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Morioka-jō Castle Site Park

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Morioka-jō Castle Site Park Guide: Historic Walls & Sakura

February 7, 2026 / Autumn Foliage, Cherry Blossom, Iwate Prefecture, Tōhoku Region, Top 100 Japanese Castles

Step back into the samurai era at Morioka-jō Castle Site Park (盛岡城跡公園), a stunning landscape of moss-covered granite walls and winding forest paths in the heart of the city. While the original wooden keep of the Nanbu Clan’s stronghold no longer stands, the park is celebrated as one of Japan’s “Top 100 Castles” for its […]

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Sakurayama Shrine: Morioka’s Sacred Rock & Longevity Turtle

February 1, 2026 / Iwate Prefecture, Temples & Shrines, Tōhoku Region

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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