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There are great many things to do in Japan, and so are in Morioka.
Nestled within the heart of Iwate, lies a city that is a delightful blend of traditional culture and modern amenities.
It is a city that welcomes visitors with open arms, offering a plethora of experiences that will leave them captivated.
From exploring ancient temples to indulging in the mouth-watering local delicacies, Morioka has something for everyone.
So, pack your bags and come along on a journey to discover the many wonders of this charming city.
Without further ado listed below are some of the most fun things to do in Morioka:
1. Morioka Castle Ruins Park
Morioka Castle Ruins Park is a historical site that was once the location of Morioka Castle in the center of Morioka City in Iwate Prefecture, Japan.
What to see or do: Visitors can stroll through the park, which is particularly beautiful during cherry blossom season, and observe the remains of the castle’s stone walls and moats.
The park also features a variety of traditional Japanese gardens, including a bamboo grove and a tea ceremony garden.
Don’t miss: One of the most popular attractions in the park is the Morioka History and Culture Museum, which houses a collection of artifacts and exhibits showcasing the history and culture of Morioka and the surrounding region.
Insider travel tips: – The park is free to enter, but there is a small admission fee for the museum.
2. Rock Breaking Cherry Tree
The Rock Breaking Cherry Tree, also known as Kannon-iwa, is a unique cherry tree growing out from a massive rock in Morioka, Japan.
What to see or do: Visitors can enjoy the beautiful cherry blossoms that bloom on the tree during the spring season. The impressive sight of a cherry tree growing out of a large boulder is a must-see for nature enthusiasts.
Don’t miss: Don’t miss the chance to take a photo of this unique natural wonder. The contrast of the delicate pink blossoms against the rough stone background creates a picturesque view that is truly breathtaking.
Insider travel tips: – Visit during the early hours of the morning to avoid crowds and get a better view of the tree.
3. Morioka Handi-Works Square
Morioka Handi-Works Square is a creative cultural center located in Morioka, Japan.
What to see or do: Visitors can enjoy exploring the exhibitions of traditional crafts like pottery, lacquerware, and woodwork. Watch skilled artisans demonstrate their techniques or try making their own craft at the hands-on workshop.
Don’t miss: The square’s specialty shop, where visitors can purchase unique handicrafts, souvenirs, and local merchandise.
Insider travel tips: The center also offers guided tours with English-speaking guides, making it a perfect place for tourists to learn about the traditional craft culture of Japan.
It is recommended to book your tour in advance online to avoid any lines.
4. Iwate Museum of Art
The Iwate Museum of Art is a modern art museum located in Morioka, the capital city of Japan’s Iwate Prefecture.
What to see or do: The museum houses both permanent and temporary collections of contemporary Japanese art, including paintings, sculptures and installations. The digital art exhibitions are a must-see here as they feature stunning works by local artists.
The spacious galleries also provide a peaceful environment to appreciate the artworks on exhibit.
Don’t miss: Don’t miss the outdoor sculpture garden, where visitors can see a collection of abstract sculptures and installations set amidst the beautiful natural surroundings.
Be sure to take your time to admire these works of art, as they are well worth the visit.
Insider travel tips: – The museum is closed on Mondays, so plan your visit accordingly.
5. Morioka Zoological Park
Morioka Zoological Park is a popular zoo located in the city of Morioka, Japan.
What to see or do: The park is home to over 400 animals from more than 100 different species, including tigers, lions, elephants, bears, and various primates.
Visitors can watch animal shows, interact with smaller animals like rabbits and goats in a petting zoo, and enjoy nature walks around the park.
Don’t miss: The highlight of the park is the African Savannah enclosure, where visitors can observe giraffes, zebras, and wildebeest roaming freely. Also, don’t miss the bird show and the sea lion show, which are highly entertaining.
Insider travel tips: – Arrive early to avoid crowds and secure a good spot for the animal shows.
6. Ishikawa Takuboku Museum
The Ishikawa Takuboku Museum in Morioka is a museum dedicated to the life and works of Ishikawa Takuboku, a renowned poet who lived during the Meiji and Taisho eras.
What to see or do: Visitors to the museum can explore various exhibits showcasing the poet’s life, including his manuscripts, letters, and personal belongings. The museum also has a library with an extensive collection of works related to Takuboku and Japanese literature.
Don’t miss: Be sure to check out the museum’s garden, which features seasonal flowers and trees that were mentioned in Takuboku’s poems.
Insider travel tips: – The museum offers English audio guides for foreign visitors.
7. Hoon-ji Temple
A Buddhist temple located in Morioka, Iwate Prefecture, Japan.
What to see or do: Explore the beautiful temple grounds which include several buildings, sotoba (wooden memorial tablets), a six-story pagoda, a statue of Kannon, and a garden.
Attend a meditation session or Buddhist ceremony that takes place here.
Don’t miss: The 400-year-old cherry blossom tree that blooms gloriously in the spring. It is one of the oldest and largest cherry blossom trees in Japan.
Insider travel tips: Visit during cherry blossom season (late April-early May) or in autumn (November) for the beautiful fall foliage. Stop by the nearby Koiwai Farm for a taste of fresh dairy products.
The temple is easily accessible by public transportation, but be mindful of the time as the last bus from the temple to Morioka departs in the early evening.
8. Koiwai Farm
A dairy farm in Morioka, Japan that also offers various activities and attractions for visitors.
What to see or do: Visitors can watch cows being milked, try their hand at cheese making, take a tractor ride around the farm, hike in the nearby forest, and sample delicious dairy products including ice cream, yogurt, and milk.
Don’t miss: The Koiwai Forest, a beautiful forest with hiking trails and a giant tree house, as well as the Koiwai Horseback Riding Club where visitors can take horseback rides through the countryside.
Insider travel tips: Try to visit during one of the many events and festivals that are held at Koiwai Farm throughout the year, such as the Summer Festival or the Autumn Leaves Festival.
Also, be sure to bring comfortable shoes if you plan on exploring the farm and forest.
9. Yotsuya Church
Yotsuya Church is a historic and beautiful Christian church in Morioka, Japan. It was built in the late 19th century and has since been a symbol of Christianity in the area.
What to see or do: Visit the church to admire its Western-style architecture and learn about its role in Japanese history. The stained glass windows are particularly impressive.
Don’t miss: Take a stroll through the nearby Yotsuya Park to enjoy a picnic or a leisurely walk in nature.
Insider travel tips: For a unique experience, attend a Sunday service at the church to witness a traditional Japanese interpretation of Western Christianity. Also, be sure to check the schedule as the church is sometimes closed for private events.
10. Iwate Park
A spacious park in the heart of Morioka, Japan.
What to see or do: Take a peaceful stroll around the lush greenery, relax by the pond, watch the fish and turtles, and enjoy the seasonal flowers.
Admire the statues, sculptures, and historic buildings, including the Morioka Castle Ruins, Nambu School House, and Morioka History and Culture Museum.
Children can have fun at the playgrounds, water fountains, and mini trains.
Don’t miss: The cherry blossom trees in spring, the colorful autumn leaves, and the summer fireworks festival. Climb the hill to the Morioka Castle Ruins for panoramic views of the city.
Insider travel tips: Bring a picnic, rent a bicycle, or enjoy some local street food at the nearby Morioka Sansa Odori. Check the park’s website for events and concerts.
Consider visiting in the morning or on weekdays to avoid crowds. Parking is available.
11. Morioka History and Culture Museum
The Morioka History and Culture Museum is a museum that showcases the history and cultural heritage of Morioka City in Iwate Prefecture, Japan.
What to see or do: The museum has a collection that includes artifacts from the Jomon Period to the modern era. Visitors can see exhibits on pottery, lacquerware, swords, and other objects that depict the region’s rich history and culture.
Don’t miss: The museum has a vast exhibit dedicated to the life and work of Takuboku Ishikawa, a famous poet, and writer who lived in Morioka City.
Visitors can see his manuscripts, personal belongings, and learn about his literary works.
Insider travel tips: The museum is closed on Mondays and during the New Year holidays. Visitors can get a discount on admission fees by presenting their Morioka City Tourist Pass.
Guided tours in English are available on request. Photography is not allowed inside the museum.
12. Nawate-dori Street
A picturesque street in Morioka, Japan known for its traditional buildings and local shops.
What to see or do: Visitors can stroll along the street, admire the unique architecture of the buildings, browse through souvenir shops, and enjoy snacks and drinks at the various food stalls and cafes.
Don’t miss: The street has a number of notable highlights, including the Morioka Handi-Works Square, where visitors can watch local artisans at work, and the Jajamen noodle shops, which serve a Morioka specialty of thick noodles in a soy sauce broth.
Insider travel tips: The best time to visit Nawate-dori Street is during the annual Morioka Sansa Festival in August, when the street comes alive with music, dance, and traditional costumes.
Make sure to try the local specialty dishes, such as reimen cold noodles and wanko soba, at the street’s many restaurants.
Be sure to bring comfortable shoes for walking as the street can get crowded, especially during peak tourist season.
13. Morioka City Forest
Morioka City Forest is a vast preserve located in Morioka, Japan, offering a chance to relax and enjoy nature.
What to see or do: Explore the serene natural surroundings through various hiking trails wandering through the forest. You can also enjoy several outdoor activities like horse riding, mountain biking, and camping.
Morioka City Forest is also popular for its autumn foliage and visitors flock to witness the beautiful colors.
Don’t miss: Don’t miss the stunning views of Iwate Mountain range, especially during the crisp autumn days. You can also visit the small shrine dedicated to the god of the mountain.
Insider travel tips:
14. Nanbu Tekki Traditional Industry Museum
Nanbu Tekki Traditional Industry Museum is a museum that showcases the history of Nanbu Tekki, a traditional casting technique used to create ironware in Morioka.
What to see or do: Explore the exhibits that display the various stages of the Nanbu Tekki casting process and observe the intricate designs of the ironware products.
Check out the different tools and equipment used in the process, and learn about the cultural significance of the craft.
Don’t miss: Don’t miss the displays that showcase the different ironware products such as teapots, kettles, and Japanese-style grills. Grab a souvenir at the museum shop that sells handcrafted ironware items.
Insider travel tips: Take a guided tour to gain a deeper understanding of the history and cultural significance of Nanbu Tekki. It is recommended to visit during weekdays to avoid the crowds.
The museum is accessible by car or public transportation. Parking is available.
15. Megane Bridge
Megane Bridge is a historic and iconic arched bridge located in the city of Morioka, in the northern region of Japan’s main island, Honshu.
What to see or do: Take a walk on the bridge and enjoy the beautiful views of the Nakatsu River flowing beneath.
The bridge is particularly famous for its unique shape, which resembles a pair of spectacles, hence the name “Megane” which means glasses in Japanese.
The bridge is also illuminated at night, creating a magical atmosphere.
Don’t miss: The chance to take some great pictures of the bridge and the surrounding area.
Also, make sure to try the local specialty, Wanko Soba, which is a fun eating experience where small portions of soba noodles are served one after the other in small bowls.
Insider travel tips: Visit the Morioka Handiworks Square, a museum and gift shop located near the bridge where you can buy traditional Japanese crafts such as pottery, lacquerware, and textiles.
Additionally, the best time to visit is during the cherry blossom season in late April to early May, when the area around the bridge is filled with beautiful pink blossoms.