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 […]
The Best Spots to Visit for Nambu Ironware in Morioka Read More »
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
Nanshōsō: A Gorgeous Traditional Residence in Morioka Read More »
Speaking of Morioka, there are many local specialties, including the Nambu Ironware, Morioka Reimen, and a lot more. If you love handicrafts and want to see how they are made, visit Morioka Handi-Works Square (盛岡手づくり村). It is a spot where you can observe the craftsmanship up close and even give it a go!
Morioka Handi-Works Square and Pyonpyonsha Reimen Kōbō Read More »
Apart from the noodle dishes, there is a bread shop that is also quite well-known in Morioka. Fukuda Pan (福田パン) specializes in putting various types of spreads between the hot dog bun-like bread. In addition to the typical flavors, such as peanut butter or fried noodles, uncommon flavors are also available for those who want
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When the Japanese talk about the samurai house in Akita Prefecture, they will never fail to mention the Aoyagi Samurai House (角館歴史村・青柳家). The spacious estate of a size of almost 10,000 square meters features a Main Housean Armory, a Gallery, a Folk Museum, a Samurai Tool Museum, an Antique Tea Room, and shops and restaurants/cafes.
Aoyagi Samurai House: Kakunodate’s Must-Go Samurai Residence Read More »
If you like to spend time in museums, Aomori is probably the best city to visit in the Tōhoku region. While a large part of the city is covered by nature, it surprisingly has many museums scattered throughout. Unlike Hirosaki, which is a 45-minute train ride away, Aomori has more variety. Whether you like contemporary art museums
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Not very far from the city center of Aomori, Japan’s largest bronze sitting Buddha statue is quietly sitting in the precinct of Seiryū-ji Temple (青龍寺). The statue is called Showa Daibutsu (昭和大仏). It is the statue of Vairocana (大日如来), completed in 1984. The gigantic statue weighs 220 tons and is 21.35 meters (27 meters if the pedestal is
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If you like to spend time in art galleries and museums, take a bus to the Aomori Museum of Art (青森県立美術館). The museum that is on the ground of the Sannai Maruyama Special Historical Site (三内丸山遺跡) is one of the top art museums in the northern Tohoku region (another facility that goes hand in hand
Aomori Museum of Art – The Center of Art of Aomori Read More »
If you are looking for a city in Japan with both breathtaking scenery and an artistic atmosphere, look no further than Towada City in Aomori Prefecture! In the center of the city, numerous statues complement the landmark of Towada, Towada Art Center. Not only are the artworks in the city all masterpieces from artists who
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