Iwate Prefecture

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Takamatsu Park: Morioka’s Most Beautiful Lakeside Park

Experience a breathtaking display of nature and history at Takamatsu Park (高松公園), a premier destination in Morioka celebrated as one of Japan’s Top 100 Cherry Blossom Spots. Centered around the scenic Takamatsu Pond, which was originally constructed as a reservoir during the Edo period to protect Morioka Castle, the park transforms into a soft pink […]

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Sakurayama Shrine: Morioka’s Sacred Rock & Longevity Turtle

What are some of the best things to do in Morioka? Discover a hidden sanctuary of history and spirituality at Sakurayama Shrine (櫻山神社), a tranquil “power spot” nestled at the base of the Morioka Castle Ruins Park. Established in 1749, this sacred site is the spiritual heart of Morioka, dedicated to the four generations of

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14-Day Tohoku Itinerary: Best Cherry Blossoms in North Japan

Experience the ultimate spring adventure with this 14-day Tohoku cherry blossom itinerary. While the crowds flock to Tokyo, the northeastern region of Japan offers a more serene and spectacular floral show. From the samurai streets of Kakunodate to the iconic pink moats of Hirosaki Castle, this two-week guide covers the absolute best of Aomori, Morioka,

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2-Week Itinerary in Japan’s Stunning Tōhoku Region

Planning a trip to Japan but want to escape the crowds of Tokyo and Kyoto? Look no further than the Tohōku Region. The Northeastern part of Japan is renowned for its stunning natural beauty. With two weeks in Japan, you will have enough time to experience a land of ancient samurai towns, breathtaking landscapes, and

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Rokugatsu no Shika: A Cozy Cafe Close to Morioka Castle Park

Close to Mont Ceri. Morioka, Rokugatsu no Shika (自家焙煎珈琲 六月の鹿) is another cafe near Sakurayama Shrine (櫻山神社) that opens early to serve breakfast and to satisfy your coffee cravings. In fact, we reckon the coffee at Rokugatsu no Shika is better! After all, it is a coffee shop specialising in home-roasted, flannel drip coffee. Even

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The Best Guide to What Are the Top Festivals in Morioka

As a city with a long history, there are a couple of representative festivals in Morioka that you could consider joining. During the festivals, the city is packed with visitors. Yatai stalls selling every kind of festival food you could hope for also fill the approach of the shrines that hold them.

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Lake Gosho Park: A Scenic Hidden Spot for a Family Day Trip

Gosho Lake (御所湖), south of Morioka Handi-Works Square, is a top spot in Morioka to adore Mt. Iwate’s magnificence. It is a huge dam lake created by damming the Shizukuishi River (雫石川). When the weather conditions are right, Mt. Iwate is reflected on the surface of the vast lake, creating a breathtaking view.

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Michinoku Hydrangea Garden: Japan’s Best Hydrangea Spot

If you visit Ichinoseki in June or July, ensure Michinoku Hydrangea Garden (みちのくあじさい園) is on your itinerary. On the garden’s vast land of around 150,000㎡, 40,000 hydrangeas of 400 types are growing in the cedar forest. When the flowers reach full bloom, countless hydrangeas will cover the slope of the mountain, making it the best

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Mont Ceri. Morioka: The Vegan and Gluten-Free-Friendly Cafe

Close to Morioka’s famous landmark, Sakurayama Shrine (櫻山神社), Mont Ceri. Morioka is a bakery that aims to cater to all customers. And the good news is that the bakery usually opens for breakfast at 7:30 am on weekdays. If you plan to visit Morioka, there is no need to rely on rice balls sold at

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Karakoma: The Must-Visit Vegan Restaurant in Morioka

Karakoma (おやさい食堂カラコマ ) is a small but cozy vegan Japanese-style macrobiotic cafe in Morioka. It is a spot where those with a large appetite can feel satisfied afterwards. Not only is the food delicious there, but it is also healthy! Allium-free options (no onion, garlic, leeks, chives, or asafoetida) are available too.

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