Iwate prefecture & Morioka city guide
Morioka, capital of Iwate prefecture, a city rich in history and Japanese culture
Here are our favorite times of the year to visit Morioka city and Iwate prefecture, while at the end of this page you will find an original itinerary to explore the city:
- During the Golden Week, between 28 of April and 5 of May during the wonderful festivals in Ōshū city.
Festival & events in Iwate and Morioka
Hitaka Hibuse Matsuri
日高火防祭
When: 28~29 of April, every year same dates
Where: streets between Hitaka-jinja Shrine and Mizusaka station
A festival with more than 300 years of history, held to pray for fire prevention. The festival consists of dances and parades of festive floats through the central streets of the city until the evening.
Esashi Jinku Matsuri
江刺甚句まつり
When: 3~4 of May, every year same dates
Where: streets around Ōdōri-kōen Park
Tens of festive float and thousands of citizens parade through the streets, performing the Esashi Jinku dance. In addition, some groups perform the deer dance, a traditional costume dance of northern Japan.
Morioka Sansa Odori
盛岡さんさ踊り
When: 1~4 of August, every year same dates
Where: along the Chūō-dōri street
This festival is dedicated to Mitsuishi-no-Kami that warded off a demon called Rasetsu from the prefecture in ancient times. The festival consists of a long parade, from 18:00 to 21:00, of floats and many Sansa-odori dancers, a type of dance while playing a small taiko drum.
Hanamaki Matsuri
花巻まつり
When: second weekend of September
[past dates: September 8-9-10 (2023), 10-11 (2022)]
Where: Hanamaki city central streets
Parades of dancers, deer dances and festive floats through the streets of the city. In the evening they are of particular beauty thanks to the illuminations. Additionally, over 100 different mikoshi take part in the parades, the largest number in all of Japan.
Best things to do in Iwate and Morioka
Hanamaki Onsen
花巻温泉
A town that is known for its numerous hot springs with a wide range of options, ranging from traditional onsen and rotenburo to modern hot spring facilities with pools and saunas.
Additionally, thanks to its traditional cuisine, such as local grilled meats and fresh seafood dishes from the prefecture, the area has a long history as a tourist destination.
Chūson-ji
中尊寺
Located in Hiraizumi town, the temple houses numerous works of art and national treasures, including the famous Konjiki-dō, a golden hall from the 12th century.
Designated as UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2011 with serene natural surroundings, this is an amazing location to see the foliage colors.
Jōdoga-hama
浄土ヶ浜
A beautiful beach located in the city of Miyako that is known for its unique landscape of white rocks that have been eroded over time to form interesting shapes, including caves and arches.
The clear blue waters of the Pacific Ocean and the dramatic cliffs surrounding the beach create a stunning and picturesque backdrop. The visitors can take a sightseeing boat tour to explore the rock formations as well as hiking the numerous surrounding walking trails.
Ishiwari-zakura
石割桜
Located in the city of Morioka, the name of this over 350 years old tree means "Split Rock Sakura" and it comes from the fact that it grows out of a crack in a granite boulder. During the cherry blossom season, the tree is illuminated at night, creating a magical and romantic atmosphere.
Iwate and Morioka typical foods
Wanko soba
わんこそば
First of the "Three Great Noodles of Morioka", this dish has no particular flavour, but it's a unique cultural experience reflects the hospitality and food culture of Iwate Prefecture. The idea behind is to eat as many bowls of soba noodles as possible within a limited time.
To eat wanko soba, diners pick up the small bowl and slurp the noodles with chopsticks. After finishing one bowl, the server refills it with more soba noodles. The dish is usually served with a variety of toppings, such as green onions, wasabi, and grated yam.
Pic © yoginirider
Morioka reimen
盛岡冷麺
Second of the "Three Great Noodles of Morioka", the dish is perfect for the hot summer days and consists of handmade noodles made from potato starch, served in a chilled broth made from chicken and beef bones.
The broth is flavored with vinegar and other seasonings, giving it a tangy and slightly sweet taste. It is typically served with various toppings such as sliced beef, cucumbers, tomatoes, kimchi and egg.
Pic © tabi_no_omohide
Morioka jajamen
盛岡じゃじゃ麺
Third of the "Three Great Noodles of Morioka", the dish consists of thick and chewy noodles served with a meaty sauce made with ground meat, miso paste, and soy sauce. It is then garnished with cucumber, spring onions, and ginger.
After finishing the noodles, it's common to add hot water and a raw egg to the remaining sauce in the bowl creating a new dish called "Chiitantan," which is a soup-like dish made from the leftover sauce.
Pic © xaziiiv
Hittsumi-jiru
ひっつみ汁
Flour dumplings served in a hot soup of miso and chicken, topped with mushrooms and vegetables. The name refers to the wheat flour noodles used in the dish, which are rolled by hand and cut into small pieces.
Pic © matsuda.yamamoto
Kitakami korokke
北上コロッケ
A croquette made from mashed potatoes mixed with finely chopped local vegetables, such as onions and carrots. The mixture is then coated in breadcrumbs and deep-fried until crispy.
The Kitakami korokke is often served as a snack or side dish in local restaurants and cafes, but it can also be found in supermarkets and convenience stores throughout Iwate prefecture.
Pic © shunsaigohoubi
Azuki-battō
小豆ばっとう
Local specialty served both cold and hot for rites and celebrations. Short, chewy udon noodles called hattō are simmered in lightly sweetened azuki bean soup. It is eaten in combination with pickles and vinegared dishes.
Pic © tsukikoroom
Iwate and Morioka local souvenirs
Nanbu-tekki
南部鉄器
Cast ironware original of Iwate prefecture, used to produce mainly iron kettle, hotpot, wind chime, candlestick and frying pan. Their form flaunts a dignified and solemn air, making them a popular ornament in addiction to being daily usage essentials.
Pic © life_design_isetanshinjuku
Kamome-no-Tamago
かもめの玉子
This is a unique egg-shaped manjū consisting of smooth yellow sweet bean paste wrapped in a thin layer of castella and coated in white chocolate. There are also many different variations.
Pic © matsuda.yamamoto
Iwate prefecture nearby destinations
Cities
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Towns & more
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Morioka city transportation guide
Access to Morioka
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Moving within the city
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Bike rentals
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From Tōkyō to Morioka
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Morioka 1 day itinerary
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Morning
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Afternoon
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