All Iwate Prefecture Tours & Excursions in 2026

Discover the timeless beauty of Hiraizumi, a UNESCO World Heritage town in Iwate, on an 8-hour private tour with your own government-licensed guide and private vehicle. Once the capital of the Oshu Fujiwara clan, Hiraizumi is home to magnificent temples, peaceful gardens, and historic landmarks that showcase Japan's rich cultural heritage. Once your reservation is made, your guide will contact you to plan a personalized itinerary. Choose 4 to 7 spots from the "Tour Details" section, or ask your guide for recommendations. We look forward to showing you Hiraizumi! Maximum 7 participants per tour. If your group includes children, please let us know their number and ages.

Discover the art of sake brewing at Iwate Meijo in Oshu City, where tradition meets craftsmanship against the backdrop of Iwate's stunning natural beauty. This brewery tour invites you to explore the rich history of sake production in the region and learn about the meticulous brewing process, from rice preparation to fermentation. Highlights include tasting the rare daiginjo sake, crafted with precision and available exclusively at the brewery, along with other unique sakes not found elsewhere. Engage with the artisans who uphold the brewery's high standards and delve into the philosophy that marries tradition with innovation. - Explore the traditional brewing techniques and local rice varieties. - Taste exclusive sakes, including the highly-regarded daiginjo and OkuRoku. - Enjoy insights from passionate artisans dedicated to their craft. - Gain a deeper understanding of sake culture and its regional significance.

(1) Meet at Morioka Station. Chef and owner Yuichi Suzuki is waiting for you in the water square in front of Morioka Station. (2) We will pick you up at Fish Restaurant (Suzutoku) about 20 minutes by car from Morioka Station. It is also possible to guide you to a famous historical café with a connection to Kenji Miyazawa during the transfer. (3) When you arrive at the fish restaurant, the fisherman will show you the fish demolition scene. (4) You will experience using a Japanese knife to handle small fish such as horse mackerel. (5) Please make sushi. Additional optional items ・ Sushi lunch / dinner: Chef offers sushi ・ Provide the highest quality ・ Provides the finest salted sea urchins (limited from June to August) ・ You can bake seasonal vegetables with the seven wheels (very luxurious time if you like vegetables) ・ Provide local sake and whiskey ・ Transfer to the hotel: The tour will meet at Morioka station first, but if you want to go to the hotel first, you will be guided to the hotel first. ・ City sightseeing guide: Information on cherry blossoms and famous natural heritage

This tour is designed to combine cultural depth with distinctive local experiences in a single day from Ichinoseki. Alongside the UNESCO-listed temples of Hiraizumi, you can choose between two contrasting gorge experiences—Genbikei or Geibikei—each offering a different perspective on nature. At Genbikei Gorge, beyond the striking rock formations, you can witness the unique “kakko dango” experience, where orders and freshly made Japanese rice dumplings are delivered across the gorge via a rope system. This playful tradition adds a memorable cultural element to the visit. Alternatively, Geibikei Gorge offers a slower, immersive journey by traditional boat, allowing you to fully appreciate the surrounding cliffs and atmosphere. With flexible route options and travel by private car, this tour provides a comfortable and personalized way to explore both the historical and local character of the Ichinoseki area.

For centuries, the beech forests of Northern Tohoku have sustained both the land and the people who call it home. This region flourished through a hunter-gatherer way of life, giving rise to the traditions of the Matagi mountain hunters, a food culture centered on wild edible plants and mushrooms, and a lacquerware culture that has long made use of beech wood in everyday life and craftsmanship. Take a peaceful retreat walk through the beech forests of Appi Kogen, where the scenery transforms with each season. Spend time with horses grazing freely in open pastures, then gather with local residents to prepare traditional home-style dishes using the bounty of the mountains. This is an opportunity to experience not only the beauty of nature, but also the lifestyle and wisdom that have grown from living in harmony with it. ★Highlight ・Stoll through the Appi Beech Forest ・Make traditional foods for lunch with a local mum ・Learn about the connection between lacquerware and life in Iwate

Please note that even if you select “Tour Language: English(written),” the driver speaks Japanese only. Communication will be supported using a translation app, and English tour information will be provided in advance. This 7-hour private shore excursion showcases Miyako’s must-see coastal scenery and local food culture. Walk the stunning “Pure Land” shoreline of Jodogahama, then wear a helmet and ride a traditional small fishing boat (Sappa Boat) into a sea cave that glows surreal blue. Enjoy lunch at Miyako Gyosai Market, where you can choose fresh seasonal seafood, and finish with a visit to the Salmon Treasure Museum or a souvenir stop before returning to Miyako Port.

Please note that even if you select “Tour Language: English(written),” the driver speaks Japanese only. Communication will be supported using a translation app, and English tour information will be provided in advance. This 7-hour educational shore excursion explores the 2011 tsunami, local resilience, and the region’s recovery. In Taro, see the preserved tsunami ruins of Taro Kanko Hotel and walk atop the massive double seawalls known as the “Great Wall.” Return to Miyako for lunch, then enjoy the timeless beauty of Jodogahama Beach. If time allows, end with a visit to a local science facility to learn about Sanriku’s marine life before returning to Miyako Port. Lunch is not included in this tour.