4-Day Solo Adventure: Unexplored Sights of Morioka, Japan

Morioka, Japan

4 days

Beautiful morioka city view with Mt. iwate in the background and the Kitakami river flowing through the middle of town with flower gardens.
Mount Iwate scene with buildings and promenade at Katakami river in Morioka city, Iwate prefecture, Tohoku, Japan.
Autumn at the site of the site of the old castle in Morioka, Japan
Autumn in Iwate park, Morioka city, Iwate, Japan.
Iwate, Japan, 17 April 2023: Morioka Hachimangu Shrine is one of the most impressive shrines of Morioka cIty, Iwate, Japan and Tohoku Region beautiful historical landmark

About Morioka, Japan

Experience the charm of Morioka, Japan, a city rich in history, culture, and natural beauty. Nestled in the northern Tohoku region, Morioka offers a blend of traditional Japanese architecture, vibrant festivals, and delectable local cuisine. Visit the Morioka Castle ruins for a glimpse into the city's samurai past or explore the picturesque Rock-Splitting Cherry Tree, a symbol of resilience. Indulge in the city's culinary delights, including the famous 'Wanko Soba' noodles. Don't miss the Sansa Odori Festival, one of Japan's largest dance festivals. Surrounded by mountains, Morioka is also a gateway to outdoor adventures, with skiing, hiking, and hot springs nearby. Experience the warmth of its people and the tranquility of its landscapes in Morioka, a hidden gem of Japan.

4-Day Itinerary

Day 1

Exploring Morioka's History and Culture

Morning

Start your day with a visit to Morioka Castle Ruins Park, a historical site with beautiful cherry blossom trees. Enjoy a peaceful walk and take in the stunning views of the city.

Lunch

Enjoy a traditional Japanese lunch in a local restaurant. Try the famous Morioka Reimen, a cold noodle dish that is a specialty of the region.

Afternoon

Visit the Morioka History and Culture Museum to learn about the city's rich history and culture. The museum features exhibits on local history, art, and archaeology.

Dinner

Have dinner at a local izakaya, a type of informal Japanese pub. Try some local sake and traditional dishes.

Evening

Take a leisurely stroll around Morioka's downtown area, exploring its charming streets and shops.

Morning

Start your day with a hike up Mount Iwate, an active stratovolcano and the highest mountain in Iwate Prefecture. The mountain offers stunning views of the surrounding area.

Lunch

Enjoy a packed lunch while taking in the breathtaking views from the top of Mount Iwate.

Afternoon

Descend from Mount Iwate and relax in a local Onsen, a traditional Japanese hot spring. The region is known for its many Onsens, each with its own unique mineral composition.

Dinner

Have dinner at a local restaurant, trying out Morioka's other famous dish, Jaja-men, a type of Chinese-style noodle dish.

Evening

Spend the evening exploring Morioka's nightlife. Visit a local karaoke bar or simply enjoy the city's vibrant night scene.

Morning

Visit the Iwate Museum of Art in the morning. The museum houses a collection of modern and contemporary art, with a focus on artists from the Tohoku region.

Lunch

Have lunch at a local café, trying out some Japanese-style sandwiches or pastries.

Afternoon

Spend the afternoon exploring the Hoon-ji Temple, a historic Buddhist temple known for its 500 statues of Rakan, the disciples of Buddha.

Dinner

Enjoy a traditional Japanese dinner at a local restaurant. Try some local dishes like Wanko Soba, a type of buckwheat noodle dish.

Evening

Spend the evening at a local theater, enjoying a traditional Japanese performance.

Morning

Start your last day with a visit to the Morioka Handi-Works Square, where you can try your hand at various traditional crafts.

Lunch

Have lunch at a local restaurant, trying out some of Morioka's famous seafood dishes.

Afternoon

Spend the afternoon exploring the city's shopping district, looking for unique souvenirs and local crafts.

Dinner

Have your last dinner in Morioka at a local sushi restaurant, trying out some of the freshest sushi in Japan.

Evening

End your trip with a relaxing walk along the Kitakami River, enjoying the beautiful night view of the city.

Attractions in Itinerary (8)

Morioka Castle Ruins Park

1
Morioka Castle Ruins Park

A historical park that features the ruins of Morioka Castle, a perfect place for cherry blossom viewing.

Attractions
Parks
Landmarks
Morioka History and Culture Museum

2
Morioka History and Culture Museum

A museum that showcases the history and culture of Morioka and Iwate Prefecture.

Museums
Cultural Experiences
Mount Iwate

3
Mount Iwate

Mount Iwate is a stratovolcano located in the Iwate Prefecture. It's one of Japan's 100 Famous Mountains and a popular spot for hiking.

Attractions
Landmarks
Tours
Onsen

4
Onsen

A term for hot springs in the Japanese language, though the term is often used to describe the bathing facilities and inns around the hot springs. As a volcanically active country, Japan has thousands of onsens scattered throughout all of its major islands.

Attractions
Cultural Experiences
Iwate Museum of Art

5
Iwate Museum of Art

A prefectural museum in Morioka, Iwate Prefecture, Japan, dedicated to the art and culture of the region.

Museums
Cultural Experiences
Hoon-ji Temple

6
Hoon-ji Temple

Hoon-ji Temple is a historic Buddhist temple known for its beautiful architecture and serene atmosphere.

Religious Sites
Cultural Experiences
Architecture
Morioka Handi-Works Square

7
Morioka Handi-Works Square

A place where visitors can experience traditional crafts and purchase handmade items unique to Morioka.

Attractions
Cultural Experiences
Kitakami River

8
Kitakami River

A river that runs through Morioka, popular for river cruises and riverside walks.

Attractions
Nature
Tours

Local Food and Drinks (11)

Morioka Reimen

Morioka Reimen

A popular cold noodle dish in Morioka, made with chewy, thick noodles, served in a cold, flavorful broth with slices of beef, kimchi, and a slice of watermelon.

Morioka Jaja-men

Morioka Jaja-men

A local version of Chinese zhajiangmian, featuring thick udon noodles topped with a miso-based meat sauce, cucumber, and green onions.

Wanko Soba

Wanko Soba

A unique eating style in Morioka where small bowls of soba noodles are continuously served until the diner signals they are full.

Iwate Beef

Iwate Beef

A local specialty of Iwate prefecture, known for its high-quality, tender, and flavorful beef.

Morioka Curry Udon

Morioka Curry Udon

A local dish of Morioka, featuring udon noodles served in a rich, spicy curry broth.

Nambu Senbei

Nambu Senbei

A traditional snack from the Nambu region, these are crispy, thin crackers often flavored with soy sauce or sweet syrup.

Mochi

Mochi

A traditional Japanese sweet made from glutinous rice, often enjoyed in Morioka during celebrations and festivals.

Iwate Sake

A traditional Japanese rice wine produced in Iwate prefecture, known for its clean, crisp taste.

Appi Kogen Beer

A locally brewed beer from the Appi Kogen region of Iwate, known for its unique flavors and high-quality ingredients.

Morioka Cold Noodles

A variation of Morioka Reimen, these cold noodles are served with a soy-based sauce and various toppings.

Iwate Green Tea

A locally grown green tea from Iwate prefecture, known for its rich flavor and health benefits.

Best time to visit

The best time to visit Morioka, Japan is during the spring months of April and May or the autumn months of October and November. During these periods, the weather is typically mild and pleasant, making it ideal for sightseeing and outdoor activities. Spring offers the breathtaking view of cherry blossoms, while autumn presents the stunning colors of fall foliage. Additionally, these periods avoid the hot, humid summers and the cold winters that Morioka experiences.

National holidays

Here you can find the national calendar of all public holidays for the year. These dates are subject to change as official changes are announced, so check back regularly for updates.

DateDayHoliday Name

January 1

Mon

New Year's Day

January 8

Mon

Coming of Age Day

February 11

Sun

National Foundation Day

February 12

Mon

National Foundation Day observed

February 23

Fri

Emperor's Birthday

March 20

Wed

Spring Equinox

April 29

Mon

Shōwa Day

May 3

Fri

Constitution Memorial Day

May 4

Sat

Greenery Day

May 5

Sun

Children's Day

May 6

Mon

Children's Day observed

July 15

Mon

Sea Day

August 11

Sun

Mountain Day

August 12

Mon

Day off for Mountain Day

September 16

Mon

Respect for the Aged Day

September 22

Sun

Autumn Equinox

September 23

Mon

Autumn Equinox observed

October 14

Mon

Sports Day

November 3

Sun

Culture Day

November 4

Mon

Culture Day observed

November 23

Sat

Labor Thanksgiving Day

Please note that during national and public holidays, opening hours for establishments, museums, etc. may vary. Don't forget to check in advance!

How to get around

Morioka is a major stop on the Tohoku Shinkansen line, making it easily accessible from Tokyo and other major cities. Within the city, the Morioka Station serves as a hub for local JR lines and private railway lines, connecting various parts of the city and nearby areas.

The city has a comprehensive bus network operated by Iwate Kenpoku Bus and Morioka Central Bus. These buses cover most areas of the city and are a convenient way to get around, especially to places not served by the train lines.

Taxis are readily available in Morioka, especially around the train station and major hotels. They can be hailed on the street or booked in advance. Taxis are a convenient but more expensive option for getting around the city.

While ridesharing services like Uber are not as prevalent in Morioka as in other major cities, there are local ridesharing apps available. These services can be a convenient option for getting around, especially if you're traveling in a group or have a lot of luggage.

Morioka is a relatively compact city, making it a great place to explore by bicycle. There are several places in the city where you can rent bicycles for the day.

Many of Morioka's main attractions are located within walking distance of each other in the city center. Walking is a great way to explore the city at your own pace and take in the sights.

Renting a car can be a good option if you plan to explore outside of Morioka or if you prefer the flexibility of driving yourself. There are several car rental companies located in the city, including at the Morioka Station.

While we strive for accuracy in our "How to get around" section, the information may not always be up-to-date or 100% accurate; we highly recommend cross-checking with local resources before your travel.

Important information

Currency¥ JPY

Time zoneUTC+9

Driving sideLeft

Emergency phoneAmbulance: 119; Fire: 119; Police: 110

Drinking waterYes

Power sockets

Power socket type APower socket type B

Voltage100 V

Things to know about Morioka, Japan as a first time visitor

1

Morioka is the capital city of Iwate Prefecture, located in the northern Tohoku region of Japan.

2

The city is known for its pleasant climate, with average temperatures ranging from 24.8°F (-4°C) in winter to 79.7°F (26.5°C) in summer.

3

Japanese is the official language in Morioka. While some locals may speak English, it's a good idea to learn a few basic Japanese phrases.

4

The currency used in Morioka is the Japanese Yen (JPY). Credit cards are widely accepted, but it's always handy to have some cash for smaller establishments or street vendors.

5

Morioka is in the Japan Standard Time zone (JST), which is 9 hours ahead of Coordinated Universal Time (UTC+9).

6

The city is known for its cleanliness and safety, but as with any travel destination, it's important to stay vigilant and take basic safety precautions.

7

Public transportation in Morioka is efficient and reliable. The city has a comprehensive bus and train network, and taxis are also readily available.

8

Morioka is famous for its local cuisine, including 'Wanko Soba', 'Reimen' (cold noodles), and 'Jaja-men' (noodles with miso-based sauce).

9

Tipping is not customary in Japan. In fact, it can sometimes be seen as rude, so it's best to avoid it.

10

The city has a mix of traditional and modern architecture. It's respectful to ask before taking photos of people or private property.

11

Morioka has a humid continental climate, so it's best to pack accordingly. Summers can be hot and humid, while winters can be very cold with heavy snowfall.

12

The city is not as crowded as Tokyo or Osaka, but it can get busy during peak travel seasons like Golden Week (late April to early May), Obon (mid-August), and New Year's holidays.

13

It's important to respect local customs and traditions. For example, it's customary to bow when greeting someone, and shoes should be removed when entering someone's home or certain traditional establishments.

14

Smoking is prohibited in most public places in Morioka, including restaurants, cafes, and public transportation.

15

The city has a number of convenience stores (konbini) that are open 24/7. They offer a wide range of products, from food and drinks to toiletries and stationery.

16

The tap water in Morioka is safe to drink, but bottled water is also widely available.

17

Public Wi-Fi is available in many parts of the city, including train stations, cafes, and some public areas.

18

Most Japanese people in Morioka are polite and reserved. Loud and boisterous behavior is generally frowned upon.

19

Recycling is taken seriously in Japan. Be sure to separate your trash according to the local guidelines.

20

Emergency numbers in Japan are 110 for police and 119 for fire and ambulance services. It's a good idea to have these numbers saved in your phone.

Basic Japanese to know as a first time visitor

English phrase

Native phrase

Pronunciation

When to use it

Hello

こんにちは

Konnichiwa

Greeting someone

Goodbye

さようなら

Sayonara

Leaving or parting ways

Thank you

ありがとう

Arigatou

Showing gratitude

Excuse me

すみません

Sumimasen

Getting attention or apologizing

Yes

はい

Hai

Agreeing or confirming

No

いいえ

Iie

Disagreeing or denying

I don't understand

わかりません

Wakarimasen

When you don't understand what was said

Do you speak English?

英語を話せますか?

Eigo o hanasemasu ka?

When you need to communicate in English

I'm sorry

ごめんなさい

Gomen nasai

Apologizing

Where is the bathroom?

トイレはどこですか?

Toire wa doko desu ka?

When you need to find a bathroom

How much is this?

これはいくらですか?

Kore wa ikura desu ka?

When you want to know the price of something

Help!

助けて!

Tasukete!

In an emergency

I'm lost

迷子です

Maigo desu

When you can't find your way

Can I have the menu, please?

メニューをください

Menyū o kudasai

When you want to order food

Water, please

水をください

Mizu o kudasai

When you want to order water

Check, please

勘定をお願いします

Kanjō o onegaishimasu

When you want to ask for the bill

Good morning

おはようございます

Ohayou gozaimasu

Greeting someone in the morning

Good night

おやすみなさい

Oyasuminasai

Saying goodnight or going to bed

I would like to go to Morioka station

盛岡駅に行きたいです

Morioka eki ni ikitai desu

When you want to go to Morioka station

Is this the right way to Morioka castle?

これは盛岡城への正しい道ですか?

Kore wa Morioka-jo e no tadashii michi desu ka?

When you are asking for directions to Morioka castle

Packing List

  • Clothing

  • Underwear (4 pairs)

  • Socks (4 pairs)

  • T-shirts (4)

  • Long-sleeve shirts (2)

  • Pants/Jeans (2 pairs)

  • Comfortable walking shoes

  • Light jacket or sweater

  • Pajamas

  • Swimwear (if planning to visit a hot spring)

  • Raincoat or umbrella (depending on the season)

  • Toiletries

  • Toothbrush and toothpaste

  • Shampoo and conditioner

  • Body wash

  • Deodorant

  • Razor and shaving cream

  • Makeup and makeup remover

  • Hand sanitizer

  • Travel-sized first aid kit

  • Prescription medications (if any)

  • Sunscreen (depending on the season)

  • Travel documents and essentials

  • Passport

  • Visa (if required)

  • Flight tickets

  • Hotel booking confirmation

  • Travel insurance documents

  • Credit and debit cards

  • Cash in local currency (Japanese yen)

  • Driver's license (if planning to rent a car)

  • Electronics and gadgets

  • Smartphone

  • Charger for smartphone

  • Universal travel adapter

  • Portable power bank

  • Headphones

  • Laptop and charger (if necessary)

  • Camera and charger (if you plan to take high-quality photos)

  • Miscellaneous items

  • Travel pillow

  • Eye mask and earplugs

  • Snacks for the journey

  • Books or e-reader for entertainment

  • Travel guide and map

  • Reusable water bottle

  • Travel-sized laundry detergent

  • Plastic bags for dirty clothes

Weather Conditions

When visiting Morioka, Japan, it's important to consider the city's seasonal weather patterns to ensure you pack appropriately and plan your activities accordingly. In the winter, from December to February, Morioka experiences cold temperatures that can drop to 17°F (-8°C) and rarely rise above 39°F (4°C). Snowfall is common during these months, making it a great time for winter sports enthusiasts to visit. Remember to pack warm clothing, including a heavy coat, gloves, and a hat. Spring, from March to May, sees a gradual increase in temperature, with highs reaching around 68°F (20°C) by May. Cherry blossom season typically occurs in April, making it a beautiful time to visit. Lighter clothing with a few warmer layers for the cooler evenings would be suitable. Summer, from June to August, can get quite hot, with temperatures peaking around 86°F (30°C). However, this season also sees the most rainfall, particularly in June and July, so don't forget to pack a raincoat or umbrella. Autumn, from September to November, offers mild and comfortable weather. Temperatures can range from 50°F (10°C) to 72°F (22°C). This is a great time to explore the city's parks and outdoor attractions. Pack a mix of light clothing and warmer layers. Regardless of when you visit, it's always a good idea to check the forecast before your trip to ensure you're prepared for any unexpected weather changes. Enjoy your trip to Morioka!

MonthHi / Lo (°C)Weather Overview

January

4° / -5°

January is the coldest month in Morioka, with temperatures often dropping below freezing. Be sure to pack warm clothing if you plan to visit during this time.

February

5° / -4°

February is still quite cold, with temperatures slightly higher than January. Snowfall is common, making it a great time for winter sports.

March

9° / -1°

March sees the beginning of spring, with temperatures starting to rise. However, it can still be chilly, especially in the early part of the month.

April

17° / 3°

April is a pleasant month to visit Morioka, with temperatures comfortable for outdoor activities. Cherry blossoms start to bloom, adding to the city's beauty.

May

22° / 8°

May brings warm weather, making it an ideal time to explore the city's parks and gardens. Rainfall is moderate, so carry an umbrella.

June

25° / 13°

June marks the start of summer, with temperatures rising significantly. It's a good time to visit if you enjoy warm weather, but be prepared for occasional rain showers.

July

29° / 17°

July is the hottest month in Morioka, with temperatures often exceeding 25 degrees. It's a great time to visit the city's beaches and enjoy water sports.

August

29° / 17°

August continues the summer heat, with high humidity levels. It's a good time to visit if you enjoy hot weather, but be prepared for occasional thunderstorms.

September

24° / 13°

September marks the start of autumn, with temperatures starting to drop. The city's parks and gardens start to change color, offering beautiful scenery.

October

19° / 7°

October is a pleasant month to visit Morioka, with mild temperatures and less rainfall. The autumn foliage is at its peak, making it a great time for nature walks.

November

12° / 2°

November is a cool month, with temperatures dropping significantly. The autumn colors are still visible, making it a good time for sightseeing.

December

6° / -2°

December marks the start of winter, with temperatures often dropping below freezing. Snowfall is common, making it a beautiful time to visit, but pack warm clothing.

Did you know?

Did you know that Morioka is the capital city of Iwate Prefecture, located in the northern Tohoku region of Japan?

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