Things To Do
in Morioka
Morioka is the capital city of Iwate Prefecture in the northern Tohoku region of Japan. Known for its beautiful natural scenery, Morioka is surrounded by mountains and rivers, making it a great destination for outdoor activities such as hiking and camping. The city also boasts a rich cultural heritage, with historical sites like Morioka Castle and the Rock-Splitting Cherry Tree attracting tourists from all over the world.
Morioka's local cuisine is also famous, particularly for its Wanko Soba noodles, a unique dining experience where customers can eat as many small servings of soba as they want.
- "Arigatou" - Thank you
- "Sumimasen" - Excuse me / I'm sorry
- "Konnichiwa" - Hello / Good afternoon
- "Eigo o hanasemasu ka?" - Do you speak English?
- "Oishii" - Delicious
Prices
- 🏠 Accommodation (per night): $40 - $120
- 🍽️ Meal at a Restaurant: $8 - $30
- ☕ Coffee: $2 - $5
- 🚌 Public transport ticket (single journey): $1 - $2
- 🛒 Grocery shopping (per week): $30 - $70
- 🏋️♂️ Gym Membership: $25 - $60
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Start your day at the Morioka Castle Ruins Park, a beautiful area rich in history. Take a leisurely stroll and appreciate the cherry blossoms if in season.
Visit the Iwate Prefectural Museum, which showcases the region's art and cultural heritage. Have lunch at a local soba restaurant to taste Morioka's famous noodles.
Head to the Bishamonten Zenshoji Temple for a tranquil evening experience. Enjoy dinner at a nearby izakaya, trying various Japanese tapas.
Begin with a visit to a local market to sample fresh produce and street food. Try some traditional mochi to kickstart your day.
Take a cooking class to learn how to make Morioka's signature dishes. Savor your own creations for lunch and share the experience with fellow learners.
Enjoy a dinner at a boutique restaurant featuring a seasonal kaiseki meal. End the day with a visit to a nearby onsen for relaxation.
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Beautiful natural scenery surrounding the city, including mountains and rivers.
- Rich cultural heritage with historical sites, shrines, and festivals.
- Less crowded compared to larger Japanese cities, providing a more relaxed atmosphere.
- Strong community spirit and friendly locals.
- Delicious local cuisine, including fresh seafood and regional specialties.
- Limited nightlife and entertainment options compared to bigger cities.
- Transportation may be less convenient due to fewer train and bus routes.
- Job opportunities can be fewer, especially for foreigners.
- Harsh winters with heavy snowfall may be challenging for some residents.
- Limited access to international services and amenities.
Best Activities in Morioka
Outdoor fun you shouldn't miss!
Enjoy scenic trails and panoramic views of the surrounding landscapes while hiking at Mount Iwate.
Experience the beauty of Morioka's nature by cycling along the Kitakami River, with its picturesque scenery and peaceful atmosphere.
During spring, Tsunagi Park becomes a picturesque spot for cherry blossom viewing, offering a delightful outdoor experience.
Tours
Uncover the best of Morioka with these unforgettable tours.
Places to Visit in Morioka
Visit one of these nice places.
A cliffside temple with breathtaking views of Morioka and the surrounding landscape.
A historic site with beautiful cherry blossoms in spring and scenic views of the surrounding city.
Offers a picturesque setting with traditional architecture and a peaceful atmosphere, particularly during cherry blossom season.
Food in Morioka
Morioka Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
A unique dining experience where diners are served small portions of soba noodles and are encouraged to eat as many bowls as possible. Try this at Wanko Soba restaurants like Nanbu Bijin and Yoshoubi.
Must-Try!
A cold noodle dish with chewy noodles in a refreshing soup, perfect for hot summer days. Visit Reimen Street for a variety of restaurants offering this local favorite.
Thick, chewy noodles topped with a savory miso and ground meat sauce. Sample this dish at Jajamen restaurants such as Sanriku.
Unique Experiences
Get to know Morioka better with these unique experiences.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
Explore the vibrant stalls of Morioka Fish Market offering a wide variety of local seafood, including freshly caught fish, sea urchin, and scallops. Don't miss the opportunity to savor the freshest seafood in the city.
Experience the bustling Nanbu Ichiba Market, where you can find local produce, artisanal food products, and street food stalls offering regional delicacies like grilled scallops and yakisoba.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
In Morioka, it is common to bow as a sign of respect. Be mindful of the depth of your bow, as a deeper bow is often used to show more respect.
In Japanese culture, it is customary to remove your shoes before entering someone's home or certain traditional establishments. Always check for footwear etiquette in each specific setting.
Japanese people often value personal space and may not be as physically expressive as in some other cultures. It's important to be mindful of this and respect individual boundaries.
Hidden Gems
Discover the hidden gems of Morioka with these exclusive activities.
Safety
Tipping in Morioka
Ensure a smooth experience
In Morioka, Japan, tipping is not a common practice and is generally not expected. It is not customary to tip at restaurants, hotels, or for services.
Cash is still widely used for transactions in Morioka, Japan. Many smaller establishments may not accept credit cards, so it's advisable to carry sufficient cash. However, major hotels, department stores, and larger restaurants may accept credit cards. Mobile payment methods such as IC cards and QR code-based systems are also gaining popularity.
Top Things To Do
Engage in these activities to dive deeper into Morioka.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Best time to visit Morioka for cherry blossom season, with pleasant temperatures and beautiful scenery
Warm and sunny weather, ideal for outdoor activities and festivals
Enjoy the stunning fall foliage and comfortable temperatures
Experience snowy landscapes, winter festivals, and hot springs for a relaxing winter getaway
Morioka at Night
Hiking in Morioka
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
A popular hiking spot offering scenic views of the surrounding area, including Morioka City and nearby mountains.
Known for its beautiful landscapes and alpine flowers, Hachimantai offers various trails suitable for different skill levels.
A historical site with hiking paths around the castle ruins, providing a mix of culture and nature.
A slightly further hike, this mountain is known for its challenging trails and breathtaking views at the summit.
Located near Morioka, these trails combine spa relaxation with nature hiking experiences.
Unforgettable Journeys
Delve deeper into Morioka through these rare and unique activities.
Aiports
How to reach Morioka by plane.
The busiest airport in the Tōhoku region, located approximately 130 kilometers south of Morioka, it offers both domestic and international flights.
Located about 36 kilometers southeast of Morioka, this airport primarily serves domestic flights but also has some limited international services.
Situated about 120 kilometers to the northwest of Morioka, Akita Airport provides both domestic flights and some international connections.
Located approximately 590 kilometers north of Morioka, this is the main airport serving Sapporo and Hokkaido, offering extensive domestic and international flights.
Located around 600 kilometers southwest of Morioka, this major international airport serves the Greater Tokyo Area and is one of the busiest airports in the world.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
The majority population in Morioka, primarily consisting of ethnic Japanese.
Includes expatriates and long-term foreign residents, with a significant number from countries such as China, South Korea, and the Philippines.
A growing demographic group due to Japan's aging population, with many seniors residing in Morioka.
Includes local students as well as those studying at institutions such as Iwate University.
A demographic group made up of young people and others working in temporary or part-time positions.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
Baseball is one of the most popular sports in Morioka, with many local teams and a strong following among young athletes.
Soccer enjoys widespread popularity in Morioka, with numerous clubs and programs for all ages, as well as local schools participating in competitive leagues.
Basketball is commonly played in schools and local leagues, attracting both players and fans in Morioka.
Sumo wrestling has a cultural significance in Japan and is appreciated in Morioka, with local tournaments held occasionally.
Running is a popular recreational activity in Morioka, with various marathons and running events taking place throughout the year.
Various forms of traditional martial arts, such as Judo and Kendo, have strong followings in Morioka, often taught in schools and dojos.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Morioka.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
While traditional Morioka cuisine is meat-centric, many restaurants are beginning to accommodate vegetarian and vegan diners. Look for Buddhist temple cuisine (Shojin Ryori) restaurants for plant-based options.
Visitors with gluten sensitivities can find gluten-free dishes at certain restaurants and cafes, especially those offering international cuisine or health-focused menus.