Morioka

Introduction

You will find Morioka situated in the Tōhoku region of northern Japan, where it serves as the capital city of Iwate Prefecture.

Before you go

Prepare for your visit by recognizing Morioka as a significant transport hub within the Tohoku region. From this location, you can access the Shinkansen to travel toward Akita and various nearby tourist towns along the Akita Shinkansen line.

While the city has been inhabited since prehistoric times, its ancient history is not overtly visible in its modern layout, which resembles other Japanese cities of a similar size. To assist with your planning, both the city government and the local tourist association offer official sightseeing websites that feature integrated Google Translate to help you navigate their Japanese-only content.

Getting there

You can reach the city by train via the Tohoku Shinkansen line, which serves as a major transit hub. The Hayate and Komachi services frequently run from Tokyo to Morioka, often coupled together as a single train before splitting toward their respective destinations of Shin-Hakodate and Akita. For faster travel, the Hayabusa provides daily round-trips between Morioka and both Tokyo and Aomori. Because Morioka is a major stopover point, it serves as an ideal location to spend the night or transfer to local trains if you are heading toward destinations like Kakunodate.

If you prefer to fly, Iwate Hanamaki Airport is located south of the city and offers domestic flights to most major Japanese cities along with international service to Taipei. You can take a shuttle bus from Morioka station to reach the airport. Alternatively, you can travel by bus, with overnight services running from Tokyo Station.

Getting around

You can easily explore Morioka on foot, as the city is small enough for walking. A stroll from the train station to the castle site takes about 30 minutes across a steel arch bridge and through the central business district. While the walk is pleasant, be mindful of the weather, which can be slippery, snowy, and cold in winter or hot and humid in summer. For a scenic route, you can take a wide and flat walking trail along the Kitakami River, which offers views of Mt Iwate and serves as an excellent jogging spot.

To navigate from the station into the city proper, use the underground tunnels that pass beneath the bus station and main road; these are wheelchair accessible via lifts. If you prefer to stay above ground, sticking to the left side of the road allows you to use overbridges to cross intersections. If you choose to take the bus, look for the Den-Den-Mushi Bus, which features a multi-coloured snail on its side and circles the central area including the castle park. While buses to outlying areas are less frequent, they remain a viable option with some planning.

Where to stay

If you are traveling on a budget, you can find a heavily advertised capsule hotel and sauna located directly opposite the train station. While this option is inexpensive, be mindful of the rising costs for repeated sauna use. Alternatively, you can stay at a relaxation cafe along the main street where you can nap, shower, and access the internet in a space designed for relaxing.

For mid-range accommodations, several options are available, though many are older and dated; choosing more modern properties may offer better value. You can choose a riverside hotel featuring rooms with sunrise views and a basic Japanese breakfast, or opt for a business hotel that offers larger communal bathing facilities and an earlier check-in time.

Food & drink

Savor the "three great noodles" of Morioka to experience the local culinary scene. You can enjoy Morioka reimen, spicy cold noodles served with a boiled egg, kimchi, and slices of apple or watermelon. For a heartier option, try Morioka jajamen, which features udon noodles mixed with minced meat, miso paste, and cucumber; you can even have your bowl transformed into chitantan soup by adding boiling water and a raw egg. If you prefer a challenge, test your speed with wanko soba, where tiny servings of soba are continuously refilled until you cover your bowl with its lid.

The local drinking scene benefits from the region's clean and pure water, which supports various sake breweries. You can explore traditional Japanese-style izakayas or visit German-style beer breweries for a variety of brews. For a group outing, karaoke is a popular way to enjoy drinks together.

What to see and do

Explore the historical layers of the city by visiting Morioka Castle, where you can wander through a park known for its cherry blossoms in the spring and scenic snow-covered landscapes in the winter. You can delve into local history at the Morioka History and Culture Museum, which features artifacts from early civilizations to modern times and showcases local traditions like the Chagu Chagu Festival. For those interested in notable figures, the Morioka Museum of Great Predecessors offers rotating exhibits on influential people, while the Hara-kei Memorial Museum preserves the personal belongings and documents of a former Prime Minister.

Experience the local culture through various landmarks and artistic sites:

• Oyakuen Garden, a former herb garden and villa that serves as a popular spot for viewing autumn foliage.
• The Takuboku Shinkon House and the Ishikawa Takuboku Memorial Museum, both dedicated to the life and poetry of a famous local poet.
• Artistic spaces including the Fukazawa Kōko Nonoha Art Museum, featuring European-style art, and the modern Iwate Museum of Art.
• Nature and science destinations such as the Morioka Zoo, the Morioka City Science Center with its planetarium, and the botanical garden at Iwate University.

Three days in Morioka

Day one, you arrive in Morioka via the Shinkansen from Tokyo. You can take the Hayabusa or the Hayate to reach this destination in the Tōhoku region of Iwate Prefecture.

Day two, you explore the local area and visit Morioka Castle. You can also spend time near the Kitakami River or view the surrounding landscape toward Mt Iwate.

Day three, you prepare for your departure from the region. You can travel further into Tōhoku or begin your journey back toward Tokyo Station.