Immerse yourself in the breathtaking landscapes of Iwate’s capital, where the city’s urban charm gives way to the wild beauty of the Tohoku wilderness. As a destination where three rivers meet under the watchful gaze of the volcanic Mt. Iwate, Morioka offers an incredible variety of plant-based adventures for nature lovers. From the world-class cherry blossoms and wintering swans of Takamatsu Park to the panoramic “Northern Fuji” views at Gosho Lake, the region is a sanctuary for those seeking fresh mountain air and seasonal spectacles. So, don’t limit your visit to Morioka to the wanko soba noodles and Nambu ironware, there are a lot more to things to do in Morioka!
Where to Visit in Morioka to Enjoy Nature
- Takamatsu Park (高松公園)
- Iwayama Observatory (岩山展望台)
- Mt. Himekami (姫神山)
- Mahora Iwate (安倶里まほら岩手)
- Gosho Lake (御所湖) and Lake Gosho Park (御所湖広域公園)
- Gandō Lake (岩洞湖)
Takamatsu Park (高松公園)
Takamatsu Park is 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 wonderland every spring as over 1,200 cherry trees burst into bloom. It is also a hidden gem for its vivid autumn colors and winter bird watching.
See our Takamatsu Park article for more information!
Iwayama Observatory (岩山展望台)
Iwayama Observatory is located at the top of a 340.5-meter-tall Mt. Iwa (岩山). It is a great spot for panoramic views of Morioka’s cityscape and the surrounding mountains, including Mt. Iwate and Hachimantai, where the mysterious Dragon Eye scenery is located.
When you have your fill of the scenery, how about taking a walk on the promenade close to the observatory to meet the wild birds and native plants? When you need a rest, benches are available in the observation area. There is also a café below the observatory.
The night view from Iwayama Observatory was chosen as one of Japan’s Top 100 Nightviews. The sunset from the observatory is fantastic, too!
In addition to Iwayama Observatory, you can also visit the Kajima Seiichi Memorial Observatory (鹿島精一記念展望台) nearby. Kajima Seiichi Memorial Observatory provides an even wider view than Iwayama Observatory. While the two observatories are only a 3-minute walk apart, the Kajima Seiichi Memorial Observatory at the top of 80 staircases remains unknown to most visitors.
How to Get to Iwayama Observatory
- To get to Iwayama Observatory, take a bus bound for Shinjo Cemetery (新庄墓園) from JR Morioka Station (盛岡駅) and get off at Iwayama Tenbōdai (岩山展望台).
- Cafe GEN・KI is open from
- 1 hour before sunrise to 8 am
- 11 am to 4 pm
Mt. Himekami (姫神山)
If you like hiking, Mt. Himekami, at a height of around 1.1km, is the perfect spot for you. Although it varies from person to person, you should reach the top in about 1.5 hours.
At the summit, you can enjoy the magnificent panoramic view of the surrounding mountains. On a clear day, the mountain skylines along the prefectural border between Iwate and Akita can be seen. The breathtaking scenery is the best source of energy Mother Nature provides to those who reach the top.
Mt. Himekami is mainly made of granite. While it isn’t obvious in the forest area at the lower part of the mountain, the landscape changes as you climb closer to the summit, where large granite rocks cover the ground. Mt. Himekami is open for hiking in mid-May. On the 3rd Sunday, a ritual is performed to pray for the safety of those who enter the mountain at the Ipponsugi Course trailhead.
Among the 4 hiking trails, the Ipponsugi Course (一本杉コース) is the most popular one. The trail that goes past a large cedar tree is lined with many alpine plants.
Because locals found Mt. Himekami more feminine than Mt. Iwate, the region’s legend holds that the two are a couple. And according to legend, Mt. Himekami was banished after Mt. Hayachine (早池峰山), nearby, was taken as Mt. Iwate’s concubine. Nevertheless, these three mountains are known as the Northern Ou Sacred Mountains (北奥羽三霊山) and were the center of mountain worship.
Mt. Himekami’s Hiking Trails
Important:
☛ Hiking shoes are recommended for walking on the earthen mountain trails. The rocks along the trail are slippery, especially when wet.
☛ Please submit your notice of mountain climbing at the car park.
☛ The road signs along the hiking trails are in Japanese only.
- Ipponsugi Course (一本杉コース):
- The most popular course.
- There is a large cedar tree around 10 minutes from the trailhead.
- The mountain spring close to the tree isn’t suitable for drinking.
- The slope between the trailhead and the 5th station is steep. Climbing the staircases is the most tiring part of the course.
- Be careful as you climb up the wooden stairs from the 7th station.
- You can head down the mountain via the trail heading to Kowasaka Trailhead (こわ坂登山口). To get back to the Ipponsugi Trailhead, it will be a 20-minute walk through the motor road.
- Tashiro Course (田代コース):
- The Tashiro Trailhead is close to Ipoonsugi Course’s cedar tree.
- It is the fastest course to Mt. Himekami’s summit.
- From the trailhead to Himekamisan Spring (姫神山冷水), the mountain trail is wide and gentle.
- The last 10 minutes of the hike are steep.
- Jōnai Course (城内コース):
- The Jōnai Course is the longest course among the 4 hiking trails. The majority of the mountain trail is through the birch forest. The rail hike only starts near the summit. You can choose to climb up the rocky area or take a detour course.
- In autumn, the vivid color of the forest can be enjoyed as you trek through the trail.
How to Get to Ipponsugi Trailhead
- Mt. Himekami is a 15-minute drive from JR Kōma Station (好摩駅).
Mahora Iwate (安倶里まほら岩手)
If you plan to visit Morioka from late January to late February, consider visiting Mahora Iwate. It is the best spot in the city to enjoy winter. Although the Yabukawa area (薮川地区), where Mahora Iwate is located, isn’t at the northernmost part of Japan’s main island, it is the coldest spot. The temperature can be as low as minus 35 degrees here!
Using the cold weather to its advantage, the facility creates a 10-meter-long ice cave. Of course, that isn’t enough to attract tourists. In addition to the amazing ice cave, 600,000 LED lights transform the site into a winter wonderland. It is the largest winter illumination event in Iwate Prefecture. Sleds are also available for you to rent to enjoy the snow!
Various events are held here in the summer as well. And when the snow isn’t covering Mahora Iwate, outdoor activities can be enjoyed, including trekking, camping, and rowing a boat. Farm animals await your treats as well!
Moreover, vegetables can also be harvested from the farm. In autumn, it is a great spot for mushroom hunting. When you are hungry, head to Resthouse Komorebikan (レストランハウスこもれび館). While the broth and sauce used aren’t vegetarian, dishes such as handmade pizza can be made vegetarian by omitting meat and seafood.
Mahora Iwate’s Opening Hours and Access Information
- Komorebikan is open from 10 am to 4 pm.
- Light meals are served from 11 am to 2 pm.
- It is closed on Mondays and Tuesdays. If Monday or Tuesday is a public holiday, it closes on the next business day.
- From JR Morioka Station, it is a 45-minute drive.
- From the closest bus stop, Hibezuka (蛇塚バス停), it is a 30-minute walk.
Gosho Lake (御所湖) and Lake Gosho Park (御所湖広域公園)
Gosho Lake, south of Morioka Handi-Works Square, is another top spot in Morioka to adore Mt. Iwate’s magnificence. Around the vast lake, there are various recreation facilities and botanical gardens, perfect if you like to take scenic photos or are on a family holiday.
For more information about what to expect when you get to the lake/park, refer to our article on Lake Gosho Park!
Gandō Lake (岩洞湖)
Gando Lake is praised as Japan’s most beautiful artificial lake. It is the dam lake of Gandō Dam, completed in 1961.
The lakeside is surrounded by a white birch forest, offering visitors beautiful scenery to admire year-round. While it is best known as an ice smelt fishing spot, around mid-October, the breathtaking view of the red-white birch forest reflecting on the lake’s surface is what lures people out of the city centre.
Camping sites and promenades are maintained around the lake, making Gando Lake the top destination for outdoor activities. SUP tours are also held by SUPclub OnYourMark at Gando Lake Family Travel Village (岩洞湖家族旅行村)! at Gando Lake Family Travel Village (岩洞湖家族旅行村)! Note that, for safety reasons, you must be able to communicate in basic Japanese to participate in the SUP tours.
- From Morioka Station, take the bus services bound for Iwaizumi and get off at Gandōko Resthouse-mae (岩洞湖レストハウス前).
Discover the Must-Visit Attractions in Morioka
When you hear of Morioka, wanko soba noodles, and Morioka cold noodles are probably the first two 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!
