Morioka is the capital city of Iwate Prefecture, it has quite a rich history and a few old buildings still remain. It is at the confluence of 3 rivers, Kitakami, Shizukiishi and Nakatsu rivers, a strategic location in old times. It is also located just a few kilometers away from Mt. Iwate, the largest mountain in the prefecture, a volcano. If you go to the top you can see the crater, which had some activity in the mid 1990's. In the Edo period Iwate was part Nambu region or clan, it included Iwate, Akita and Aomori, it was called the Southern capital, the center of power was in Mutsu in Aomori Prefecture. The next clan was centered in Sendai and was called the Date clan. Today, Morioka is a sister city to Victoria in British Columbia. Iwate is renowned for its cast iron products, kettles, bells and all sorts of figurines, it's a good place to buy them at a good price. As for food, it is known for wanko soba, a mouth full of buckwheat noodles in a bowl that people take pride in eating as many as possible, as well as reimen noodles, a potato noodle inspired from Korean noodles, and Nambu senbei. Nambu senbei are actually made of wheat flour and are sweet unlike rice senbei. Enjoy your stay here!
- 2 min read
Exploring Morioka
A bit of history about Morioka

Community writer

A funky izakaya (pub)

Iwate park in spring, it is full of cherry trees and in full bloom the park is incredibly beautiful.

Iwate park, the former site of Iwate castle

A Canadian totem pole in Iwate park

The rock splitting cherry tree, dates back over 400 years, now a national treasure

Little temple near Sakanacho a nice shopping district with a lot of independent shops.

An old house with 3 different exterior siding, the left part is the original siding.

At the end of this road is Hachimangu Shrine, Morioka's biggest.

The oldest fire station in Morioka, a wooden structure.

An older building called Kokaido near the city hall.

Morioka station, a good place to start exploring, all is within walking distance.

Entrance to multiple drinking places

The entrance of a shrine from Chuo dori

Another funky izakaya, the tanuki figure is to attract people to such places.
Explore nearby
-
-
-
Top Attractions in Iwate
Featured
-
Join the discussion
Justin Velgus
10 years ago
Some familar and new sites of Morioka to me. It reminded me of my two week stay during summer this year. Thanks for sharing.
1 comment in total
Book your trip
Find a nearby hotel
Explore some of the best nearby hotels and deals for the perfect place to stay in Japan.
Top Articles
-
1
70 Nations, One Amazing Meal
Osaka - Sponsored -
2
Kyushu Craftsmanship and Traditions Heritage Tour
Article -
3
A Journey of Encounters in Kyotango
Kyoto - Sponsored -
4
Kamenoi Hotel Nikko Yunishigawa: An All-Inclusive Resort
Tochigi - Sponsored -
5
Hokkaido Full Immersion Tour
Hokkaido -
6
INDEN-YA: An Over 400-year-old Crafts Business
Yamanashi - Sponsored -
7
World Theatre Festival Shizuoka 2025: Where the City Becomes the Stage
Shizuoka - Sponsored -
8
Cherry Blossoms, Onsen, and Tochigi Cuisine in Oku-Nikko
Accommodation - Sponsored -
9
Takaharu: Where Legends, Culture, and Nature Coexist
Miyazaki - Sponsored -
10
Sado Island Kodo Earth Celebration 2025: Music, Traditions, Taste Tour
Niigata
-
1
Guide to Bringing Medicines Into Japan
Planning -
2
The Ultimate Guide to Thrifting in Tokyo
Shopping -
3
Your Name: Real-Life Locations in Tokyo
Tokyo -
4
Meguro River Cherry Blossom Festival
Tokyo -
5
Iwatayama Monkey Park
Kyoto -
6
Ueno Cherry Blossom Festival
Tokyo -
7
May Grand Sumo Tournament (Tokyo)
Tokyo -
8
Daikoku Car Meet
Kanagawa -
9
Kanamara Penis Festival
Kanagawa -
10
Black Eggs of Owakudani, Hakone
Kanagawa