Iwate Prefecture, Honshu's largest by area, boasts rich nature and deep historical culture. Hosting parts of three World Heritage sites, it's particularly famous for Hiraizumi's Pure Land Buddhism cultural heritage.

"Hiraizumi – Temples, Gardens and Archaeological Sites Representing the Buddhist Pure Land" (registered 2011) represents cultural heritage based on Buddhist Pure Land philosophy built by the Northern Fujiwara clan during late Heian period. Chusonji Konjikido, an Amida hall built by Fujiwara Kiyohira in 1124, features beautiful architecture with gold leaf inside and out. The hall houses the remains of three generations - Kiyohira, Motohira, and Hidehira - with decorations showcasing period craftsmanship pinnacle.

Motsuji Temple, founded in 850 by Jigaku Daishi Ennin of Tendai Buddhism, once surpassed Chusonji in scale and magnificence during the Heian period. Currently preserving a Pure Land garden centered on Oizumi Pond, it represents extremely valuable Heian period garden remains. Muryokoin site, modeled after Uji's Byodo-in Phoenix Hall, embodies Fujiwara clan ideals for Pure Land philosophy realization.

"Jomon Prehistoric Sites in Northern Japan" (registered 2021) includes Goshono site. This large Jomon middle period settlement from 5,000 years ago reveals stone circles and dwelling remains.

"Sites of Japan's Meiji Industrial Revolution" (registered 2015) partially includes Hashino Iron Mining and Smelting Site. Built by Nambu Domain in 1858, these Japan's oldest Western-style blast furnaces hold important significance as Japanese modern iron industry birthplace.

Iwate's diverse nature offers Rikuchu Kaigan National Park's (now Sanriku Reconstruction National Park) rias coastline beauty, Hachimantai highland scenery, and valley beauty continuing to Oirase Gorge. Geibi Gorge, formed by Satetsu River eroding limestone, offers boat rides experiencing cliff beauty up close. Genbikei, along Iwaigawa River, showcases magnificent scenery combining emerald water with unique rocks.

Iwate's most famous food culture centers on wanko soba - a unique eating style of consuming countless bite-sized soba portions. Morioka reimen, cold noodles from Korean Peninsula origin, features chewy noodles in acidic soup. Maezawa beef, Iwate's premium brand beef, is renowned for beautiful marbling and tender texture.

Nambu ironware, traditional crafts with over 400 years history, is manufactured in Morioka City and Oshu City Mizusawa Ward. Famous items include iron kettles, tea kettles, and wind chimes, with their substantial beauty highly valued domestically and internationally. Nambu senbei, a type of rice cracker featuring sesame seeds or peanuts, offers rustic flavor characteristics.