Welcome! If you’re taking the time to read this blog post, you’re in the right place to discover and learn about Japan’s countryside, notably Iwate prefecture and its hard-to-access, but rewarding experiences.
Kitakami station (bullet train stop), where the Kitakami River and Waga Rivers converge.
After reading about the Tohoku region and its abundant nature, I finally took a trip in 2018 to fly fish with a local guide in Iwate. A longtime resident of Kitakami, and a fly fisherman of over 20 years. I was in fly fishing heaven. I knew I had to come back, not just for the fishing, but for the conversations I had with the locals here.
These guys have a strong appreciation for not just fish but for all plant and wildlife and humorously talk about local folklore (like the “Kappa” or mythical creature that can be caught with cucumbers).
I promised the fly guide and other locals that I would be back with guests from around the world.
Here’s the backstory in researching and curating these trips.
I noticed that most tourists in Japan visit major cities like Tokyo or Kyoto. Although there is a lot to see, it’s difficult to have any deep connections or lasting memories from just seeing something and snapping a picture.
Rather, I wanted guests to immerse themselves in nature, maybe hike, maybe fish, go inside traditional homes, see some wildlife, of course eat local delicacies, soak in hot springs, and feel something completely different!
When I was first doing research on fly fishing and outdoor activities in Japan, there was little to no information in English about these places off-the-beaten path. Also, like many rural Japanese cities with rapidly declining populations, Nishiwaga and Tono have limited access (the single train line connecting these cities run only a few a day), which proves favorable if you want to get away from the crowds.
The other challenge is that there are little to no English-speaking guides, particularly deep in Iwate prefecture. I knew I had to be the English-speaking guide to take guests out here. In collaboration with the local guides and artisans here, my mission was to curate something different, something tangible for anyone to enjoy.
