iwaizumi roadtrip

Having just spent last wkd up north in Aomori prefecture, I decided to do a quick day trip to Southern Iwate with my pal Taira. We left @ 7 bells and were off to see 3 sites...Kitayamazaki, Ryusendou AND Jodogohama. Yes, we are ambitious ladies! That's one of the reasons she is so great to travel with! The forecast looked, ...well terrible---and it was. It rained the entire trip! So, upon reaching Jodogohama (in the hopes of the boatride through the beautiful rocky sculptures in the ocean...) we opted to return at a later date. Here is the synapsis of the other 2 spots:

Iwaizumi is home to several famous sights in Iwate. One of them is pictured here...Kitayamazaki. This scenic spot is like a symbol of Iwate...its on all of the postcards and logos. Considering its popularity, we were shocked that NO ONE was there--then again it was only 8:30 AM. It was so peaceful and dead silent...opportunities for reflection! This cape has a beautiful rocky landscape and teal-colored waters. It was really beautiful, but like many days down here--it was foggy and rainy! But we persevered and were able to snap a few shots before being chased back into the car (for another 2 hour ride to.....Ryusendou Cave!)

And then....

Ryusendou Cave is one of only 3 limestone caves in Japan. Amazing cerulean blue water rushes through it. It has many underground pools, one of them is over 400 feet deep (and the largest of its kind in Japan!) Of course the stalagtites and 'mites are always spooky and mysterious to check out. A second cave was actually a science museum...they had lots of stuffed "cave dwelling" insects and animals that upon learning of their "existence" in the cave, made me want to bolt for the door!

Thanks for driving Taira! Part 3...Jodogohama is a must-see trip worth taking sometime in the near future! Looking forward to it! Tomorrow, I am off to southern Iwate once more...Rikuzentakatta's ANNUAL Taiko event. One of the biggest Taiko festivals in Japan! I can't wait...except we are leaving @ 4:50 AM! Will write more when I catch up on my sleep! Good nite everyone!