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60th Anniversary Series of Local Autonomy Law Enforcement Iwate Prefecture
Iwate is the second largest prefecture in Japan after Hokkaido. Also located in the Tohoku region of Honshu Island, its capital is Morioka. Iwate has the lowest population density of any prefecture with the exception of Hokkaido.
Iwate faces the Pacific Ocean to the east with rocky cliffs and few sandy beaches. The border to Akita prefecture is formed by the Ou Mountains. The latter still contain active volcanoes such as Mt. Iwate and Mt. Kurikoma.
Famous attractions include the Buddhist temples of Chuson-ji and Motsu-ji, Tenshochi Park in Kitakami City, and Morioka Castle in Morioka.
In the past, Iwate was famous for its mineral wealth, especially for gold, iron, coal, and sulfur. However, these are no longer produced. Hot springs have become the thriving industry behind the prefecture.
The Japan commemorative stamps depict some of the highlights from the prefecture:
  1. Chuson-ji Temple's Konjiki-dou Golden Hall and Chuson-ji Hasu Lotus and Motsu-ji Temple's Jodo-teien Pure Land Gardens, both World Heritage Sites
  2. Ishiwari Sakura, the Rock-splitting Cherry Tree in Morioka, an ancient tree splitting a large granite boulder
  3. Hayachine Kagura, ritual masked dances that worship Mt. Hayachine as a deity.
  4. Jodogahama Beach, the Pure Land Beach, often compared to paradise on earth.
  5. Joboji Urushi, the best Japanese lacquer producing forest area in Iwate
The background of this Japan furusato stamp sheet shows the outer building of the Konjiki-dou Golden Hall.
 
 
Issued Country Japan
Issued Year 2011
Category Buddhist Architect Events Buddhist Arts Buddhist Landscape
Type Commemorative/Special Stamps
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