Iwate

Iwate Prefecture is in the Tohoku region of Honshu, Japan. It lies on the northeastern portion of the main island and borders Aomori to the north, Miyagi to the south, Akita to the west, and the Pacific Ocean to the east. The capital is Morioka. The landscape combines coastal plains with the Ōu Mountains and volcanic highlands.

Geography: The Kitakami River runs through the central plains, while inland areas include the Ōu range and Hachimantai plateau. Towada-Hachimantai National Park covers highland areas, and the western region contains historic sites in Hiraizumi, including Chuson-ji and Mōtsū-ji, UNESCO World Heritage properties.

History: The area was traditionally inhabited by the Emishi and later governed by the Nanbu clan as Morioka Domain. The modern prefecture was established in 1871. The 2011 Great East Japan Earthquake and tsunami caused severe damage to coastal communities and the local economy.

Economy and culture: Iwate's economy centers on agriculture, fishing, and manufacturing. The region is known for wanko soba from Morioka and various seafood dishes. Cultural attractions include the Sansa Odori festival and historic sites in Hiraizumi.

Transportation and demographics: The Tohoku Shinkansen connects Morioka with Tokyo and other cities, complemented by local rail lines and highways. Iwate has a population of roughly 1.2 million and faces population decline common to rural northern prefectures.