Ichinoseki, Administrative city in Iwate Prefecture, Japan
Ichinoseki is a city in the southern part of Iwate Prefecture that covers a broad inland area with mountains, river valleys, and forested hills. The city center sits along the Iwai River and connects several rural districts with fields, small settlements, and hot springs.
The area belonged to the ancient Mutsu Province and served as a northern border region for centuries. The city gained its official status in 1948 and grew through the incorporation of neighboring villages and towns over the following decades.
The name means "first barrier" and recalls the historical border function at the edge of the northern provinces. The area is known for its mochi tradition, where rice cakes are shaped and shared during special occasions.
Travelers reach the city in about two hours from Tokyo via the Tohoku Shinkansen, with the station serving as a gateway to the surrounding gorges and countryside. The best time to visit is between spring and autumn, when hiking trails are accessible and the rivers are calm.
At Gembikei Gorge, visitors can order dango by tapping a basket suspended on a cable system across the river. The sweet is then sent from the opposite side and floats across the water.
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