Honjoji Temple & Rural Countryside, Isawa, Oshu, Iwate

Live Temple Sanctuary Stream | Honjoji Temple & Rural Countryside, Isawa, Oshu, Iwate, Japan. Situated in the tranquil agricultural plains of Isawa in Oshu City, Iwate Prefecture, Honjoji Temple is a serene Buddhist sanctuary surrounded by ancient cedar groves and expansive golden rice paddies. The peaceful temple grounds provide a sanctuary for quiet contemplation, featuring classic wooden eaves, stone statues, and sweeping seasonal views of the distant Ou Mountains. The pastoral countryside surrounding Honjoji offers authentic Tohoku rural farm foods. Savor hearty dango dumplings dipped in sweet walnut-miso sauce, refreshing bowls of chilled soba noodles prepared with freshly harvested Isawa buckwheat, and comforting cups of warm amazake while exploring quiet country paths. ✦ Must-Visit Highlights: ▸ Tranquil Country Temple Sanctuary: Experience profound Zen peace and traditional temple architecture amidst ancient cedar trees. ▸ Expansive Isawa Plain Panoramas: Gaze across lush seasonal paddy fields, snow-covered winter plains, and distant mountain peaks. ▸ Regional Walnut Miso Dango: Taste handmade rice dumplings glazed in nutty walnut miso and freshly milled local buckwheat soba.