Iwate, Japan

Iwate was historically part of Mutsu Province. It was brought into the empire around 800.

In the Jomon period it was an area abundant in fishing and hunting. There were also Emishi settlements in the Kitakami Basin until the end of the eighth century when the Nara authorities penetrated deeply into Iwate, with Fort Shiwa, to the north of present day Morioka, constructed in 803.

It takes about 2 hours 30 minutes from Tokyo Station to Morioka Station by JR Tohoku Shinkansen Line. About 5 hours from Shin Osaka Station via Tokyo Station (by JR Tokaido Shinkansen Line) to Morioka Station (by JR Tohoku Shinkansen Line). About 1 hour 20 minutes from Osaka Itami Airport to Hanamaki Airport.