【That’s Journey-Zatsu Tabi-】(Hanamaki City, Iwate Prefecture)
Introduction: That’s Journey and the Charm of Iwate Prefecture
“That’s Journey-Zatsu Tabi-” is a travel manga by Kenta Ishizaka that depicts the protagonist traveling “casually” throughout various regions of Japan. Due to its unique travel style and the appearance of real tourist destinations and restaurants, fans actively engage in pilgrimage tourism to these locations.
Iwate Prefecture is the largest prefecture in the Tohoku region by area and serves as an important setting in “That’s Journey.” The charm of Iwate is depicted in full through the work, including abundant natural landscapes, historically significant cultural heritage, and delicious local cuisine.
This article provides a comprehensive explanation of pilgrimage sites in Iwate Prefecture that appear in “That’s Journey,” along with practical information for actually visiting these locations.
What is That’s Journey? Basic Information about the Work
Work Overview
“That’s Journey-Zatsu Tabi-” is a travel manga depicting the protagonist traveling “casually” across the country on a low budget. Rather than depicting only the beautiful aspects of tourist destinations, it also portrays the realistic nature of travel, interactions with local people, and B-grade cuisine, conveying the authentic enjoyment of traveling.
The Significance of Iwate Prefecture in the Work
Iwate Prefecture appears in “That’s Journey” as a representative setting for the Tohoku region. With its vast land area, Iwate features seafood from coastal areas, mountain delicacies from inland regions, and historical tourist attractions scattered throughout, possessing the diversity perfect for the work’s “casual travel” style.
Pilgrimage Sites in the Morioka City Area
Around Morioka Station
Morioka Station, the gateway to Iwate Prefecture, is the first destination many pilgrims visit. The station building features well-stocked souvenir shops handling Iwate specialty products, and “That’s Journey” depicts scenes such as the protagonist purchasing station lunch boxes.
Access Information
- Exit 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)
Morioka Castle Ruins Park, the former residence of the Nanbu clan, is a beloved leisure spot for local residents. “That’s Journey” depicts the beauty of the stone walls and scenes of walking through the park, with many tourists visiting especially during the cherry blossom season.
Highlights
- Beautiful stone walls
- Nature in four seasons
- High ground overlooking the city
Operating Hours and Admission
- Free entry
- No admission fee
The Three Great Noodles of Morioka
Morioka is famous for three types of noodles: “wanko soba,” “cold noodles,” and “jaja noodles.” “That’s Journey” features scenes of the protagonist enjoying these noodle dishes, stimulating readers’ appetites.
Wanko Soba
A unique style where servers successively place soba into bowls. “That’s Journey” depicts the protagonist’s attempt in a humorous manner.
Recommended Restaurants
- Togo Honten
- Hatsukomma Honten
- Naorika-an
Morioka Cold Noodles
Cold noodles derived from the Korean Peninsula, adapted to Morioka style. Characterized by chewy noodles and a refreshing broth.
Recommended Restaurants
- Seirogaku
- Shokudoen
- Pyon Pyon Sha
Jaja Noodles
Morioka’s unique noodle dish featuring flat noodles topped with meat miso, cucumber, and scallions. “Chitantantan,” made by adding egg to the remaining sauce, is also famous.
Recommended Restaurants
- Hakuryu Honten
- Pylon
- HOT JaJa
Zaimokucho Yoichi
A morning market held every Saturday featuring fresh vegetables and processed foods from local producers. “That’s Journey” depicts it as a place of interaction with local people, where you can feel the everyday life of Morioka.
Event Information
- Held: Every Saturday (April–November)
- Time: Around 5 AM onwards
- Location: Zaimokucho Shopping Street
Pilgrimage Sites in the Miyako City and Sanriku Coast Area
Jodoigahama
A scenic spot representing the Sanriku Reconstruction National Park, featuring beautiful contrast between white rock faces and blue sea. “That’s Journey” depicts its spectacular views and quietness impressively.
Highlights
- White rhyolite rock formations
- Highly transparent sea
- Views from sightseeing boats
Access
- Approximately 20 minutes by bus from JR Miyako Station
- Parking available (congested during peak season)
Miyako City Fish and Vegetable Market
A market lined with fresh seafood from Sanriku, where “That’s Journey” features scenes of enjoying seafood bowls and grilled seafood. Open from early morning, you can feel the vitality of the local area.
Business Information
- Operating Hours: Vary by store (most open early morning to around 2 PM)
- Closed Days: Vary by store
- Specialties: Seafood bowls, sea urchin, scallops
Sanriku Railway Rias Line
The Sanriku Railway, also a symbol of recovery from the Great East Japan Earthquake, features the beautiful coastal scenery from train windows and the warmth unique to local lines in “That’s Journey.”
Boarding Information
- Route: Mori Station to Kuji Station (163 km)
- Passes through Miyako Station
- All-day free passes and other economical tickets available
Pilgrimage Sites in the Tono City Area
Tono Furusato Village
A facility featuring relocated reconstructions of farmhouses from the Edo to Meiji periods, presented as the original Japanese countryside in “That’s Journey.” You can experience traditional farm life in thatched-roof magariya farmhouses.
Facility Information
- Operating Hours: 9:00 AM–5:00 PM
- Admission: ¥550 for adults
- Experiences: Buckwheat noodle making, straw crafts, etc.
Kappa Fuchi
The setting of the Kappa legend that appears in Tales of Tono. “That’s Journey” depicts this mystical atmosphere, a healing spot surrounded by the murmuring of a small stream and green vegetation.
Highlights
- Kappa guardian dog statues
- Jogyoji 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 stop-off point featured in “That’s Journey,” where you can obtain detailed information and maps of Tono, making it ideal as a starting point for pilgrimage tourism.
The World Heritage Site Area of Hiraizumi Town
Konjikidō Hall of Chūsonji Temple
A World Heritage Site transmitting the prosperity of the Oshu Fujiwara clan to the present day. “That’s Journey” depicts its historical value and solemn atmosphere.
Admission Information
- Admission Hours: 8:30 AM–5:00 PM (varies by season)
- Admission Fee: ¥800 for adults
- Time Required: 1–2 hours
Motsuji Temple
A temple featuring a beautiful Pure Land garden, a World Heritage Site constituent asset alongside Chūsonji. “That’s Journey” depicts scenes of strolling through the quiet garden.
Admission Information
- Admission Hours: 8:30 AM–5:00 PM (varies by season)
- Admission Fee: ¥700 for adults
- Highlights: Pure Land garden, Oizumi Pond
Pilgrimage Sites in the Hanamaki City Area
Miyazawa Kenji Memorial Museum
A facility where you can experience the world of Miyazawa Kenji, Iwate’s acclaimed fairy tale author. “That’s Journey” may introduce it as part of Iwate’s culture.
Facility Information
- Opening Hours: 8:30 AM–5:00 PM
- Admission: ¥350 for adults
- Access: Approximately 3 minutes by car from Shin-Hanamaki Station
Hanamaki Hot Spring District
A hot spring area consisting of multiple hot spring locations, perfectly suited to “That’s Journey”‘s “casual travel” style with numerous day-trip bathing facilities.
Major Hot Spring Areas
- Hanamaki Hot Spring
- Dai Hot Spring
- Osawa Hot Spring
- Namari Hot Spring
Practical Model Courses for Pilgrimage Tourism
1-Night 2-Day Course: Morioka and Hiraizumi Tour
Day 1
- 9:00 AM Arrival at Morioka Station
- 9:30 AM Stroll through Morioka Castle Ruins Park
- 11:00 AM Lunch (One of Morioka’s three great noodles)
- 1:00 PM Zaimokucho exploration
- 3:00 PM Move to Hiraizumi (approximately 1 hour 30 minutes by car)
- 4:30 PM Stay overnight in Hiraizumi town
Day 2
- 8:00 AM Visit Chūsonji Temple
- 10:00 AM Visit Motsuji Temple
- 12:00 PM Lunch in Hiraizumi
- 2:00 PM Return home
2-Night 3-Day Course: Iwate Vertical Pilgrimage Tour
Day 1
- Morning: Morioka city sightseeing
- Afternoon: Move to Tono, visit Tono Furusato Village and Kappa Fuchi
- Overnight: Tono city
Day 2
- Morning: Move to Miyako, visit Jodoigahama
- Lunch: Miyako City Fish and Vegetable Market
- Afternoon: Sanriku Railway Rias Line experience
- Overnight: Miyako city
Day 3
- Morning: Sanriku coast drive
- Afternoon: Return to Morioka, purchase souvenirs
- Evening: Return home from Morioka Station
Day Trip Course: Morioka Enjoyment Plan
- 9:00 AM Arrival at Morioka Station
- 9:30 AM Morioka Castle Ruins Park
- 11:00 AM Wanko soba experience
- 1:00 PM City exploration (Zaimokucho, Konyacho, etc.)
- 3:00 PM Café break
- 4:00 PM Souvenir shopping
- 5:00 PM Dinner with Morioka cold noodles
- 6:30 PM Return home from Morioka Station
Transportation Information Useful for Pilgrimage Tourism
Access by Train
Tohoku Shinkansen
- Tokyo to Morioka: Approximately 2 hours 10 minutes
- Sendai to Morioka: Approximately 40 minutes
Local Lines
- JR Tohoku Main Line: Between Morioka and Hiraizumi
- JR Yamada Line: Between Morioka and Miyako
- JR Kamaishi Line: Between Hanamaki, Tono, and Kamaishi
- Sanriku Railway Rias Line: Running along the coast
Recommendations for Renting a Car
Iwate Prefecture is vast, and many spots are difficult to access using only public transportation, making car rental convenient.
Car Rental Locations
- Around Morioka Station: Multiple company offices
- Iwate Hanamaki Airport: Office inside airport
- Around major stations: Miyako, Hanamaki, etc.
Local Buses and Highway Buses
Local Buses
- Iwate Kotsu
- JR Bus Tohoku
- Community buses in each municipality
Highway Buses
- Tokyo to Morioka: Approximately 7–8 hours
- Sendai to Morioka: Approximately 3 hours
Iwate’s Famous Gourmet Foods and Souvenirs
Must-Try Cuisine
Morioka’s Three Great Noodles
- Wanko soba
- Morioka cold noodles
- Jaja noodles
Seafood
- Sea urchin (especially in summer)
- Scallops
- Saury (autumn)
- Salmon roe
Local Cuisine
- Hittsumi (dumpling soup)
- Mamebu soup
- Ichigo-ni (sea cucumber and sea urchin)
B-Grade Gourmet
- Fukuda Pan (coppe bread)
- Jajjajja Noodles
Recommended Souvenirs
Sweets
- Kamome no Tamago (Saito Seika)
- Nanbu senbei crackers
- Sesame meatballs
- Platinum Pork products
Local Sake
- Nanbu Bijin
- Asakai
- Hama Chidori
Crafts
- Nanbu cast iron
- Hidehira lacquerware
- Homespun
Etiquette and Precautions for Pilgrimage Tourism
Photography Etiquette
When visiting “That’s Journey” pilgrimage sites, you’ll want to photograph scenes matching the work’s angles, but observe the following:
- Never trespass on private property
- Obtain permission from restaurant staff before photographing
- Be considerate of other tourists
- Check photography-prohibited areas at temples and shrines
Consideration for Local Communities
- Avoid loud noise
- Always take trash with you
- Support the local economy by using local shops
- Use designated parking areas
Seasonal Precautions
Winter (December–March)
- Caution regarding snow and ice
- Studless tires essential
- Take proper cold weather precautions
Summer (July–August)
- Heat stroke prevention
- Sun protection
- Insect repellent
Information for More Enjoyable Pilgrimage Tourism
Preparation and Review of the Work
Reviewing the relevant episodes of “That’s Journey” before pilgrimage tourism enhances enjoyment. Experiencing scenes from the work firsthand allows you to feel Iwate from the protagonist’s perspective.
Information Gathering via SNS
Searching hashtags like “#zatsu tabi” or “#zatsu tabi pilgrimage” on Twitter and Instagram lets you view other fans’ pilgrimage reports. You can also discover the latest shop information and hidden gems.
Pilgrimage Notebook and Stamp Rally
Creating your own pilgrimage tourism notebook is recommended. Recording photos, impressions, and comparisons with the work from visited locations creates a meaningful keepsake.
Utilizing Local Tourism Associations
Municipal tourism associations provide detailed maps and brochures. Contacting them beforehand 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: Some days exceed 30°C, but mornings and evenings are cool
- Winter: Temperatures may drop below -10°C with heavy snowfall
Coastal Areas (Miyako, etc.)
- Summer: Relatively cool and comfortable
- Winter: Milder than inland areas but with strong winds
Dialect and Language
Dialects such as “Nanbu dialect” and “Kesen dialect” are used in Iwate Prefecture. “That’s Journey” features these dialects in conversations with locals, conveying warmth.
Commonly Heard Dialect Phrases
- “~dabe”: ~isn’t it/~right?
- “keppare”: do your best
- “nda”: that’s right
Disaster Reconstruction and Tourism
The Iwate coastal region suffered major damage in the 2011 Great East Japan Earthquake but is now recovering, returning to vibrancy as a tourist destination.
“That’s Journey” sometimes depicts the appearance of reconstructed towns and the forward-looking attitudes of local people. Engaging in pilgrimage tourism with awareness of supporting reconstruction can make your trip more meaningful.
Earthquake Ruins and Memorial Facilities
- Great East Japan Earthquake and Tsunami Memorial Museum (Rikuzentakata City)
- Taro Tourism Hotel (Miyako City)
Conclusion: Rediscovering Iwate’s Charm Through That’s Journey
A pilgrimage tour of Iwate Prefecture for “That’s Journey-Zatsu Tabi-” is not only an opportunity to enjoy the work but also to experience Iwate’s abundant nature, history, culture, and cuisine.
Following the work’s “casual travel” style, avoiding overly packed schedules and maintaining room to enjoy unexpected encounters and discoveries exemplifies the essence of an Iwate pilgrimage tour.
Iwate is filled with diverse attractions: Morioka’s three great noodles, fresh seafood from Sanriku, the folk tale world of Tono, and historical heritage of Hiraizumi. Those interested in Iwate through “That’s Journey” should definitely visit in person to experience both the world depicted in the work and real Iwate.
Through pilgrimage tourism, your understanding of the work deepens while fostering affection for Iwate as a place. Viewing the same scenery as the protagonist, tasting the same cuisine, feeling the same air—that is pilgrimage tourism’s greatest charm.
I hope this article aids your “That’s Journey” Iwate Prefecture pilgrimage tourism. Enjoy a safe and wonderful journey!
