About Morioka
Morioka is the capital of Iwate prefecture and a historical castle town of the Nambu family. Morioka is located in inland Iwate prefecture. With the Kitakami (the Tohoku region’s largest river), Shizukuishi, and Nakatsu rivers flowing through the city, and majestic Mt. Iwate towering in the background, Morioka has come to be known as “The City of Water and Greenery”.
As the social, political, and economic center of Iwate prefecture, Morioka is roughly a two hour bullet train ride away from Tokyo. Morioka has made remarkable progress in economic development, and with a growing population, is becoming a leading city in Northern Tohoku.
Tourist Spots
Mt. Iwate and Kitakami River
Morioka is home to many interesting sightseeing opportunities. As one of the three great castle sites for the Tohoku region, Morioka Castle Park is a must see destination. Having been mostly destroyed during the Meiji-era, the walls of the castle remain, along with a museum showcasing the history of the area.
Another must see destination is Ishiwari-Zakura (The Rock-Splitting Cherry Tree). The massive cherry tree springs forth from a crack in a huge granite boulder. The tree is thought to be four centuries old, and is considered a national natural monument.
Morioka is also home to examples of classical architecture. Such examples range from the elegant touch of the Meiji period (1866-1912) to the Taisho period (1912-1926), and even up through the Showa period (1926-1989). In addition, you can find special characteristics such as: Giboshi (bronze railing ornaments) which are a national important art object; Nambu Ironware; and even Nambu-Zome (which is a method of dyeing cloth).
Local Specialties
Wanko Soba
For those of you with a passion for food, Morioka is home to three well known noodle dishes: Reimen, Jajamen, and Wanko Soba. These three delicious dishes go well with the local sake and beer brewed by the local brew masters who are known as the Nambu Toji. With fresh ingredients from the mountains and the sea, you are sure to find a taste to suit your palate.
Festivals & Events
If festivals are your passion, then Morioka will definitely leave you fulfilled. Chagu Chagu Umakko is a parade of about 100 colorfully adorned horses who march a 13km path from Takizawa city to Hachiman-gu Shrine in Morioka. The event occurs on the second Saturday in June of every year, and many people gather along the streets to watch the horses as they make the last leg of their journey.
Held in mid-summer from 1 – 4 August, Morioka has one of their most famous festivals, “Sansa Odori”. On 29 June 2014, the sansa drums set a world record for the largest Japanese drum ensemble, involving an astonishing 3,437 people. “Sansa Odori” is one of the greatest summer festivals in the Tohoku region and has attracted as many as 1.3 million people. With the methodic pounding of the drums, the smooth echoes of the Yokobue (Japanese flute), and the mesmerizing dancing, this is one parade you won’t want to miss.
Occurring annually on 14 and 16 September, Morioka hosts the Dashi parade. Donning gigantic depictions of themes such as famous Kabuki plays and so on, large floats are pulled through the city by revelers with drums and musical accompaniments.
Chagu Chagu Umakko
Sansa Odori
Dashi Parade
Leisure
If you are looking to “get away from it all” Morioka has many opportunities to both relax and have a good time. Tsunagi Hot Spring is a scenic hot spring located next to an absolutely stunning view. If relaxing in a warm hot spring bath is not for you, then Hachimantai city is home to a top notch ski-resort known as Appi Kogen Ski Resort. You can also experience the wonderful autumn colors and the “Snow Corridor” in Hachimantai city, as well.
Appi Kogen Ski Resort
For those looking to explore, Morioka is home to the biggest privately owned farm in Japan, Koiwai Farm. Koiwai offers a charming experience of farm life in Japan.
Other must-see destinations include the world heritage site Hiraizumi and the Sanriku Coast. Morioka is also situated in a good location to access the neighboring prefectures of Akita and Aomori.
Morioka is full of different opportunities for you to indulge all of your senses. We would love to entertain you and warm your heart with the genuine hospitality of our great city.