioka Station” on the Tohoku Shinkansen
- Approximately 2 hours 10 minutes from Tokyo
- Approximately 40 minutes from Sendai
Morioka Castle Ruins Park (Iwate Park)
The Morioka Castle ruins park, the former residence of the Nanbu clan, is cherished as a gathering place for citizens. “Zatsu Tabi” depicts the beauty of the stone walls and the park’s scenic walks, and it becomes particularly crowded during cherry blossom season.
Highlights
- Beautiful stone wall formations
- Nature throughout the seasons
- A high point overlooking the city
Operating Hours and Admission
- Free entry
- No admission fee
Morioka’s Three Famous Noodle Dishes Sacred Sites
Morioka is famous for its three noodle dishes: “wanko soba,” “cold noodles,” and “jaja noodles.” “Zatsu Tabi” includes scenes of the main character enjoying these noodle dishes, sure to make readers’ appetites rumble.
Wanko Soba
A unique style where serving staff continuously place soba in bowls. “Zatsu Tabi” humorously depicts the main character’s challenge with this dish.
Recommended Establishments
- Tougiya Honten
- Hatsukomahouten
- Chokurien
Morioka Cold Noodles
Cold noodles with origins in the Korean Peninsula but adapted to Morioka style. Characterized by chewy noodles and light broth.
Recommended Establishments
- Seiroukan
- Shokudouen
- Pyonpyonsha
Jaja Noodles
Morioka’s unique noodle dish featuring flat noodles topped with meat-based miso, cucumber, and green onion. “Chii-tan-tan,” made by adding egg after finishing, is also a specialty.
Recommended Establishments
- Hakuryuu Honten
- Pairon
- HOT JaJa
Zaimokucho Yo-ichi
A morning market held every Saturday featuring fresh local vegetables and processed goods. “Zatsu Tabi” portrays it as a place of interaction with local people, where you can feel Morioka’s daily life.
Event Information
- Held: Every Saturday (April–November)
- Time: Around 5:00 AM~
- Location: Zaimokucho Shopping Street
Miyako City and Sanriku Coast Area Sacred Sites
Jodo ga Hama
A representative scenic spot of the Sanriku Kamaishi Coastal National Park, featuring the striking contrast between white rock surfaces and blue sea. “Zatsu Tabi” depicts its magnificent scenery and serenity impressively.
Highlights
- Odd rock formations of white rhyolite
- High transparency seawater
- Views from sightseeing boats
Access
- Approximately 20 minutes by route bus from JR Miyako Station
- Parking available (crowded during peak season)
Miyako City Gyosai Market
A market featuring fresh seafood from Sanriku, with “Zatsu Tabi” depicting scenes of enjoying seafood rice bowls and beach-grilled items. Open early morning, you can feel the local energy.
Operating Information
- Operating Hours: Varies by store (many 6:00 AM–around 2:00 PM)
- Closed: Varies by store
- Specialties: Seafood rice bowls, sea urchin, scallops
Sanriku Railway Rias Line
The Sanriku Railway, itself a symbol of recovery from the 2011 Great East Japan Earthquake, appears in “Zatsu Tabi” depicting beautiful coastal views from train windows and the warmth characteristic of local railways.
Boarding Information
- Route: Morioka–Kuji Station (163 km)
- Passes through Miyako Station
- Day pass and other discounted tickets available
Tono City Area Sacred Sites
Tono Furusato Village
A facility with farmhouses from the Edo to Meiji periods relocated and restored, presented in “Zatsu Tabi” as a representation of Japan’s original landscape. You can experience curved farmhouses with thatched roofs and traditional rural life.
Facility Information
- Operating Hours: 9:00–17:00
- Admission: Adults ¥550
- Experiences: Soba making, straw crafts, etc.
Kappa Fuchi
The setting for the kappa legend appearing in “Tono Monogatari.” “Zatsu Tabi” depicts this mystical atmosphere, surrounded by the murmur of a small stream and greenery, making it a healing spot.
Highlights
- Kappa stone lions
- Joukenji Temple
- Kappa fishing experience (using cucumber as bait)
Access
- Approximately 10 minutes by car from Tono Station
- Parking available
Tono Station Front Tourist Information Center
A possible sightseeing spot in “Zatsu Tabi.” The tourist information center provides detailed information and maps of Tono, making it ideal as a starting point for sacred site pilgrimage.
Hiraizumi Town Area World Heritage Sites
Konjikudou at Chusonji Temple
A world heritage site conveying the prosperity of the Oshu Fujiwara clan to the present day. “Zatsu Tabi” depicts its historical value and solemn atmosphere.
Viewing Information
- Viewing Hours: 8:30–17:00 (varies by season)
- Viewing Fee: Adults ¥800
- Duration: 1–2 hours
Motsuji Temple
A temple known for its beautiful pure land garden and a world heritage component asset alongside Chusonji. “Zatsu Tabi” depicts scenes of leisurely strolling through the quiet garden.
Viewing Information
- Viewing Hours: 8:30–17:00 (varies by season)
- Viewing Fee: Adults ¥700
- Highlights: Pure land garden, Ooizumi Pond
Hanamaki City Area Sacred Sites
Miyazawa Kenji Memorial Museum
A facility where you can experience the world of Miyazawa Kenji, a celebrated fairy tale author from Iwate. “Zatsu Tabi” may introduce it as part of Iwate’s culture.
Facility Information
- Opening Hours: 8:30–17:00
- Admission: Adults ¥350
- Access: Approximately 3 minutes by car from Shin-Hanamaki Station
Hanamaki Hot Spring Resort Area
A hot spring area consisting of multiple hot spring destinations, perfect for “Zatsu Tabi’s” “haphazard travel” style with numerous day-use bath facilities.
Main Hot Spring Areas
- Hanamaki Onsen
- Dai Onsen
- Osawa Onsen
- Namari Onsen
Practical Model Courses for Sacred Site Pilgrimage
1-Night, 2-Day Course: Morioka and Hiraizumi Tour
Day 1
- 9:00 AM Arrive at Morioka Station
- 9:30 AM Morioka Castle Ruins Park stroll
- 11:00 AM Morioka’s three noodle dishes (lunch)
- 1:00 PM Zaimokucho stroll
- 3:00 PM Travel to Hiraizumi (approximately 1 hour 30 minutes by car)
- 4:30 PM Stay overnight in Hiraizumi
Day 2
- 8:00 AM Chusonji Temple visit
- 10:00 AM Motsuji Temple visit
- 12:00 PM Lunch in Hiraizumi
- 2:00 PM Return journey
2-Night, 3-Day Course: Iwate North-to-South Sacred Site Pilgrimage
Day 1
- Morning: Morioka city sightseeing
- Afternoon: Travel to Tono, Tono Furusato Village and Kappa Fuchi
- Stay: Tono city area
Day 2
- Morning: Travel to Miyako, Jodo ga Hama sightseeing
- Lunch: Miyako City Gyosai Market
- Afternoon: Sanriku Railway experience
- Stay: Miyako city area
Day 3
- Morning: Sanriku coast drive
- Afternoon: Return to Morioka, purchase souvenirs
- Evening: Return journey from Morioka Station
Day-Trip Course: Morioka Full Experience 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 exploration (Zaimokucho, Konya-machi, etc.)
- 3:00 PM Café break
- 4:00 PM Souvenir shopping
- 5:00 PM Morioka cold noodles for dinner
- 6:30 PM Return journey from Morioka Station
Transportation Information Useful for Sacred Site Pilgrimage
Access by Railway
Tohoku Shinkansen
- Tokyo–Morioka: Approximately 2 hours 10 minutes
- Sendai–Morioka: Approximately 40 minutes
Conventional Railways
- JR Tohoku Main Line: Morioka–Hiraizumi section
- JR Yamada Line: Morioka–Miyako section
- JR Kamaishi Line: Hanawaki–Tono–Kamaishi section
- Sanriku Railway Rias Line: Running north-south along the coast
Recommendations for Rental Car Use
Iwate Prefecture is vast, and many spots are difficult to reach using only public transportation, making rental cars convenient.
Rental Car Bases
- Morioka Station area: Multiple company offices
- Iwate Hanamaki Airport: Office inside airport
- Major stations: Miyako, Hanamaki, etc.
Route Buses and Highway Buses
Route Buses
- Iwate Kotsu
- JR Bus Tohoku
- Municipal community buses
Highway Buses
- Tokyo–Morioka: Approximately 7–8 hours
- Sendai–Morioka: Approximately 3 hours
Iwate Prefecture’s Famous Gourmet and Souvenirs
Must-Try Gourmet
Morioka’s Three Noodle Dishes
- Wanko soba
- Morioka cold noodles
- Jaja noodles
Seafood
- Sea urchin (especially in summer)
- Scallops
- Mackerel (autumn)
- Salmon roe
Local Cuisine
- Hitsumi (dumpling soup)
- Mame-bu jiru (bean dumpling soup)
- Ichigo-ni (sea urchin and abalone soup)
B-Grade Gourmet
- Fukuda Pan (coppe bread)
- Jaja-men
Recommended Souvenirs
Sweets
- Kamome no Tamago (Saito Seika)
- Nanbu senbei (cracker)
- Sesame dumplings
- Hakukin-buta platinum pork products
Local Sake
- Nanbu Bijin
- Asabiraki
- Hamachidori
Crafts
- Nanbu iron ware
- Hideya-nuri lacquerware
- Home spun
Etiquette and Precautions for Sacred Site Pilgrimage
Photography Etiquette
When on “Zatsu Tabi” sacred site pilgrimages, you’ll naturally want to photograph scenes matching those in the work, but please observe the following:
- Do not enter private property without permission
- Obtain permission from restaurant staff before photographing
- Be considerate not to disturb other tourists
- Check for photography-restricted areas at temples and shrines
Consideration for Local Communities
- Do not speak loudly
- Always take trash with you
- Support the economy by patronizing local establishments
- Use designated parking areas
Seasonal Precautions
Winter (December–March)
- Beware of snow and ice
- Studless tires required
- Prepare thorough cold weather protection
Summer (July–August)
- Heat stroke prevention
- Sun protection
- Insect repellent
Information for Enhanced Enjoyment of Sacred Site Pilgrimage
Pre- and Post-Reading of the Work
Rereading relevant episodes of “Zatsu Tabi” before pilgrimage deepens enjoyment. Experiencing scenes from the work in person allows you to see Iwate through the main character’s perspective.
Information Gathering via SNS
Searching hashtags like “#zatsu-tabi” and “#zatsu-tabi-seichi-junrei” on Twitter and Instagram reveals pilgrimage reports from other fans. You may discover the latest store information and hidden gems.
Sacred Site Pilgrimage Notebook and Stamp Rally
Creating your own sacred site pilgrimage notebook is also recommended. Recording photos, impressions, and comparisons with the work of visited places creates a memorable keepsake.
Using Local Tourism Associations
Local tourism associations provide detailed maps and pamphlets. Pre-visit inquiries may yield advice on efficient pilgrimage routes.
Basic Information About Iwate Prefecture
Climate and Clothing
Iwate Prefecture’s climate varies between inland and coastal areas.
Inland Areas (Morioka, etc.)
- Summer: Temperatures sometimes exceed 30°C, but mornings and evenings are cool
- Winter: Temperatures 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
Dialects such as “Nanbu-ben” and “Kesen-go” are spoken in Iwate Prefecture. “Zatsu Tabi” sometimes features these dialects in conversations with local people, creating warmth.
Commonly Heard Dialect Phrases
- “~dabe”: equivalent to “~isn’t it”
- “keppare”: “do your best”
- “nda”: “that’s right”
Disaster Recovery and Tourism
Iwate Prefecture’s coastal areas suffered significant damage from the 2011 Great East Japan Earthquake, but recovery has progressed and these tourist destinations have regained vitality.
“Zatsu Tabi” sometimes depicts the recovered urban landscape and the forward-looking spirit of local people. Undertaking sacred site pilgrimage with awareness of supporting recovery efforts makes for a more meaningful journey.
Disaster Heritage Sites and Transmission Facilities
- Great East Japan Earthquake and Tsunami Transmitter Hall (Rikuzentakata City)
- Taro Kanko Hotel (Miyako City)
Conclusion: Rediscovering Iwate’s Charm Through Zatsu Tabi
The “Zatsu Tabi -That’s Journey-” Iwate Prefecture sacred site pilgrimage is a wonderful opportunity not just to enjoy the work but to experience Iwate’s abundant nature, history, culture, and cuisine.
Following the work’s “haphazard travel” style, rather than cramming the itinerary, embracing the pleasure of unexpected encounters and discoveries represents the true joy of Iwate sacred site pilgrimage.
Morioka’s three noodle dishes, Sanriku’s fresh seafood, Tono’s legendary world, Hiraizumi’s historical heritage—Iwate is packed with diverse attractions. Those interested in Iwate through “Zatsu Tabi” are encouraged to actually visit and experience both the work’s world and real Iwate firsthand.
Through sacred site pilgrimage, not only will your understanding of the work deepen, but you’ll also develop an affection for Iwate itself. Viewing the same scenery as the main character, tasting the same cuisine, feeling the same air—that is the greatest charm of sacred site pilgrimage.
I hope this article serves as a resource for your “Zatsu Tabi” Iwate Prefecture sacred site pilgrimage. Have a safe and enjoyable trip!
