Iwate

Overview

Iwate is a first-level administrative division of Japan in the Tohoku region. Its area is about 15,275 km2 and its population about 0.0 million (2024), with its capital at Morioka.

History

In the Heian period the Oshu Fujiwara clan flourished at Hiraizumi. In the Edo period it was the domain of the Morioka (Nanbu) clan, and the present borders were set in 1876.

Geography and industry

At 15,275 km2 it is the second-largest prefecture. The Konjikido of Chuson-ji at Hiraizumi (World Heritage), Geibikei Gorge and the folk culture of Tono are famous; Kamaishi's steel and fishing are traditional industries.

Transport

Tohoku Shinkansen stops at Iwate-Numakunai and Shin-Hanamaki; Akita Shinkansen runs from Morioka toward Akita.