Map of Morioka, Japan

🏞️ What to do in Morioka 🏯

Explore the beauty and culture of Morioka through a variety of engaging activities. From peaceful nature excursions to immersive historical experiences, there is something for every traveler to enjoy in this enchanting city.

• Best Budget Activity in Morioka:

  Morioka Hachimangu Shrine Visit: Dive into the city's spiritual heritage with a visit to this historic Shinto shrine, surrounded by picturesque gardens and traditional architecture.

• Best Mid-Range Activity in Morioka:

  Geibikei Gorge Boat Ride: Drift along the scenic Geibikei Gorge on a boat tour and marvel at the towering cliffs, lush greenery, and serene waters that make this a must-see natural attraction.

• Best Luxury Activity in Morioka:

  Takkoku-no-Iwaya Bishamon-do Temple Experience: Immerse yourself in tranquility at this ancient temple carved into the rock face, featuring stunning Buddhist statues and captivating cave structures.

🍽️ Where to eat in Morioka 🍣

Discover Morioka's culinary delights with a mix of traditional and modern flavors. Don't miss the chance to try the famous Morioka reimen (cold noodles) or jingisukan (grilled lamb).

• Best Budget Restaurant in Morioka:

  Matsuo•$ - $$:

  Ramen

• Best Mid-Range Restaurant in Morioka:

  Noren•$$ - $$$:

  Izakaya dishes

• Best Luxury Restaurant in Morioka:

  Konjiki Hototogisu•$$$ - $$$$:

  Michelin-starred ramen

• Best Budget Bar in Morioka:

  Beer Bar Kirin•$:

  Kirin beer

• Best Mid-Range Bar in Morioka:

  Bar Hanami•$$ - $$$:

  Craft cocktails

• Best Luxury Bar in Morioka:

  Bar Baroque•$$$$:

  Premium whiskey selection

🏰 What to see in Morioka 🌸

Embark on a journey through Morioka's rich history and captivating landscapes by visiting its iconic landmarks. From historic castles to serene gardens, these top sights offer a glimpse into the city's cultural heritage.

• Morioka Castle Ruins Park

  Explore the remnants of Morioka Castle, once a strategic stronghold, now a picturesque park adorned with cherry blossoms and historic artifacts.

• Iwate Museum of Art

  Delve into the world of contemporary and traditional art at this museum, showcasing a diverse collection of works by local and international artists.

• Rock-Splitting Cherry Tree (Moriok

  Marvel at the unique natural wonder of a cherry tree growing from a cleft in a boulder, symbolizing resilience and beauty in Morioka's landscape.

• Hoonji Temple

  Discover the tranquil beauty of Hoonji Temple, a historic Buddhist sanctuary with stunning architecture and serene garden grounds.

• Nakatsu Gorge

  Immerse yourself in the breathtaking natural scenery of Nakatsu Gorge, known for its crystal-clear waters, lush forests, and towering cliffs that offer a peaceful retreat into nature.

🛍️ Where to go shopping in Morioka 🛒

Morioka offers a delightful shopping experience with a mix of traditional markets and modern boutiques. Uncover a variety of unique souvenirs, local crafts, and fashion finds as you explore the city's diverse shopping destinations.

• Best Budget Shopping Place in Morioka:

  Yanagimachi Shopping Street: Wander through this bustling street lined with colorful shops selling affordable clothing, accessories, snacks, and souvenirs, perfect for budget-conscious shoppers.

• Best Mid-Range Shopping Place in Morioka:

  Morioka Handmade City: Dive into the world of artisan crafts and handmade goods at this vibrant marketplace, offering a wide selection of locally crafted items, including pottery, textiles, and traditional gifts.

• Best Luxury Shopping Place in Morioka:

  APIO Morioka: Indulge in a luxurious shopping experience at APIO Morioka, a high-end shopping complex featuring designer boutiques, upscale brands, and exclusive items for a premium shopping spree.

🚌 Getting Around Morioka

• Public Transport

  Morioka offers a convenient public transportation system, with buses and trains being the main modes of travel within the city. The bus network in Morioka covers most areas, with frequent services running throughout the day. Visitors can purchase single-ride tickets or choose value-packed day passes for unlimited rides. The train system, operated by JR East, connects Morioka to other cities in Japan, with regular services running to major destinations. Timetables and fare information are easily accessible at the stations or online.

• Main Transportation Hubs

  Morioka Station serves as the central transportation hub in the city, offering access to both local and regional train services. For bus travel, Morioka Bus Center is the primary terminal where numerous routes converge, providing easy connections to various parts of the city and neighboring towns. Additionally, Hanamaki Airport, located approximately 30 minutes away by car, serves as the nearest airport for domestic flights. 🚗 Rental Services: - 🚲 Bicycles: Visitors can opt for bicycle rentals from Morioka Cycle Center, offering daily rental rates starting from $10. The center provides a wide range of bicycles suitable for exploring the city at a leisurely pace. - 🚗 Cars: For those seeking more flexibility in their travels, car rentals are available from reputable companies like Toyota Rent a Car and Nippon Rent a Car. Prices start from $40 per day, with options for various vehicle types to suit individual preferences.