Morioka-jō Castle Site Park (盛岡城跡公園), not far from Morioka Station, is one of Japan’s top 100 city parks. Renovated from Morioka Castle ruins in 1906, it is a convenient spot in the city center to adore cherry blossoms, fall foliage, and snow scenery. The park is an ideal place in the city center to experience both the natural scenery and historical significance.
In addition to the vegetation, you will also see monuments with Japanese poems engraved in Morioka-jō Castle Site Park. They are the poems of famous Japanese poets Ishikawa Takuboku (石川啄木) and Miyazawa Kenji (宮沢賢治). Both were born and raised in Iwate Prefecture.
The castle, completed in 1633 by the first Morioka Domain’s lord, Nanbu Nobunao (南部信直), was once called Kozukata Castle (不来方城). Although the castle buildings were destroyed during the Meiji Restoration, the granite stone walls made of stacked granite remain. Seeing the walls in the park, one can easily imagine the magnificent appearance of the base of the Morioka Domain (盛岡藩).
Refer to HERE for Morioka-jō Castle Site Park’s map.
Refer to our article on Mitsuishi Shrine if you want to know why Morioka was called Kozukata.
Morioka-jō Castle Site Park’s Four Seasons
With around 250 cherry blossoms planted, the Morioka Cherry Blossom Festival (盛岡さくらまつり) is held at Morioka-jō Castle Site Park from around mid-April to Golden Week. Even at night, the park is still lively, with people adorning the flowers illuminated by traditional lanterns.
Before the cherry blossoms start to bloom, around 100 plum blossoms can be adorned from late March to early April. In summer, parts of the park are colored by wisteria in May and hydrangeas in July. From late October to mid-November, you can enjoy the vivid autumn colors in the park.
Tip: While in Japanese, refer to the Morioka-jō Castle Site Park Map (2nd page) that marks the cherry and plum blossoms and the fall foliage. The hydrangeas are close to the Tsurugaike Pond (鶴ヶ池).
In February, when the castle ruins are blanketed by snow, the Morioka Snow Festival (もりおか雪あかり) is held, where the warm light of candles and pure white snow create a fantastical world.
Even without the candles, the snowy landscape combined with the historical castle stone walls create a captivating atmosphere.
Note Morioka Snow Festival is replaced by Morioka Illumination Bright (もりおかイルミネーションブライト) from 2022.
How to Get to Morioka-jō Castle Site Park
- It is a 15-minute walk from JR Morioka Station (盛岡駅). You can also take the Loop Bus Dendenmushi from the station and get off at Moriokajō-ato Kōen (盛岡城跡公園).
Morioka History and Culture Museum (もりおか歴史文化館)
The Morioka History and Culture Museum is one of the facilities in Morioka-jō Castle Site Park. The museum, which opened in 2011 after expanding the old Iwate Prefectural Library, allows visitors to learn about the city’s history and culture.
It is also the place to go to quickly understand the grand festivals held in the city. One of which is even in the Guinness Book of Records!
On the ground floor of the Morioka History and Culture Museum, short films, panels, and items related to Morioka’s Three Biggest Festivals are exhibited. You will be amzaed by the 9-meter-tall festival float and the splendedly decorated Chagu Chagu Umakko horses (チャグチャグ馬コ) displayed here!
Even if you aren’t interested in old items, visit Castle Town Emaki Theater (城下町絵巻シアター). The short film of the procession of feudal lords and the bustling castle town on the giant 8-meter-long screen is a must-see in the museum.
Tip: The Morioka History and Culture Museum has a town information center that provides the latest tourist information.
On the second floor, the exhibits together will paint a good picture of the Morioka Domain in the Edo period, including the castle and the castle town. Items and treasures related to the Nanbu clan, who ruled the Morioka Domain, can also be found. For example, the samurai armor and the beautiful Kimono worn at the time are displayed. There is even an old cannon!
Morioka History and Culture Museum’s Opening Hours, Admission Fees, and Access Information
- Morioka History and Culture Museum is open from:
- 9 am to 7 pm from April to October
- 9 am to 6 pm from November to March
- The museum is closed on the 3rd Tuesday of each month, the 31st of December, and the 1st of January.
- If Tuesday is a public holiday, it will close the next business day.
- The admission fee to enter the 2nd floor is:
- 300 yen for adults
- 200 yen for senior high school students
- 100 yen for elementary and junior high school students
- The closest bus stop to the museum is Kenchō Shiyakusho-mae (県庁・市役所前). From Morioka Station, it is around a 20-minute walk.
Tip: If you have a valid Dendenmushi One-Day Free Pass, show it for a discount on Morioka History and Culture Museum’s admission fee.
Sakurayama Shrine (櫻山神社)
While you stroll in the vast park, don’t forget to stop by the Sakurayama Shrine in the park’s north end. There is a uniquely shaped rock that will catch your attention. In fact, the massive rock is Morioka’s guardian rock!
For more information, refer to our Sakurayama Shrine article!
Discover the Must-Visit Attractions in Morioka
When you hear of Morioka, Wanko Soba and Morioka cold noodles are probably the two first things that come to mind. But the city isn’t just about food. It also has many cultural attractions, hot springs, nature and more!
So refer to our Morioka article for ideas about where to stop by when visiting Iwate Prefecture’s capital city!
