A Model Course for Experiencing the Nature and Culture of Morioka

10:00　Morioka Station

After stepping off the Shinkansen, head to the east exit. Walk straight for about 300 meters, and you’ll reach Kaiun Bridge, which spans the Kitakami River—the largest river in the Tohoku region. If the weather is clear, you’ll see Mt. Iwate towering to your left! Standing at 2,038 meters, Mt. Iwate is the tallest peak in Iwate Prefecture and a beloved symbol of Morioka. Snow begins to cover its summit around October each year, and as it melts in April, the remaining snow forms the shape of an eagle spreading its wings. Traditionally, this natural phenomenon has been seen as a sign marking the start of the farming season.
At the foot of Kaiun Bridge, you’ll find Kippushi Ryokuchi (green space), a charming riverside area lined with stylish cafes, gelato shops, and restaurants featuring local ingredients. If Mt. Iwate is clearly visible, this is the perfect spot to take a break and soak in the view.

10:35　Morioka Castle Ruins Park

After crossing Kaiun Bridge, you’ll reach a five-way intersection. Take a diagonal right onto Saien-dori Street and walk straight for about 900 meters until you reach the entrance of Morioka Castle Ruins Park. Morioka Castle served as the residence of the lords of the Nanbu domain, who ruled the region from the early 17th century to the late 19th century. While the castle keep no longer remains, its impressive stone walls stand as high as 14 meters—equivalent to a five-story building—offering a striking sight. Atop the stone walls, the area has been transformed into a scenic park, renowned for its cherry blossoms and autumn foliage. The best viewing times are typically mid- to late April for cherry blossoms and late October to mid-November for autumn leaves. Due to Morioka’s cool climate, the peak seasons for these natural spectacles are significantly different from those in Tokyo. In particular, the cherry blossoms can be enjoyed for a longer period compared to areas further south of the Kanto region.

Inside the park, you’ll find the Morioka History and Culture Museum On the first floor, there is a permanent exhibition showcasing costumes and decorative floats from three of Morioka’s most famous festivals: Chagu Chagu Umakko Festival, Morioka Sansa Odori Festival, and Morioka Autumn Festival. The second floor hosts special exhibitions that change periodically. Admission to the first floor is free, and photography is allowed, so come and experience the lively festival atmosphere!

11:30　Bank of Iwate Red Brick Building

Head further east from the Morioka History and Culture Museum and cross Nakanohashi Bridge. Right after crossing, you’ll find one of Morioka’s landmarks—the Bank of Iwate Red Brick Building. Designed by Tatsuno Kingo, the architect behind Tokyo Station, this historic building was completed in 1911 and is designated as an Important Cultural Property of Japan.

Inside, the hall is divided into free and paid areas. The paid area features a virtual theater, panel exhibits, and more. The venue also occasionally hosts craft exhibitions and other events.

12:00　Soba Noodle Lunch

This area, known as the Kanan district, has long flourished as a commercial hub and is home to many restaurants. How about challenging yourself to Morioka’s famous wanko soba for lunch?

Wanko soba is one of Japan’s three most famous soba styles, alongside Togakushi soba from Nagano and Izumo soba from Shimane. Its defining feature is the way it is served—small portions are placed into diners’ bowls one after another by the servers, allowing them to eat continuously. This style of eating is said to have originated from the spirit of hospitality toward large groups of guests. You can experience wanko soba at  Soba Dokoro Azumaya located just a short walk from the Bank of Iwate Red Brick Building.

As you eat, the servers will cheer you on with lively calls of “Jan jan!” and “Hai, don don!” while quickly refilling your bowl with more soba. With a variety of condiments available, you can enjoy different flavors without getting tired of the taste. The rule is simple—when you’re full, just place the lid on your bowl to signal that you’re done. About 10 to 15 bowls of wanko soba are equivalent to one regular serving of kake soba, a simple hot noodle soup. If you manage to eat over 100 bowls, you’ll receive a special commemorative plaque, and even if you don’t reach 100, you’ll still get a certificate. This is a unique Morioka experience, so why not give it a try? While reservations are recommended for a smoother experience, walk-ins are also welcome.

Morioka is known as a “noodle city,” with its residents having a deep love for noodles—so much so that it ranks first in Japan for spending on Chinese-style noodles. Alongside wanko soba, Morioka reimen, featuring firm cold noodles in a beef bone broth, and Morioka jajamen, thick flat noodles mixed with savory miso-based meat sauce, are collectively known as the “Three Great Noodles of Morioka.”

For Morioka reimen, visit  Shokudoen , the restaurant where it all began.

For Morioka jajamen,  Pairon is the place to go!

13:30　Strolling Through Historic Streets

The Kanan area is located near the confluence of the Kitakami and Nakatsu rivers, making it a key hub for water transport in the olden days. It also served as a junction for major roads leading to various parts of the prefecture, allowing it to flourish as a logistics center and a gateway to the castle town from the 17th to 19th centuries. Many traditional merchant houses, known as Morioka Machiya, were built here, and the area still retains its charming historic streetscape.

You can experience the charm of historic machiya at the Morioka Machiya Story Museum (Morioka Machiya Monogatari-kan). Serving as a hub for sharing Morioka’s history and culture, this facility allows visitors to explore the interior of traditional buildings. It was renovated from a former sake brewery that operated until 2006, featuring beautiful white-walled storehouses and narrow alleyways between the buildings that add to its nostalgic atmosphere. The site also includes a shop selling Morioka’s local specialties and a cafe.

This area is also known for its abundant natural spring water. Even today, despite the widespread use of tap water, these springs are still used by local residents in their daily lives. Water can be collected from two well-known sources: Daiji Shimizu and Seiryusui The natural groundwater is smooth and refreshing, making it easy to drink. If you have a reusable bottle, be sure to give it a try! The water collection area is designed like a stepped pool, with different levels designated from the top for drinking water, rinsing rice, washing dishes, and cleaning feet—so be sure to draw water from the top.
Tip: Using this spring water for coffee or green tea enhances the flavor, making it even more delicious!

This abundant water supply is also key to sake brewing. Sake-making in Iwate Prefecture began in the Edo period (17th to 19th centuries) when brewing techniques were introduced, and it flourished under the patronage of the Nanbu domain. The master brewers of this region, known as Nanbu Toji, form Japan’s largest guild of sake brewers. Taking advantage of the cold climate, they brew sake through a long, low-temperature fermentation process, resulting in a crisp aroma and clean aftertaste.

For an easy introduction to the local sake culture, visit Asabiraki , a sake brewery offering free tastings and a unique service where staff bottle sake on the spot. Don’t miss the Daiginjo soft-serve ice cream, known for its subtle yet distinct sake aroma.

15:30 Shopping Around Morioka Bus Center

Morioka Bus Center serves as a key transportation hub alongside Morioka Station, with local and highway buses connecting to destinations across Iwate and the Tohoku region. Renovated in the fall of 2022, the center now houses several dining options.

While here, be sure to visit Fukuda Pan, a beloved local bakery known for its signature koppepan—a soft, fluffy bread roll that has become a comfort food for the people of Morioka. This popular shop lets you customize your koppepan by choosing from around 50 different fillings, ranging from savory options like teriyaki chicken and egg salad to sweet toppings like red bean paste and whipped cream. Loved by locals for generations, Fukuda Pan is so popular that it sometimes sells out early!

Right across from the bus center is “monaka,” a four-story commercial complex that opened in the fall of 2024. With a variety of restaurants and shops, it’s the perfect place to grab a snack or pick up some souvenirs.

Adjacent to monaka is Sakanacho Shopping Street, a traditional covered arcade that retains its nostalgic charm. If you’re looking to experience local life and interact with residents, this is the place to visit. Midway through the arcade, take a turn east, and you’ll find several long-established shops specializing in Nanbu Tekki ironware.

Nanbu Tekki is a type of cast ironware that has been produced in Iwate Prefecture since the early 17th century, an area known for its high-quality iron. It is also recognized as one of Japan’s traditional crafts. It is known for its excellent heat retention and is used to make tetsubin, traditional cast-iron kettles for boiling water, as well as pots and other cookware. Nanbu Tekki is prized for its rough yet rustic texture, solid weight, and vintage charm—but what truly sets it apart is how it enhances the taste of water. When boiled in a tetsubin kettle, the inner surface absorbs various substances in the water, resulting in a smoother, mellower taste. The difference is especially noticeable when brewing tea or coffee! Over time, the absorbed substances gradually form reddish-brown or whitish deposits on the inner surface of the kettle, which also serve as a natural rust inhibitor. I use a tetsubin I purchased in Morioka to brew tea every day—it feels like nurturing something over time, making it one of my most treasured possessions.

One of the most historic workshops is Suzuki Shuzendo, founded in 1616. Their storefront showcases an array of iron kettles, pots, pans, and small accessories. A well-crafted tetsubin can last a lifetime, making it a highly recommended Morioka souvenir. Since they have a sturdy, weighty feel, it’s a good idea to pick one up at the end of your stroll and take a bus back to Morioka Station.

A Little Side Trip: Nanshoso

Be sure to visit  Nanshoso the former residence of Morioka-born entrepreneur Angoro Segawa, built in 1885. The estate, which is open to the public, features a strolling garden with a central pond, designated as a Monument of Japan, while the building itself is recognized as an Important Scenic Structure by Morioka City.

The house is elevated on stilts, allowing for a higher-than-usual veranda that offers a sweeping view of the garden. On its polished wooden floors, the seasonal colors of the trees are beautifully reflected, creating a breathtaking sight. The fresh green maple leaves of summer and the vibrant autumn foliage are especially stunning. Though it’s slightly off the route of the city loop bus Denden Mushi, it’s well worth the visit!

After visiting Nanshoso, take a short two-minute walk to the Former Ishii Prefectural Residence Former Ishii Prefectural Residence. Built around the same time as Nanshoso, this Western-style house is the oldest of its kind in Morioka and was once the private residence of Ishii Shoichiro, the prefectural governor of Iwate at the time. Its ivy-covered exterior is a distinctive feature, and the building is designated as an Important Scenic Structure by Morioka City. Note that it is open only during special events.

Conclusion

Morioka is a city where breathtaking natural landscapes blend with a rich history and unique culture. Many of its highlights are conveniently located within walking distance of the Shinkansen station, making it easy to explore. At the same time, the city retains a relaxed atmosphere, free from the usual tourist crowds. Take your time and enjoy all that Morioka has to offer!