Morioka is famous for three noodle dishes. Wanko soba, jajamen, and reimen. The castle ruins overlook two rivers, and the craft scene (Nambu ironware, in particular) runs deep. A small city with an outsized food reputation.
What Morioka is known for
Top-rated in Morioka
Mt. Akita-Komagatake
4.8nature
Mt. Akita-Komagatake is Akita Prefecture's tallest mountain, with several peaks including Mt. Onamedake at 1,637 meters, and sits within Towada-Hachimantai National Park.
Pyonpyonsha Morioka Reimen
4.8restaurant
Iconic cold noodle house serving Morioka's signature chewy reimen in rich chilled broth.
Sansa Odori
4.8entertainment
Mass synchronized dance parade through Morioka with taiko drummers, wooden flutes, and thousands in unison.
Michinoku Coastal Trail
4.8nature
The Michinoku Coastal Trail is a long-distance walking trail that extends 1,025 kilometers along the Pacific coast in northern Tohoku.
Ryusendo Cave
4.4nature
One of Japan's three largest limestone caves with 'Dragon Blue' lakes.
Morioka Hachimangū Shrine
4.4shrine
Grand 1062 shrine hosting June's Chagu Chagu Umakko horse parade through the city.
Jodogahama Beach
4.4beach
Jodogahama Beach in Miyako, Iwate features white volcanic rock formations, emerald waters, and pine-covered cliffs.
Yama-no-Kami Onsen Yukaen
4.5onsen
Ornate ryokan with one of the largest outdoor stone baths in the Tohoku region.