Morioka in Iwate Prefecture is best known for Wanko soba and Nambu ironware. While some might be unaware, the city also has a large number of cafés. Because each offers a different dining experience, we have handpicked the best ones listed below for you to consider visiting when you travel to Morioka!
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Kōgensha (光原社) was a publisher in Morioka who published the only fairy tale collection of Miyazawa Kenji (宮沢賢治), a famous Japanese novelist and poet in the early 20th century. In fact, Kenji was the one who named the company. After he passed away, the publisher was slowly transformed into a shop selling craftworks, clothing, and
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Natayachō (鉈屋町) at the side of Kitakami River (北上川) was an area in Morioka that once flourished as a key point for shipping. Because of the high-quality natural water source from Daijiji Temple (大慈寺) and Gidaji Temple (祇陀寺), many sake breweries, tofu shops, soba noodle makers, and cafés surround the neighborhood. Besides the commercial facilities,
Natayachō: The Hidden Gems in Morioka for Sake Old Township Read More »
Adoring Japan’s cherry blossoms is one of the main reasons why people around the world visit Japan. So if you plan to visit Morioka in early spring, note the below spots in the city where you will be amazed by the beauty of Japan’s national flower. Some of them are well-known, whereas others are hidden!
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Proceeding east of Morioka-jō Castle Site Park, the ground beyond the giant vermilion-painted torii gate is Morioka Hachimangū Shrine’s precinct. It is a less-known spot to foreign tourists, but a shrine you won’t want to miss out on. Because Morioka Hachimangū Shrine (盛岡八幡宮) is very spacious and located on a slightly high ground, you can
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During your stay at Morioka, there are a couple of temples and shrines that we highly recommend you visit, even if you are an atheist or already have your fill of the Japanese shrines and temples. While they are all religious facilities, what makes them interesting and unique aren’t the gods enshrined but the unusual
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When the Gautama Buddha was alive, he had many disciples. While they are commonly known as the Five Hundred Disciples (五百羅漢). The number, five hundred, illustrates the greatness of the quantity. Because each of them had learned directly from the Gautama Buddha and was on the way to enlightenment, they were worshipped and enshrined in
Hōonji Temple and the Rakan Statue Doing the Big Heart Pose Read More »
Nambu Ironware (南部鉄器) is Iwate Prefecture‘s most representative traditional craft. Ironware-making in Morioka started in the early 17th century. The lord of the Morioka Domain invited a tea iron kiln maker from Kyoto when he was building Morioka Castle. Since then, the ironware-making industry has prospered because of the availability of high-quality materials and the
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The capital of Iwate Prefecture, Morioka, has a long history. As expected, museums and historical spots are scattered in the big city. If you are unsure which one to visit, check out the ones below. We hand-picked the ones that foreign tourists usually appreciate so you can narrow down the few you might want to
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The construction of Nanshōsō (南昌荘) started in 1885. It took a few years for the gorgeous complex including a main house, a tea house, and traditional style garden to be completed. Apparently, the building’s design referenced the Katsura Imperial Palace in Kyoto. The raised floor provides a better angle to view the gorgeous garden. Since
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