Silversea Luxury Cruises A Miyako, Iwate

Explore the beauty of nature on half-day tour visiting the Jodogahama beach, Sannoiwa rocks located along the shoreline of Iwate and the Ryusendo cave which is enlisted as a Natural Monument of Japan.

Depart the port in the morning and head to the picturesque coastline of Sanriku Fukko National Park. Jodogahama awaits you for a serene view which got its name as resembling the idea of Buddhist paradise "Jodo" or "Pure Land". The jagged rocks line up to create a lovely landscape, with the contrast between the white sand and the deep blue of the ocean. The area was critically affected by the tsunami of March 11th, 2011 as the tidal waves carried debris from destroyed buildings and covered the entire beach.

Michinoeki Taro

Stop by at Michinoeki Taro, which has been newly built in 2018 as a symbol of the area's recovery from the tsunami impact. The facility sells local produce as well as educational activities for disaster management. Nearby is the Taro Kanko Hotel, which was one of the very few structures that remained intact after the tsunami washed through the town and here you will make a photo stop.

Sanno-iwa rocks

Drive further up north to take in the unique view of the Sanno-iwa rocks - Otoko-iwa, Onna-iwa and Taiko-iwa. These rocks were first formed through volcanic activities in the area, and then sediments deposited onto the ocean floor which eventually were exposed to the wind and waves to be carved out into their shapes today.

Ryusendo Cave

Travel inland this time to the Ryusendo Cave, considered to be one of the three primary limestone caves in all of Japan. A seemingly fathomless subterranean world of its own, more than 2.5 miles has been discovered out of which 0.4 miles is open to the public. See the clear blue underground lakes and stalagmites that constitute this mystical world that expands underground.

After your underground adventure, reboard your coach for the return to the port.

The Sanriku region in which Miyako is included has been famous for oyster farming. Visit the fishermen town of Yamada and meet local fishermen who are specialists of aquaculture. Hear their firsthand stories of what they went through after the earthquake and tsunami of March 11th, 2011 and how they were able to resume their livelihood once again. Try some oyster and other seafood that they grew on their aquaculture rafts, with a chance to actually see up close the rafts from their fishing boats! This special experience can be offered nowhere else but Sanriku.

Bidding farewell to the fisherman of Yamada, Jodogahama awaits you for a serene view which got its name as resembling the idea of Buddhist paradise "Jodo" or "Pure Land". The jagged rocks line up to create a lovely landscape, with the contrast between the white sand and the deep blue of the ocean.

The area was also critically affected by the tsunami as the waves carried debris from destroyed buildings and covered the entire beach. However locals worked to remove the debris and preserve the iconic landscape of their hometown.

Return to the pier by coach.

Miyako, a city located in the center of the coastal Iwate Prefecture, suffered devastating damage from the earthquake and tsunami of 2011. Seawater swept across the city's coastal districts, destroying everything in its path. Your tour takes you to the Jodogahama area which boasts picturesque scenery with the jagged rocks protruding from the sea.

Head to Jodogahama Beach for a photo stop. The name derives from a Buddhist monk from the 17th century comparing the landscape to the idea of "Jodo" or "Pure Land" which is believed to be one of the Buddhist versions of paradise. It is a National Scenic Reserve, known for the beautiful white-pebble beach that creates a striking contrast against the deep blue ocean. The pine trees which grow on top of the rocks enhance the landscape. The area was critically affected by the tsunami of March 11th, 2011 as the tidal waves carried debris from destroyed buildings and covered the entire beach. However, locals worked to remove the debris and preserve the iconic landscape of their hometown.

Michinoeki Taro

Stop by at Michinoeki Taro, which was newly built in 2018 as a symbol of the area's recovery from the tsunami impact. The facility sells local produce.

Sanno-iwa Rocks

Drive further up north to take in the unique view of the Sanno-iwa rocks which consist of the Otoko-iwa, Onna-iwa and Taiko-iwa. These rocks were first formed through volcanic activities in the area, and then sediments deposited onto the ocean floor which eventually were exposed to the wind and waves to be carved out into their shapes today.

Miyako Gyosai Fish Market

Finally you will visit the Miyako Gyosai Fish Market. Miyako City is home to a vibrant fishing industry that harvests a large variety of seafood from the waters along the Sanriku Coast. The Miyako Gyosai Fish Market is one of the city's public markets.

The market is packed tightly with rows of vendors selling all sorts of fish, seafood, vegetables and fruits. Much of the seafood is freshly brought in from Miyako Port. In addition to the larger stalls, the market reserves one section for local farmer's to directly sell their produce to market visitors.

Return to the pier by coach.

Discover the traditions of Morioka, the largest city in the Iwate prefecture. The tour features sake making and ironware which has been the two well-known crafts of the city.

Morioka Hachimangu Shrine

Depart from the pier by coach and drive to Morioka. Start off by paying homage to the guardian deity of city at the Morioka Hachimangu Shrine. Established by feudal lord Nanbu Shigenobu in 1680 as the guardian shrine of the then Morioka domain and its people, the shrine has been revered by the locals since, with the shrine housing 12 different deities all believed to be efficacious for different aspects of life.

Asabiraki Sake Brewery Tour, Japanese style lunch

Visit and learn about Japanese sake (rice wine) at the Asabiraki Sake Brewery established in 1871, during the Meiji Era. Take a short brewery tour and enjoy some sake samples. Morioka historically has been known for quality sake thanks to its rich production of rice and water source. The shop located in the brewery property offers a wide selection of not only the sake made at the Asabiraki brewery but also local food products related to sake.

Iwachu Nanbu Ironware Factory Museum

The Nanbu Ironware is best known for high-quality teapots which are known for its ability to maintain the temperature once heated and the rough texture of the surface preventing the content from burning out. The Iwachu Nanbu Ironware Factory Museum showcases the traditional process of the ironware as well as some contemporary productions using the traditional techniques developed over the years. See an example of Japanese craftsmanship evolving to serve the needs of everyday life in the present era. At the end of your visit you will have a chance to shop for a product which you might find functional for your everyday life as well!

Having completed your visit, return to the pier.

Northern Miyako is famous for its Ryusendo Cave Ryusendo Cave National Monument and Kitayamazaki Cliffs -- fabulous scenery and landforms just 60 minutes from the pier.

Ryusendo Cave, Japanese-style lunch

Depart the pier and travel northwest to the Ryusendo Cave, considered to be one of the three primary limestone caves in all of Japan. A seemingly fathomless subterranean world of its own, more than 2.5 miles has been discovered out of which 0.4 miles is open to the public. See for yourself the clear blue underground lakes and stalagmites that constitute this mystical world that expands underground.

Kitayamazaki Observatory, One hour scenic cruise

Visit the Kitayamazaki observatory of a breathtaking view of the steep cliff that drops straight to the ocean. This cliff continues along the shoreline for about 5 miles, giving it the nickname "The Alps of the Ocean". After a photo stop at the observatory, head on down to the harbor to board a 1-hour scenic cruise to enjoy the magnificent view of the cliffs from sea level. This time looking up at the cliffs, you will see the height of the cliff from down below. Watch out for seabirds looking to snatch some food from the passengers.

After disembarking the boat, your coach will return you back to the port.

Miyako, a city located in the center of the coastal Iwate Prefecture, suffered devastating damage from the earthquake and tsunami of 2011. Seawater swept across the city's coastal districts, destroying everything in its path. Your tour takes you to the Taro area and the Jodogahama area which boasts picturesque scenery with the jagged rocks protruding from the sea.

Taro Kanko Hotel

Depart the pier for the 30 minute journey to the Taro Kanko Hotel, which was one of the very few structures that remained intact after the tsunami washed through the town. Spend approximately one hour with your guide. The first two floors of the hotel were completely washed away with only the pillars remaining. The upper floors have been preserved and are now open to the public to provide information on disaster prevention. A local guide will join you and will share with you what happened on March 11th, 2011 and after. Brace for an explicit video showing footage of the tsunami washing out the town.

Take in the view of the Sanno-iwa rocks which consist of Otoko-iwa, Onna-iwa and Taiko-iwa. These rocks were first formed through volcanic activity in the area, and then sediments deposited onto the ocean floor which eventually were exposed to the wind and waves to be carved out into the shapes that they are today.

Michinoeki Taro

Stop at Michinoeki Taro, which was newly built in 2018 as a symbol of the area's recovery from the tsunami impact. The facility sells local produces as well as offer educational activities for disaster prevention.

Jodogahama

The final visit of the day is Jodogahama. It got its name as resembling the idea of Buddhist paradise "Jodo" or "Pure Land". The jagged rocks line up to create an unusual landscape, with the contrast between the white sand and the deep blue of the ocean The area was critically affected by the tsunami of March 11th, 2011 as the tidal waves carried debris from destroyed buildings and covered the entire beach