Morioka

Japan

Saturday, August 30, 2025

Sunrise

4:59 AM

Sunset

6:13 PM

About

Morioka, Japan is a charming city located in the heart of Iwate Prefecture. Known for its breathtaking natural scenery, delicious cuisine, and rich cultural heritage, Morioka offers visitors an authentic Japanese experience. Explore the city's historic landmarks and temples, indulge in its famous noodle dishes, and take in the beauty of its picturesque parks and gardens. Whether you're a first-time visitor or a seasoned traveler, Morioka is a must-see destination in Japan.

30 Best Places to Visit

1. Morioka Castle Park

A beautiful park that used to house a historic castle, with cherry blossoms and a peaceful moat surrounding the area.
2. Iwate Museum of Art

A modern museum containing Japanese and Western artwork, as well as an impressive collection of pottery and ceramics.
3. Hachimantai National Park

A nature reserve with stunning vistas and hiking trails, known for its scenic views of Mount Hachimantai.
4. Morioka History and Culture Museum

A museum dedicated to the history and culture of Morioka, with exhibits showcasing the city’s architecture, cuisine, and traditional crafts.
5. Rock-plitter Park

A unique park dedicated to the art of stone splitting, where visitors can watch master craftsmen at work and even try their hand at the craft.
6. Hanamaki Onsen

A popular hot spring resort town famous for its therapeutic waters and scenic surroundings.
7. Morioka Handi-Works Square

A museum and workshop showcasing Morioka’s traditional crafts and industries, such as lacquerware, ironware, and paper-making.
8. Yahaba Falls

A picturesque waterfall located on the outskirts of Morioka, with a well-maintained path leading up to its misty spray.
9. Iwayama Park

A park with a stunning view overlooking the city of Morioka, with a monument dedicated to the history of the area and its battles.
10. Chuson-ji Temple

A UNESCO World Heritage Site famous for its golden hall and many cultural treasures, located in the nearby town of Hiraizumi.
11. Shizukuishi Ski Resort

A popular ski resort with gentle slopes and beautiful scenery, suitable for both beginners and experienced skiers.
12. Morioka Zoo

A lovely zoo with a good range of animals, including white lions, penguins, and monkeys, as well as a children’s area and petting zoo.
13. Mitsuishi Shrine

A beautiful shrine with a unique rock formation as its centerpiece, said to be the spot where the gods met to create the world.
14. Kitayama Park

A park with a wide range of attractions, including bike rentals, water sports, and tennis courts, as well as stunning views of Morioka.
15. Ryusendo Cave

A sprawling cave system featuring three underground lakes, with guided tours exploring the various chambers and formations.
16. Wanko soba

A local specialty dish made with small bowls of soba noodles, placed in front of you one after another until you are full.
17. Morioka Station Building

A stunningly designed building with a unique glass facade, serving as the gateway to Morioka and the surrounding area.
18. Iwate Kogen Snow Park

A popular ski resort with a range of slopes and activities, including dog sleds, snowmobile rides, and a snow park for children.
19. Morioka Hachiman Shrine

A historic shrine dedicated to the god of war, with a lively festival held each year in February.
20. Iwate Hachimantai Aspite Line

A scenic drive through the mountains of Hachimantai, with spectacular views of the changing seasons and surrounding nature.
21. Kenji Miyazawa Fairy Tale Village

A collection of cottages and buildings showcasing the life and works of acclaimed writer Kenji Miyazawa, famous for his fairy tales.
22. Chagu Chagu Umakko

An annual festival held in Morioka in June, featuring a lively parade of horses and riders dressed in traditional costumes.
23. Morioka Sanriku Matsushima Aquarium

A modern aquarium showcasing the marine life of the Sanriku coast, with exhibits on sea turtles, dolphins, and more.
24. Iwate Park

A large park with a range of activities, including a rose garden, playgrounds, and a miniature train ride through the forest.
25. Koiwai Farm

A picturesque dairy farm with a range of activities, including feeding baby calves, making ice cream, and exploring the scenic grounds.
26. Tsunagi Onsen

A charming hot spring village with a range of traditional ryokan inns, as well as a public bath for day-trippers.
27. Nanbu Yosan Yatai Mura

A folk village showcasing the traditional crafts and industries of the Nanbu region, including pottery, woodworking, and weaving.
28. Iwate Park of Literature

A collection of sites and monuments dedicated to the many famous writers who have hailed from Iwate, including Yasunari Kawabata and Kenji Miyazawa.
29. Yakehashiri Lava Flow

A geological site featuring a stunning landscape of twisted lava formations, with a hiking trail that offers views of Mount Iwate in the distance.
30. Saito Memorial Art Museum

An impressive collection of Japanese ceramics, located in the historic Saito family residence, with a range of special exhibitions throughout the year.