Morioka has two main rivers: the Kitakami River and Nakatsu River, both of which provided the city with natural protection during the warring feudal periods of Japan’s history. The rivers surround the city, so wherever you walk along the outskirts you can see them. In the evening, the lights from the city buildings are reflected on the water staining it with bright colour. Within the city, the restaurants come alive. Whether along the main streets, lined with brightly lit restaurants, or along the glistening riversides, a walk through Morioka in the evening is thrilling and stunning. The JR Morioka Station is easily accessible, especially to JR Pass holders, with direct shinkansen departing from Tokyo regularly.
- 1 min read
Evening in Morioka
Brightly lit streets and glittering rivers

Community writer

The view from Kaiunbashi Bridge on a rainy night is a golden haze

Lamplight by the river

A walk by the river in the evening

Sunset rolling over the tall buildings

Pink clouds over the JR Tohoku Shinkansen, pulling out of Morioka Station

The buildings along the riverside in the early evening

Lights reflected on the river

Morioka’s Kaiunbashi Bridge

Morioka by night

Brightly lit restaurants line the main Morioka streets

The elaborate street lights, hung with colourful flowers

Care for a midnight snack? The vending machines never close

The view from Kaiunbashi Bridge on a clear night is a glistening river

Kaiunbashi Bridge and Morioka city
Join the discussion
Elena Lisina
3 years ago
Morioka looks like a spacious nice city without crowds - I like that!
Thanks folks! Justin, it was actually raining slightly when I took the first photo, which is why the lights look so great.
Chikako Takahashi
10 years ago
Thank you for sharing these lovely pictures from Morioka! I was born there and often miss this peaceful and relaxing town indeed!
Justin Velgus
10 years ago
I love the first photo of Morioka at night!
4 comments in total
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