Exploring Iwate and Aomori｜Episode 1: Shrines, Mt. Iwate, Nebuta at the Hotel, and a Mysterious UFO!

Exploring Iwate and Aomori｜Episode 1: Shrines, Mt. Iwate, Nebuta at the Hotel, and a Mysterious UFO!

Morioka ? No.2 on NYT’s “52 Places 2023” Morioka’s Guardian Shrine Shinme-sha (sacred horse shrine) Flowers soothe the heart Purifying, protecting Pinwheels that carry our wishes The wind carries prayers to the divine Colorful water fortune slips Medetai omikuji Catch a giant sea bream prize Tie omikuji to send wishes Also to leave bad fortune behind The sounds of nature. Located in Morioka Castle Ruins Park Historic shrine JoJo? Demon Slayer? Crest of the Nanbu Clan, samurai Called “Mukaitsuru.”” (tsuru = crane) Power spot World’s superstar! Ultraman Crayon Shin-chan Eek! Totally exposed, so embarrassing! Rub the turtle’s shell for health & long life! 1 rub = +3 years! Mitsuishi Shrine Long ago, a demon lived here He troubled villagers and travelers They prayed to the god of Mitsuishi The god bound him to three rocks The demon swore never to return He left his handprint on the rock This is the origin of “Iwate” Also called “Kozukata” (no coming) Villagers danced in joy for days This became the Sansa Odori dance Beautiful Shinjiko Pond Koi, symbols of longevity & luck, welcome you A red bridge spans the pond Rare Rokko Stone from the Sarugaishi River. It shone in six colors under light. Gate of Good Fortune. An entrance that invites luck. A dragonfly soaring into the sky Just like an airplane Both only move forward Lucky dragonflies in Japan Kanezuku Shrine Once a branch, “Tomai Inari” Later guardian of Iwate Bank Became inner shrine in 1958 God of business and wealth Many lottery winners give thanks Welcoming the gods from Awashima Shrine Gods of children and safe birth. The highest peak in Iwate Prefecture One of Japan’s 100 famous mountains An active volcano Highway Service Area Altitude: 2,038m Graceful like Mt. Fuji Nicknamed “Nanbu Fuji” Specialties of Iwate. Sanriku seafood at Nakamuraya. Iwate sweet: Goma-suri Dango. Famous “Kamome no Tamago.” Crispy squid senbei. Traditional Nanbu senbei. Lots of gachapon lined up Spotted a local mascot! Goshogawara ~ Design of this drink? Restaurant “Gen-chan” Goshogawara Nebuta Nebuta: one of Tohoku’s top 3 festivals Nebuta = huge illuminated floats Goshogawara’s is one of them Others: Aomori & Hirosaki Floats reach 23 meters Tachineputa = tall, massive Nebuta Parade through Okutsugaru Inspired by Japan’s oldest tale Princess Kaguya “Next time, in person.” In the story, “Her light dispels darkness” Bringing prosperity to Goshogawara

🌌 Mystery & Adventure in Aomori & Iwate – Episode 1 🌌

This is no ordinary trip…!
We start by purifying our hearts with a visit to sacred shrines:

Morioka Hachimangu Shrine
Sakura-yama Shrine
Mitsuishi Shrine
Sakaki-yama Inari Shrine

With a clear mind, we are amazed by the majestic Mount Iwate,
and in the evening, we experience the spectacular lights and energy of the Goshogawara Nebuta Festival at the Elm Hotel.

And then… something unbelievable happens: we encounter a mysterious UFO!?
A journey full of mystery and excitement awaits!

📌 Timeline
00:00 Opening: The journey begins
00:30 Morioka Hachimangu Shrine
03:53 Sakurayama Shrine
06:01 Mitsuishi Shrine
07:14 Sakakiyama Inari Shrine
14:46 Mount Iwate and rest srea
17:14 Hotel Park Inn Goshogawara Elm City
18:47 Mysterious UFO appears…!?

🚤 Next Episode Preview (Episode 2)
Tuna fishing and seasickness!?
Explore the thousands of torii gates at Takayama Inari Shrine in Aomori, then return to Morioka Station!

✨ Enjoy this mysterious journey till the very end.
Please like and subscribe for more adventures!

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#ExploringMountIwate　#ExploringGoshogawaraNebuta
#UFOEncounter　#JapanTrip　#JapanTravel
#JapanScenery　#MysteryExperience
#NebutaAtHotel