After being cut down in the early Showa period (1926-1989) to make lacquerware, firewood, charcoal, and other materials, the forest of beech trees naturally grew back from the fallen seeds. The local people call the areas of the Appi Plateau "lower pasture," "middle pasture," and "inner pasture."
address :Hosono, Hachimantai-shi, Iwate Prefecture

The Ashiro-cho Hometown Museum which opened in 1998 was renewed as the Hachimantai City Museum with the merger of the three towns of Nishine-cho, Matsuo-mura and Ashiro-cho in 2005. The permanent exhibition includes Jomon earthenware and materials excavated from sites in Hachimantai City. There are also documents introducing the process of making and lacquering wood, the tools used to make lacquerware, and lacquerware with local characteristics. In addition, there are many other items on display, such as farmers’ tools that have been used in the region, introducing the history and background of the lacquer culture that has been passed down from generation to generation in the Appi River basin, as well as its appeal.
address : 230, Kamasuda, Hachimantai-shi, Iwate Prefecture
tel: 0195-63-1122

In 1999, in cooperation with the Hachimantai Lacquerware Technology Research Center, the Appi Lacquerware Studio was established to welcome graduates looking for a place where they can use their skills to make beautiful lacquerware. The highly skilled lacquer painters are working hard to improve their techniques every day. The studio plays a central role in the production of lacquerware in the Hachimantai area, reviving and passing on the traditions of Ashiro lacquerware and creating new lacquerware that fits the modern lifestyle.
address : 230−1,Kamasuda, Hachimantai-shi, Iwate Prefecture
tel: 0195-63-1065

The lacquer forest is located in the center of the Joboji area, and urushi tappers continue to work here. The lacquer produced from this region is recognized and highly valued for its softness, easy spread, coloring, etc. It has even been used to repair World Heritage Sites boasted by Japan, such as Nikko Toshogu Shrine and Futarasan Shrine.
address : Myojinzawa, Joboji, Ninohe-shi, Iwate Prefecture

One of the oldest temples in the Tohoku region with a legend that it was built in the Nara period (710-794). The main hall, also called Gokendo, houses a large altar decorated with black lacquer, vermilion lacquer, and gorgeous gold ornaments. Together with the Nio-mon Gate, it is highly regarded as an important architecture of esoteric Buddhism from the early Edo period (1603-1868).
address : 33 ,Onyamakubo, Joboji, Ninohe-shi, Iwate Prefecture
tel: 0195-38-2500

This is a museum that exhibits documents related to Joboji Urushi which is designated as a nationally important cultural property. You can learn about the life with lacquer that has been cultivated in this region, its history and culture. Many tools for urushi tapping including the oyama goki which was once used by the monks of Tendai-ji Temple are displayed here.
address : 35 ,Onyamakubo, Joboji, Ninohe-shi, Iwate Prefecture
tel : 0195-38-3464

The showroom and workshop where they display and sell Joboji Urushi paint, produced with lacquer from Joboji. Many kinds of tableware and sake cups for daily use are lined up. You can deepen your knowledge on Joboji Urushi paint by learning about this region’s lacquer history and its current situation, as well as the process from sap collection to the application of lacquer. Workshops and events are hosted regularly.
address : 23-6 ,Onyamanakamaeta, Joboji, Ninohe-shi, Iwate Prefecture
tel : 0195-38-2511