Iwate
Historic place as a northern branch of Fujiwara clan in the Heian Period
Iwate prefecture is located on the Pacific coast in the northern Tohoku region of Honshu island. Due to a ria coast, Iwate is known for fishing worldwide. Hiraizumi city preserves historic places during 11th and 12th centuries when it had a branch of a capital of Kyoto.
Wanko soba is a style of Japanese soba noodles eaten with seasonings in Iwate. It is served in a small portion in a small bowl as it was originated as a cuisine to treat guests. In order to provide soba noodles in the best condition, it was served in a small bowl.
Nowadays, this style was changed to a fun competition to compete the number of bowls eaten. Mamebu is a soup with wheat dumplings that have walnut inside. It is generally made for celebration.
Hiraizumi city was flourished as a northern branch of Fujiwara clan from late 11th century to late 12th century.
Hiraizumi is far away from Kyoto where a former capital was located during that time. So Hiraizumi formed a unique culture without an influence from Kyoto. It is an area rich in gold and a golden hall at Konjikido inside Chusonji temple is well known.
Tono is a rural town but is widely known as a place that was featured in a book called “Legends of Tono”, the first collections of Japanese folklore.
Nanbu tekki is ironware that has a root in a pot for tea ceremonies. Its production started in the middle of 17th century by using iron produced in Iwate. Nowadays a smaller size of Nanbu tekkie is popular for a hot pot for daily use.
Johoji lacquer has a history of about 1,200 years. Monks who were sent to the Tendaiji temple to help its opening are said to bring lacquer techniques.
Quality of Johoji lacquer is highly acclaimed and was used for the restoration of renowned temples including the Golden Pavilion in Kyoto.