Situated in the Shizuoka Prefecture on central Honshu’s Pacific coast, the Japanese city of Iwata may be not be on the radar of most tourists, but those who do venture here will find a wealth of great things to see and do.
Perhaps best known as the headquarters of the Yamaha Motor Corporation, one of the world’s most famous motorbike brands, Iwata’s rich heritage extends far beyond the legendary automotive name – evidenced by the many shrines and temples that can be found in and around the city. For visitors keen to explore this off-the-beaten-track Japanese gem, we’ve picked out 10 of the most unique sights and attractions Iwata has to offer.
Visit a celebrated motor museum
There are only a select number of automotive names anywhere in the world legendary enough to warrant their own dedicated museum – and one of them is Yamaha, whose headquarters can be found right here in Iwata. Celebrating the brand’s long heritage and state-of-the art technology, the Yamaha Communication Plaza is spread across three floors of museum space, each used to showcase a different element of the company’s past and present. The full breath of Yamaha’s output is revealed through displays of everything from its iconic motorbikes to racing cars, cruisers and even wheelchairs and four-wheel buggies. The museum also has a strong interactive focus, with product catalogues, publications and historical videos viewable through touch panel controls.
2500 Shingai / Mon-Fri 9am-5pm Closed Sat-Sun
Explore a 17th-century shrine
Japan is home to a huge number of shrines steeped in religious mythology and one of the most famous in Iwata is Fu Hachiman-gu. Said to have been transferred as a guardian deity of the ‘Kokufu’ – capitals of Japan’s historical provinces during the first half of the 8th century – the historic landmark has been officially designated as a ‘prefectural tangible cultural property’, making it a popular visitor attraction as well as a pilgrimage point for natives. Along with the shrine itself, the site also boasts over 40,000 trees within its grounds.
112-1 Nakaizumi
Immerse yourself in the history of perfume
Those with a penchant for all things olfactory will be in their element at one of the region’s more unusual attractions, the Museum of Fragrance. As the name suggests, the museum, which is perched on the east side of Hamamatsu, a short drive from central Iawata, is dedicated entirely to perfumery. Ass well as art and craft objects relating to perfume, the museum also hosts seasonal exhibitions of artistic perfume-themed works, as well as a Perfume Blending Experience during which guests can blend their own distinct fragrance using a computer – the ultimate memento to take away from your sensory adventure.
2019-15 Tateno / Sun-Sat 9.30am-5.30pm Closed Mon
Stay in a hotel inspired by nature
If you’re looking for somewhere to stay in Iwata and like the idea of being surrounded by nature Greenity Iwata is hard to beat. This casual hotel is set on a leafy hillside on the southern edge of the city and is dotted with foliage and other natural elements that are designed to create a sense of serenity among guests. But without doubt the hotel’s standout feature is its indoor hot spring baths, where you can soak in mineral-rich waters while looking out over greenery – making you feel a world away from the urban hustle and bustle of the city.
2280 Iwai
Relax in a riverside park
Nestled along the banks of the Tenryu River, Shishigahana Park offers a peaceful escape just a short distance from the centre of Iwata. Popular with locals rather than tourists, the park is known for its wide open lawns, walking paths and gentle river views. It’s an ideal spot for a quiet stroll, a picnic, or simply watching the water drift by. In spring and autumn especially, the scenery shifts with the seasons, making it a pleasant place to slow down and take a break from sightseeing.
Oidaira / Open 24 hours
Look around historic elementary school
The oldest surviving wooden Western-style elementary school building in Japan, and designated as a national historic site, the Iwata Old Mitsuke School offers visitors a fascinating glimpse into life from the Meiji to Showa eras. Built in 1875 and spread over five stories, the edifice – which was financed mainly through donations from local residents – retains many of its original features including the stone tablets and brushes used by students in the days before pencils and notebooks. Other highlights include displays of household items from that era including a hearth, a foot-pedal sewing machine, an oven and a tea table. The former school is open to visitors with free admission.
2452 Mitsuke / Sun-Sat 9am-4.30pm Closed Mon
Take in an ancient temple
Dating back to 734, Ioji Temple is a haven of tranquility set amid pristinely landscaped moss gardens to the east of central Iwata city. Destroyed by fire in 1572, it was later reconstructed and can now be explored by visitors keen to discover a significant piece of Iwata’s spiritual and architectural heritage. As well as the gardens and peaceful grounds, visitors can also explore restored halls such as Yakushido and Daishido, both of which continue to play an enduring role in the region’s religious life.
2065-1 Kamada / Mon-Sun 9am-4.30pm
Attend a festival with a centuries-old ritual
There are few better ways of getting to know a place than by attending a local festival and if you happen to be in Iwata immediately preceding the 10th day of the 8th lunar month then there is no better opportunity to do just that. A truly unique occasion, the Mitsuke Tenjin Hadaka Festival sees men wearing no more than straw loincloths parade through the city streets under the moonlight, culminating in a beguiling “demon dance” performed inside the worship hall of Yanahime Shrine. It is a ritual whose provenance dates back centuries and continues to be performed in front of large crowds of locals and (slightly bewildered) outsiders every year.
September each year / Mitsuke district
Try your hand at fruit picking
Fruit picking is especially popular in and around Iwata thanks to the area’s fertile farmland, mild climate and strong agricultural traditions. Set between mountains and the Pacific coast, the city benefits from rich soil and plenty of sunshine – ideal growing conditions for a whole host of fruits including strawberries, melons, grapes and mandarins. Many local farms – such as Strawberry Aerial Farm Iwata – open their fields to visitors, making fruit picking a fun, family-friendly activity. Seasonal harvests also align neatly with weekends and school holidays, helping turn a simple rural pastime into a well-loved local experience.
Kaketsuka Lighthouse
Enjoying a striking coastal location around a 20-minute drive south of Iwata city centre, Kaketsuka Lighthouse draws a steady stream of visitors throughout the year. Sitting at the mouth of the Tenryu River and easily reachable by car or bike, while the lighthouse itself is not open to the public, visitors can walk right up to its base and take in expansive views of the Pacific. Its position next to Ryuyo Marine Park also makes it ideal for combining coastal walks, green space and ocean scenery in one visit.
Komaba
