IWATE
Iwate is the biggest prefecture in Honshu and has endless beautiful coastlines. A glorious buddhist culture which flourished at the end of the Heian era still remains and captivates visitors in Hiraizumi, which is a world heritage. There is also a lot of traditional culture such as Nanbu ironware and Hidehira-nuri.美しい海岸線がどこまでも続く本州最大の県。世界遺産「平泉」には平安末期に栄えた華やかな仏教文化が残され人々を魅了する。南部鉄器、秀衡塗などの伝統文化も豊か。
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1. Hirakasa-hadaka-mairi 平笠裸参り
A traditional event where people pray for sound health and safety in the family, Hirakasa-hadaka-mairi is an unusual ascetic practice even women participate in. Participants walk eight kilometers carrying flags and offerings. Their dignified white outfits under the cold winter sky is a beautiful sight.
無病息災や家内安全などを祈願する伝統行事で、女性も参加する珍しい荒行。のぼりやお供えなどを携えて約8㎞もの道を練り歩く。凛とした白装束の姿が寒空の中でよく映える。
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2. Lake Nanbu-katafuji 南部片富士湖
A dam lake created by damming Kitakami River which runs across Iwate and Miyagi. The dam is 480 meters wide and 50 meters high, and is a place for citizens to relax and refresh. Mt. Iwatesan’s reflection on the lake’s surface is of picturesque beauty.
岩手と宮城を縦断する北上川をせき止めて作られたダム湖。ダムの長さは480m、高さ50mで市民の憩いの場となっている。岩手山が湖面に映し出される景色は絵のように美しい。
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3. MT. IWATE 岩手山
2,038 meters high, Mt. Iwatesan is the highest mountain in Iwate Prefecture and is also known as Nanbu-katafuji for its beauty. It is still slightly active as a volcano. A panoramic view of Mt. Hakkodasan and Hachimantai can be enjoyed from the summit.
標高2038m。岩手県の最高峰で、別名「南部片富士」と呼ばれる美しい山。今もわずかながら火山活動が続く。山頂からは八甲田山や八幡平などの大パノラマが楽しめる。
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4. GEIBI GORGE 猊鼻渓
A valley where 100 meter-high limestone cliffs created by the river’s erosion continue for two kilometers. Kotatsu boats run in the winter. The snow falling on the towering rocks is a fantastic view reminiscent of traditional ink paintings.
川の浸食によってできた100m超の石灰岩の断崖が約2㎞にわたり続く渓谷。冬はこたつ舟が運行。そそり立つ岩に雪が降る光景は、まるで水墨画のような幻想的な世界。
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5. NANBU TEKKI IRONWARE 南部鉄器(鋳込みと着色)
With over 400 years of history, ironware from Iwate Prefecture is a traditional artifact handed down by generations of expert craftsmen. Delicate and profound, each piece is a Japanese treasure.
400年以上の歴史を持つ岩手県の伝統工芸品で、一つ一つ丁寧に仕上げられる鉄器は重厚にして繊細。職人により脈々と受け継がれてきた鋳物技術は、まさに日本の宝だ。
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6. The Cherry Blossom Tree at Koiwai Farm 小岩井農場の一本桜
The single cherry blossom tree standing in the white snow field with Mt. Iwatesan in the background is famous as a location for film and drama shoots. The power of nature can be felt from the sight of it stretching its branches in the cold weather.
真っ白な雪原の中、岩手山をバックに凛とそびえ立つ一本桜。映画やドラマのロケ地としても有名で、寒さに負けず力強く枝を伸ばす姿からは自然のパワーを実感できる。
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