Reasons to Choose Japan
Life in Japan by Specific Areas
Iwate
Summary
Magnificent nature in Iwate attracts many tourists, especially mountain climbers. In addition, you can see the beautiful landscape made by geographical feature of ria coast line such as Joudogahama. In Iwate, people values the traditional culture preserved from ancient times, which makes this prefecture more fascinating.
*This map does not include topographical features and island areas and does not cover the entire area of Japan.
Access
- If arriving by Shinkansen or train
-
The other Shinkansen stations in the prefecture are Ichinoseki Station and Kitakami Station.
From Tokyo
Tokyo Station
2 hours 30 minutesMorioka Station
Famous places / spots recommended by locals
Chusonji Temple
Chusonji Temple is a famous historical spot in Hiraizumi. It is a World Heritage site. We can find 3000 of national treasures and important cultural properties including Konjiki-do Golden Hall. In Chusonji Temple we can learn a lot about buddhism arts at Heian period.
SL Ginga
SL Ginga is a steam locomotive designed under the theme of the novel "The Night of the Milky Way Train", which was written by Kenji Miyazawa. He was a poet and author of a children's stories birthed in Iwate prefecture. SL Ginga runs between JR Hanamaki Station and Kamaishi station. The interior of the cars are designed like early Showa or Taisho period style. You can enjoy a romantic atmosphere.
Foods recommended by locals
-
Wanko-soba
"Wanko-soba" is a soba noodles served in a small vermilion-lacquered bowl. It has been handed down from ancient times at a mountain village in Iwate prefecture. It is famous for its unique style of serving; server sits next to guests and continuously serves noodles when they finish one bowl. When guests put the lid on the bowl, it means they finished eating.
-
Morioka Reimen
This noodle goes down easily, and goes perfectly with kimchi ! It is a representive local dish in Morioka City,
Climate (temperature / precipitation)
Iwate Prefecture has large temperature differences between the summers and winters, with hot summers and heavy snowfall in winter along the Ouu Mountains. It is the coldest region on the main island (Honshu), with temperatures in some areas dropping as low as -30 degrees Celsius in the winter. The region offers a variety of different sights and experiences of nature depending on the season
Monthly temperature/precipitation
(Source: Japan Meteorological Agency)
Cost of living
-
Rent
40,310 yen
-
Electricity, gas, and water costs
11,681 yen
-
Ramen
(Eating out)
655 yen
-
White bread (1 kg)
527 yen
-
Milk (1ℓ)
236 yen
*Source
- Rent
“Housing and Land Survey: 2023,” Portal Site of Official Statistics of Japan
Average rent per month (excluding free rent) for privately rented apartments/houses (exclusively residential dwelling) with a total floor area of 29m2 or less in each prefectural capital - Electricity, gas, and water costs
“Family Income and Expenditure Survey: 2023,” Portal Site of Official Statistics of Japan
Per capita expenditure calculated as the monthly average of total annual expenditures on utilities (electricity, gas, and water) per household in each prefectural capital, divided by the average number of members in each household - Eating out (Ramen) / White bread (1kg) / Milk (1ℓ)
“Retail Price Survey (Trend Survey): August 2024,” Portal Site of Official Statistics of Japan
Related links
Number of international students by country
China
Nepal
Bangladesh
Total number of international students in Japan: 279,274
Total number of international students in Iwate Prefecture: 439
Based on 2023 “Annual Survey of International Students in Japan”
List of universities in each area
If an area has nine schools or less with information published in the “School/Major Search” section of the website, the names of the schools are listed in no particular order. If there are 10 or more schools, those schools will not be posted on this page. Click the “Search for School/Major” button and use the search function to see a list of the schools.