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 regions of Japan. Due to its unique travel style and the appearance of real tourist attractions and restaurants, fans actively engage in pilgrimage to sacred sites.
Iwate Prefecture has the largest area in the Tohoku region and serves as an important setting in “Zatsu-tabi.” Its abundant nature, historical cultural heritage, and delicious local cuisine are all portrayed comprehensively through the work.
This article provides a thorough explanation of sacred sites in Iwate Prefecture that appear in “Zatsu-tabi,” along with practical information for actually visiting them.
What is Zatsu-tabi? Basic Information About the Work
Work Overview
“Zatsu-tabi -That’s Journey-” is a travel manga depicting a protagonist traveling “casually” on a low budget throughout Japan. Rather than just portraying the beautiful aspects of tourist destinations, it also depicts the realistic nature of travel, interactions with local people, and B-class gourmet food, conveying the joy of travel in an authentic manner.
The Significance of Iwate Prefecture’s Appearance
Iwate Prefecture appears in “Zatsu-tabi” as a representative setting in the Tohoku region. With its vast land area, Iwate features fresh seafood from its coastal areas, mountain products from inland regions, and historical tourist spots scattered throughout, possessing the diversity that perfectly suits the work’s “casual travel” style.
Sacred Sites for Pilgrimage in the Morioka City Area
Around Morioka Station
Morioka Station, the gateway to Iwate Prefecture, is the first place many pilgrims visit. The station features numerous souvenir shops dealing with Iwate specialty products, and “Zatsu-tabi” depicts scenes such as the protagonist purchasing station bento.
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 enjoyed as a recreational space for citizens. In “Zatsu-tabi,” the beauty of its stone walls and the park’s scenic walks are depicted, with many tourists enjoying the park, especially during cherry blossom season.
Highlights
- Beautiful stone wall groups
- Nature in each season
- Elevated view overlooking the city
Hours of Operation and Admission
- Free entry
- No admission fee
Morioka’s Three Great Noodles – Sacred Sites
Morioka is famous for its “wanko soba,” “cold noodles,” and “jaja noodles.” “Zatsu-tabi” features scenes of the protagonist enjoying these noodle dishes, whetting readers’ appetites.
Wanko Soba
A unique style where servers successively place soba into bowls. In “Zatsu-tabi,” the protagonist’s challenge is depicted humorously.
Recommended Restaurants
- Touya Main Store
- Hatsukomma Main Store
- Nakatoshian
Morioka Cold Noodles
Cold noodles with origins in the Korean Peninsula, adapted to the Morioka style. Characterized by chewy noodles and refreshing broth.
Recommended Restaurants
- Shorourakuten
- Shokudoen
- Pyonpyonsha
Jaja Noodles
Morioka’s unique noodle dish featuring flat noodles topped with seasoned meat sauce, cucumber, and scallion. “Chi-tan-tan,” made by adding egg after finishing, is also a specialty.
Recommended Restaurants
- Hakuryu Main Store
- Pairon
- HOT JaJa
Zaimokucho Yoichi
A morning market held every Saturday where fresh local vegetables and processed foods are sold. In “Zatsu-tabi,” it is depicted as a place for interacting with local people, offering a spot to experience daily Morioka life.
Event Information
- Held: Every Saturday (April to November)
- Time: Around 5:00 AM~
- Location: Zaimokucho Shopping Street
Sacred Sites in Miyako City and Sanriku Coast Area
Jodogahama
A scenic spot representing the Sanriku Restoration National Park, beautiful with its contrast between white rock faces and blue sea. In “Zatsu-tabi,” its spectacular views and tranquility are depicted impressively.
Highlights
- Strange rocks of white rhyolite
- Highly transparent sea
- Views from sightseeing boats
Access
- Approximately 20 minutes by route bus from JR Miyako Station
- Parking available (crowded during peak season)
Miyako City Sakana-Yasai Market
A market lined with fresh Sanriku seafood, featuring scenes in “Zatsu-tabi” where the protagonist enjoys seafood bowls and grilled fish. Operating from early morning, visitors can feel the local vibrancy.
Business Information
- Hours: Vary by store (most open early morning to around 2:00 PM)
- Closed: Varies by store
- Specialties: Seafood bowls, sea urchin, scallops
Sanriku Railway Rias Line
A symbol of recovery from the 2011 Great East Japan Earthquake, the Sanriku Railway. In “Zatsu-tabi,” the beautiful coastal views from train windows and the warmth unique to local lines are depicted.
Boarding Information
- Route: Mori Station to Kuji Station (163 km)
- Via Miyako Station
- Day passes and other discounted tickets available
Sacred Sites in Tono City Area
Tono Furusato Village
A facility with buildings from the Edo to Meiji periods relocated and restored, introduced in “Zatsu-tabi” as the original Japanese landscape. Visitors can experience traditional farmhouse life with thatched-roof traditional farmhouses and old-fashioned rural living.
Facility Information
- Hours: 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM
- Admission: 550 yen for adults
- Experiences: Soba making, straw crafts, etc.
Kappa Fuchi
The setting of the Kappa legend appearing in “Tales of Tono.” In “Zatsu-tabi,” this mysterious atmosphere is depicted, making it a healing spot surrounded by babbling streams and greenery.
Highlights
- Kappa lion dog statues
- Jokenji Temple
- Kappa fishing experience (using cucumber as bait)
Access
- Approximately 10 minutes by car from Tono Station
- Parking available
Tono Station Tourist Information Office
A stop depicted in “Zatsu-tabi” as a likely place to visit. It is ideal as a starting point for pilgrimage, where visitors can obtain detailed information about Tono and maps.
World Heritage Sites in Hiraizumi Town Area
Konjikedo (Golden Hall) at Chusonji Temple
A World Heritage site preserving the prosperity of the Oshu Fujiwara clan. In “Zatsu-tabi,” its historical value and solemn atmosphere are depicted.
Admission Information
- Hours: 8:30 AM to 5:00 PM (varies by season)
- Admission: 800 yen for adults
- Duration: 1-2 hours
Motsuji Temple
A temple with a beautiful Pure Land garden, a World Heritage constituent property alongside Chusonji. In “Zatsu-tabi,” scenes of strolling through the quiet garden are depicted.
Admission Information
- Hours: 8:30 AM to 5:00 PM (varies by season)
- Admission: 700 yen for adults
- Highlights: Pure Land garden, Ouizumi Pond
Sacred Sites in Hanamaki City Area
Miyazawa Kenji Memorial Hall
A facility where visitors can experience the world of Miyazawa Kenji, a celebrated fairy tale author from Iwate. In “Zatsu-tabi,” it may be introduced as part of Iwate’s culture.
Facility Information
- Hours: 8:30 AM to 5:00 PM
- Admission: 350 yen for adults
- Access: Approximately 3 minutes by car from Shin-Hanamaki Station
Hanamaki Hot Spring Resort
A hot spring resort comprising multiple hot spring areas, with day-use bath facilities perfect for “Zatsu-tabi’s” casual travel style.
Main Hot Spring Areas
- Hanamaki Onsen
- Dai Onsen
- Taiosawa Onsen
- Namari Onsen
Practical Model Courses for Sacred Site Pilgrimage
One Night Two Days Course: Morioka and Hiraizumi Tour
Day 1
- 9:00 AM Arrive at Morioka Station
- 9:30 AM Morioka Castle Ruins Park tour
- 11:00 AM Morioka’s three great noodles (lunch)
- 1:00 PM Zaimokucho stroll
- 3:00 PM Move to Hiraizumi (approximately 1 hour 30 minutes by car)
- 4:30 PM Stay overnight in Hiraizumi
Day 2
- 8:00 AM Visit Chusonji Temple
- 10:00 AM Visit Motsuji Temple
- 12:00 PM Lunch in Hiraizumi
- 2:00 PM Head back home
Two Nights Three Days Course: Iwate Vertical Sacred Site Pilgrimage
Day 1
- Morning: Morioka city sightseeing
- Afternoon: Move to Tono, visit Tono Furusato Village and Kappa Fuchi
- Stay: Tono city
Day 2
- Morning: Move to Miyako, visit Jodogahama
- Lunch: Miyako City Sakana-Yasai Market
- Afternoon: Sanriku Railway Rias Line experience
- Stay: Miyako city
Day 3
- Morning: Sanriku coast drive
- Afternoon: Return to Morioka, souvenir shopping
- Evening: Depart from Morioka Station
Day Trip Course: Morioka Satisfaction 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 (Zaimokucho, Konyacho, 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 for Sacred Site Pilgrimage
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 through coastal areas
Recommendations for Renting a Car
Since Iwate Prefecture is vast and many sites are difficult to reach by public transportation alone, renting a car is convenient.
Car Rental Bases
- Morioka Station area: Multiple company offices
- Iwate Hanamaki Airport: Office inside the airport
- Around major stations: Miyako, Hanamaki, etc.
Route Buses and Highway Buses
Route 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 Prefecture’s Specialty Gourmet and Souvenirs
Must-Try Gourmet
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 urchin and abalone soup)
B-Class Gourmet
- Fukuda Pan (coppe bread)
- Jajaa ramen
Recommended Souvenirs
Sweets
- Kamome no Tamago (Saito Seika)
- Nanbu crackers
- Sesame grinding dumplings
- Platinum Pork Kurobuta products
Local Sake
- Nanbu Bijin
- Asazake
- Hamachidori
Crafts
- Nanbu Tekki (iron ware)
- Hidehira-nuri (lacquerware)
- Homespun
Manners and Cautions for Sacred Site Pilgrimage
Photography Etiquette
On “Zatsu-tabi” sacred site pilgrimages, while you’ll want to photograph the same angles as scenes in the work, please note the following:
- Never enter private property without permission
- Ask restaurant staff for permission before photographing
- Be considerate not to bother other tourists
- Check for photography-prohibited areas at temples and shrines
Consideration for Local Communities
- Don’t speak loudly
- Always take trash with you
- Support local establishments economically
- Use designated parking areas
Seasonal Cautions
Winter (December to March)
- Be careful of snow and ice
- Studless tires essential
- Take thorough cold-weather precautions
Summer (July to August)
- Heat stroke prevention
- Sun protection
- Insect repellent measures
Information for Enjoying Sacred Site Pilgrimage More
Previewing and Reviewing the Work
Rereading the relevant episodes of “Zatsu-tabi” before pilgrimage allows for deeper enjoyment. Experiencing the scenes depicted in the work firsthand enables you to feel Iwate from the protagonist’s perspective.
Information Collection via Social Media
Searching for hashtags like “#zatsu-tabi” and “#zatsu-tabi pilgrimage” on Twitter and Instagram allows you to see pilgrimage reports from other fans. You can discover the latest shop 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 at each visited location creates a memorable keepsake.
Utilizing Local Tourism Associations
Tourism associations in each municipality provide detailed maps and brochures. Inquiring in advance can yield advice on efficient pilgrimage routes.
Basic Information About Iwate Prefecture
Climate and Clothing
Iwate Prefecture has different climates between inland and coastal areas.
Inland Areas (Morioka, etc.)
- Summer: Days exceeding 30 degrees Celsius, but cool mornings and evenings
- Winter: Temperatures can drop below -10 degrees Celsius, heavy snowfall
Coastal Areas (Miyako, etc.)
- Summer: Relatively cool and comfortable
- Winter: Warmer than inland areas but with strong winds
Dialect and Language
In Iwate Prefecture, dialects such as “Nanbu dialect” and “Kesen dialect” are used. In “Zatsu-tabi,” local people’s conversations featuring dialect appear, conveying warmth.
Common Dialect Phrases
- “~dabe”: ~probably/~I suppose
- “keppa’re”: do your best
- “nda”: that’s so/yes
Earthquake Recovery and Tourism
The coastal areas of Iwate Prefecture suffered major damage in the 2011 Great East Japan Earthquake but are now recovering and regaining vitality as tourist destinations.
In “Zatsu-tabi,” scenes of the recovered city and the positive attitudes of local people are sometimes depicted. Engaging in sacred site pilgrimage with awareness that it supports disaster recovery can make the journey more meaningful.
Earthquake Ruins and Transmission Facilities
- Great East Japan Earthquake and Tsunami Transmission Hall (Rikuzentakata City)
- Tarou Kanko Hotel (Miyako City)
Conclusion: Rediscovering Iwate’s Charm Through Zatsu-tabi
Sacred site pilgrimage to Iwate Prefecture in “Zatsu-tabi -That’s Journey-” is a wonderful opportunity not only to enjoy the work but also to experience Iwate’s abundant nature, history, culture, and gourmet food.
Following the work’s “casual travel” style, avoiding overly packed schedules and maintaining space to enjoy chance encounters and discoveries represents the true appeal of Iwate sacred site pilgrimage.
Morioka’s three great noodles, fresh Sanriku seafood, the folktale world of Tono, and 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.
Through sacred site pilgrimage, not only will your understanding of the work deepen, but affection for Iwate itself will also grow. Seeing the same scenery as the protagonist, tasting the same dishes, and feeling the same air—that is the greatest charm of sacred site pilgrimage.
I hope this article helps with your “Zatsu-tabi” Iwate Prefecture sacred site pilgrimage. Enjoy a safe and fun journey!
