hotel • 1-chōme-11-3 Ōdōri, Kitakami, Iwate 024-0061, Jepun
Kitakami is a municipality located in the southeastern part of Iwate Prefecture. The streets where people's lives have been lived for a long time retain the weight of the times. The Kitakami River, which flows through the city, prospered as a key water transportation route in the past, and traditional machiya houses and storehouses line the riverside. The main street in the central city area features brick Western-style buildings. The harmonious landscape of historical buildings and modern facilities captivates visitors.
There are many famous places designated as national treasures and important cultural properties in Kitakami. In particular, Futago-ji Ruriden is Japan's oldest independent detached temple, built in 1634, and was registered as a World Heritage Site in 2022. The elegant main hall welcomes worshippers.
Along the old Dewa Kaido, machiya houses and inns with architectural styles from the Edo period stand side by side, creating an atmosphere that transcends time and space. As a modern architecture, the Kitakami Ironworks from the Meiji era is gaining attention. The red brick buildings convey the development of the industry at that time.
The Kitakami River has become a place for play and intimacy. You can take a walk along the riverside promenade or enjoy refreshing cycling by bicycle. Many people also enjoy activities such as canoeing and rafting. Depending on the season, there is a bustling crowd of ayu fishing and mountain stream fishing enthusiasts. The natural colors reflected on the water's surface are magnificent.
In Kitakami, local cuisine using seasonal ingredients is popular. In hittsumi cuisine, you can relish the richness of the ingredients soaked in the broth. Traditional flavors such as rice cakes and Japanese sweets should not be missed.
In addition, the traditional crafts of cherry bark work and woodworking showcase the skills of many craftsmen. These fine products are the anchor of the local people's hearts and will be wonderful souvenirs for visitors.
Kitakami is a town where you can experience the culture that has been cultivated since ancient times. As a charming tourist destination blessed with history and nature, why not visit and experience it for yourself?