Siteseeing Spot

Siteseeing Spot in Oshu

Enjoy Michinoku’s natural and historical heritage to the fullest!

Oshu City is adjacent to Hiraizumi, which is registered as a World Cultural Heritage site. The city is full of historical romance, with its natural beauty of the four seasons, the World Heritage Site Hiraizumi, as well as numerous historical buildings and the birthplace of many great men and women.

 

Syōbōji Temple

The Largest Thatched Roof in Japan

Once, Syōbōji was the third head temple of the Soto school of Zen, serving as the central hub for Soto Zen in the Tohoku region. However, its prestige was unfortunately lost due to the policies of the early Edo period government. Despite this, the atmosphere of Syōbōji, which continues to draw monks for rigorous training, is still passed down to this day as a spiritual center of the Soto school.
Among the many cultural properties designated by the prefecture are the main deity, the “Statue of the Bodhisattva Kannon,” and the “Statue of the Founding Priest, Muteiryōshō Zenji.” What overwhelms visitors is the thatched roof of the main hall, known as the largest thatched roof building in Japan. The main hall, priest’s quarters, and main gate are designated as Important Cultural Properties by the national government. Additionally, with prior reservations, visitors can enjoy a “Mini Zen Experience and a Simple Meal.”

 

Kokusekiji Temple

A Famous Temple Known for the Century-Old Somin Festival

The Somin Festival held at Kokusekiji Temple is famous for its naked men and flames, and is celebrated to ward off disasters and pray for abundant harvests. The festival begins with the “naked pilgrimage,” followed by events such as the “Shibatōki Climbing,” “Betto Climbing,” and “Oni Ko Climbing,” which continue throughout the night. The climax of the festival is the fierce contest over the Somin bags, which takes place in the early hours of the following morning. Despite the severe cold, the energy of the naked men fiercely clashes as they compete.

 

Esashi-Fujiwara Heritage Park

The origin of the World Heritage Site Hiraizumi lies in this land.

Located in Esashi, Oshu City, the “Esashi-Fujiwara Heritage Park” is the birthplace of the first generation of the Oshu Fujiwara clan, Kiyohira. It is the place where Kiyohira lived before moving to Hiraizumi, where he envisioned the peaceful city of Hiraizumi. “Esashi Fujiwara no Sato,” located near the World Heritage Site Hiraizumi, is a theme park where visitors can experience the history and culture of the Tohoku region from ancient times to the medieval period, while honoring the achievements of the Oshu Fujiwara clan.

 

Oshu Lake (Isawa Dam)

One of Japan’s largest rock-fill dams.

Oshu Lake (Isawa Dam) is located in the Isawa River, a tributary of the Kitakami River, in Oshu City, Iwate Prefecture. Its purpose is to secure water flow for flood control, conservation of river environments, irrigation, water supply, and power generation. At the beginning of the 21st century, it was completed as one of Japan’s largest rock-fill dams, replacing the Ishibuchi Dam (completed in 1953) located about 2 km upstream.

 

Taneyama Highlands

A scenic area beloved by Kenji Miyazawa.

Taneyama highlands, with an elevation of 900 meters, stretches gently and spans across both Esashi and Tono cities, as well as Kamihei-gun, Kesennuma, and Higashi-Iwai. It is a scenic spot cherished by the poet Kenji Miyazawa and offers a plateau rich in the poetic sentiments characteristic of Tohoku. From the summit of Mt. Monomi (871m) and the area near Kenji’s monument, you can enjoy magnificent views: to the north, the distant peaks of Mt.Iwate and Hayachine mountain range; to the east, the gentle form of Mt. Goyo; to the south, the beautiful mountain range of the Mt.Kitakami extending to Mt. Murone; and to the west, the Yakeishi Mountains and the Ou Mountains, with the expansive Kitakami Plain at their base.

The highlands also feature the prefectural management Taneyama Pasture, where herds of cattle enhance the charm of the landscape. From late May to early June, the Rhododendron flowers bloom abundantly, adding vibrant color to the scene.

 

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