～ Elusive Ekiben “Uni Bento” (sea urchin bento boxed lunch)～

This is a standing soba shop located on the premises of the Sanriku Railway, right next to JR Kuji Station. Their recommended specialty is the Uni Bento, which only 20 of are served per day. It’s a luxurious bento box filled with steamed sea urchin on a bed of fragrant rice. This dish gained fame through the NHK morning drama series “Amachan.” Due to its limited availability, it often sells out before noon, so reservations are essential. They also offer other options like scallop and herring soba (udon).

Sanriku Rias-tei 

Sanriku Railway Kuji Station Building, 3-38-2 Chuo, Kuji City, Iwate


TEL｜0194-52-7310　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　

～Vessels that Have Long Been a Part of Life in Northern Iwate～

With a history spanning over 200 years, Kokujiyaki pottery continues to be made with clay found in Kuji and its producers remain dedicated to creating everyday tableware for the locals, preserving this tradition from the past to the present. Kokujiyaki pottery is frequently given as presents or commemorative gifts and has deeply rooted itself in the lives of the citizens, so much so that it is a staple in Kuji households, serving as a cherished part of people’s daily routines.

Hands-On Activity—————

You can create bowls and mugs through hand molding.

The vessels you shape will be temporarily kept here to be baked and completed, taking approximately 1-2 months to reach you.

Advance reservations required: 0194-52-3880.

Available hours: 10:00 AM to 3:00 PM

Duration: Approximately 1-2 hours

*Due to limited staff, it may not always be possible to accommodate your preferred date and time.

Cost: 1,000 yen (including baking fee and consumption tax) for 500g of clay (enough to make one bowl or mug). You are responsible for the shipping cost of your completed vessels. 

Kokujiyaki Pottery Kiln


31-29-1 Kokuji-cho, Kuji City, Iwate
TEL｜0194-52-3880　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　

～The only amber museum in Japan～

The Kuji region is commonly known for having the most abundant amount of amber in Japan. And, Kuji Amber Museum is the only museum of amber in Japan located in this production of amber since the ancient times. Amber in the Kuji region belongs to the late Cretaceous period, Mesozoic Era- it is in fact exactly the age of the dinosaurs. In recent years, insect fossils have been discovered from amber one after another and attracted much attention from paleontology and genetic engineering researchers. In the museum, ambers in the Kuji region and around the world are exhibited with detailed explanation from the perspectives of natural science and humanities under two major themes- “The Mysterious Time Capsule” and “Amber and Humans”. There are also a large number of gemstones, curios, insects preserved in ambers, archaeological history, handicrafts to explore.

Kuji Amber Museum

19-156-133, Kokuji-cho, Kuji City, Iwate, Japan 028-0071
TEL｜0194-59-3831　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　

Opening hours｜9:00am～5:00pm (Admission until 4:30 PM)

Closed during the New Year Period & the last day in February

Fees | Adults: 500 yen (400 yen), Elementary and Junior High School Students: 200 yen (150 yen)

＊( ) indicates group rates (20 or more people)

https://www.kuji.co.jp/museum