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HAYACHINE KAGURA		Dance deicated to God
	Embracing the sacred mountain of Mt. Hayachine, the traditional dance "Hayachine Kagura" has been handed down through generations in the region. Hayachine Kagura is the collective name for two kagura troupes, Otsugunai and Take. In 1976, it was designated as the first Important Intangible Folk Cultural Property, and in 2009, it was registered as an Intangible Cultural Heritage by UNESCO, and is recognized worldwide as a common heritage of mankind. The Otsugunai and Take districts are about 12 kilometers apart.				Hanamaki C.

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Residences of DOSHIN (low-ranking SAMURAI)		currently, two houses remain
	The "Doshin houses" were built in the late Edo period and were the residences of doshin (low-ranking samurai). They are highly valued as doshin residences from the feudal era and have been designated as cultural assets of the city. They originally lived near Hanamaki Castle, but in 1680, 30 of them moved to the current area. Initially, 15 buildings were located on the east side of the road and 15 on the west side, and all had the same layout. Naturally, this layout was too narrow, so the houses were expanded over the years and are thought to have taken on their current form. Currently, two of the houses have been relocated and are preserved. One of the buildings has almost no signs of renovation and is considered a valuable example of a doshin house. Entry to the premises is prohibited from December to March.				Hanamaki C.

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MIYAZAWA KENJI Memorial Museum		a poet and fairy tale writer
	The museum exhibits items such as favorite items, manuscripts, videos, slides, and books related to the late poet and fairy tale writer Kenji Miyazawa (1896-1933), who was born in Hanamaki and is known for his works such as "GINGA TETSUDO no YORU (The Night On The Milky Way Train)." He created works based on his beliefs and lived his life, and is known for seeing "Ihatov", a fictional utopia that appears in his works, as a motif of his hometown. The museum also has a souvenir shop and a cafe space. In addition, in the "Polan Square" located on the south side, there is a flower bed that has been reproduced based on the design documents left behind by Kenji Miyazawa.				Hanamaki C.


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GEIBIKEI Gorge		one of the 100 most scenic spots in Japan
	The approximately 2 kilometers long gorge formed by tributary of the Kitakami River eroding the limestone features cliffs about 50 meters high on both sides. The gorge is covered with a series of giant boulders and oddly shaped rocks, and is surrounded by broadleaf forests. On the famous boat trip through GEIBIKEI Gorge, the boatman skillfully steers the boat through the majestic valley with just one pole singing OIWAKE song. Selected as one of the 100 most scenic spots in Japan.				Ichinoseki C.

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GENBIKEI Gorge		National natural monument
	Genbikei Gorge was formed when the dacite tuff deposited by the eruption of Mt. Kurikoma was eroded by the waters of the Iwai River. It is rich in various features such as strange rocks, waterfalls, and deep abysses, but the development of potholes in the riverbed is particularly notable, and it is a valuable geological resource. The beauty of the gorge continues for a total length of 2 kilometers, changing its shape and form, and you can enjoy the magnificent scenery created by nature along with the beautiful water currents colored in emerald green and pastel blue. It is said that the first lord of the Sendai domain, Date Masamune, praised the beauty of Genbikei Gorge, which changes with the seasons, saying, "Matsushima and Genbi are my two most scenic spots."				Ichinoseki C.


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FUTAGO SATOIMO (Taro)		a specialty like delicious potato
	Futago Town, Kitakami City, where "Futago Satoimo" is grown, is located on low flat land, and the fertile soil has been formed by the flooding of the Kitakami River since ancient times. The "Futago Satoimo", a specialty of this area, has been cultivated here using the same methods for 300 years, and while stubbornly protecting its variety, it has a unique presence. It is sticky and rich, and is a delicious potato that should not be underestimated as just a Satoimo (Taro... a root vegetable like a potato that is eaten in Asia and many countries in Africa) . It is characterized by its thick texture and smooth taste, and is a rare variety that has not been improved. Another characteristic of Futago Satoimo is that it is soft but does not fall apart when boiled. A seasonal autumn scene in this region is when groups gather on the banks of the Kitakami River under the autumn sky to make and eat 'Satoimmo soup' and share sake. It is registered as a Japanese geographical indication (GI).				Kitakami C.

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GETO Hot Spring		hidden hot spring
	It is a hidden and small hot spring located in a valley on the mountainside, an hour's drive from the city center. Some say it was discovered in the 14th century, others say it was discovered in 856, so it is a hot spring with a long history. It is popular for its open-air baths that gush out from the river. Almost all of the dozen or so springs are artesian, and the water quality varies slightly. Day bathing is possible, but there are times when it is mixed bathing and for women only. It is located further back than Geto highland Ski Resort, known for its high-quality powder snow, and is only open from spring to autumn because it is closed in winter due to snow. Upstream of the hot spring is Tengu no Iwa, the largest travertine in Japan.				Kitakami C.

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KITAKAMI-MICHINOKU Art Festival		performing arts festival
	The Kitakami-Michinoku (Tohoku Region) Performing Arts Festival is held for three days from the first Saturday in August every year. More than 100 groups perform traditional performing arts, including the local Onikenbai (a brave dance performed wearing menacing demon masks). The highlight of the festival is the "Onikenbai Daigunbu", a spectacular dance performed on the second night of the festival, in which more than 100 dancers dance simultaneously in front of a bonfire. The final day of the festival is traditional "Torokko (lantern) floating" and a fireworks display. The festival features rare folk performing arts that are unparalleled in both quality and scale. It is sometimes considered one of the "Six Great Tohoku Festivals"				Kitakami C.


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OSHU City Cattle Museum		only museum in Japan specializes in cattle
	Opened in 1995 in Oshu City, famous for its Maesawa beef cattle, this is the only museum in Japan that specializes in cattle (and is rare worldwide). The museum's theme is "exploring the coexistence of cattle and humans, and learning about life, nature, and humans." The museum conducts research and exhibits on Maesawa beef and other cattle around the world, including stuffed animals, skeletons, fossils, and other items, as well as introducing the relationship between cattle and humans and beef dishes by part of the cow. Groups can experience butter-making and taste handmade cheese by applying in advance. Exhibitions also include cattle that lived in the Japanese archipelago during the Paleolithic period and whose fossils have been found in ruins in neighboring areas.				Oshu C.


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Mt. HAYACHINE		a mountain of ancient worship
	1917 meters above sea level, one of the mountains known as the "Three Mountains of Tono." The summit is the border between Tono City, Hanamaki City, and Miyako City. It has been known as a mountain of ancient worship. There are many alpine plants endemic to the mountain, making it a dream destination for alpine plant lovers. Most of the hiking trail is dabgerous because rocky and has a lot of loose rocks. There are no toilets on the hiking trail, so it's a good idea to bring a portable toilet. Within this area, capturing or collecting wild animals and plants, cutting down timber, and collecting minerals, earth and stone are prohibited. There are Hayachine Shrine at the summit and at the foot of the mountain. BTW, don't forget that here is a bear habitat!				Tono C.

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Museum of TONO's Tale		falktale museum
	Tono is known as a town of folk tales, and the legends passed down in the area became widely known throughout Japan when they were published by one of famouse folklorist, Kunio Yanagita as "The Tales of Tono." Tono Monogatari no Yakata (Tono Folktale Museum) is a facility that contributes to revitalizing the area and promoting tourism by collecting, storing, and exhibiting materials related to the region's folk tales and the background to their creation, as well as the history, culture, and folklore of the castle town. Through various exhibits and videos, and through folk tales told by storytellers, visitors of all ages can experience the legends passed down in Tono.				Tono C.

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Waterwheel at YAMAGUCHI		only waterwheel working now here
	This thatched-roof old waterwheel is located in the Yamaguchi district, which is an impressive part of Tono's tranquil rural scenery, with mountains and rice fields stretching out in the background. Waterwheels are used for threshing and milling, and there used to be several waterwheels in the area, but with the advancement of mechanization in agriculture, the Yamaguchi waterwheel is the only one that remains today. It is still in use today, and you can tour the interior. As you approach the watermill, the powerful sounds of the wheel turning and the water flowing jump into your ears. With the grinding of the gears of the waterwheel and the splashing water, the waterwheel is a sturdy and powerful sight that combines the power of nature and the wisdom of life.				Tono C.


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Historical Streetscape in KANEGASAKI		SAMURAI quarter
	Traditional Buildings named "Kanagasakicho Castle Suwa-koji (Samurai residence area remaining in castle town)" stretches approximately 690meters from east to west and 980meters from north to south, and is surrounded by rich nature including rivers and tree belts. It is thought to have been developed in 1644 , with the fortress facing the Kitakami River, samurai estates between the fortress and the road to the west of the fortress, and townspeople's areas along the road. The alleys within the samurai town remain almost exactly as they were in the Edo period, and traditional buildings such as samurai houses with thatched roofs are well preserved. Each site is divided into sections by hedges and stonework facing the road, and a variety of trees are planted within the sites.				Kanagasaki T.

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Golden Hall of CHUSONJI Temple		one of world cultural heritage
	Chusonji Temple is said to have been founded in 850, but it is believed that it was first built in the early 12th century when Fujiwara Kiyohira, the first head of the Oshu Fujiwara clan. The inscription on the ridgepole of the existing Konjikido (Golden Hall) dates it to 1124. The hall was built by Kiyohira as his own mausoleum, and the mummified remains of three generations of Kiyohira, his son Motohira, and his grandson Hidehira are enshrined on a stepped platform inside. The peaceful and prosperous golden culture of Hiraizumi continued for 100 years, through three generations of Kiyohira, his son Motohira, and his grandson Hidehira. Although it was destroyed during the Oshu conquest by the Kamakura shogunate, the gardens and golden pagoda, built based on Pure Land Buddhism with the aim of consoling the souls of those who died and realizing peace, still retain the appearance of that time.				Hiraizumi T.