[2 Nights, 3 Days in Iwate] A Healing Trip Through the Castle Town of Morioka and the Scenic Beauty of Northern Sanriku

First, head to the observation room on the top floor of “Malios,” a landmark tower in Morioka City located Approx. 3 minutes on foot from the west exit of Morioka Station.

At 92 meters tall, Malios is one of the tallest buildings in northern Tohoku, and the Malios Observation Room on its top floor offers free admission. You can enjoy views of the city of Morioka with the Kitakami River and Shizukuishi River running through it, as well as Mt. Iwate and more. Start by looking out over the Morioka cityscape you’re about to explore from above and get into the travel mood.

Approx. 15 minutes on foot from the Malios Observation Room, your next stop is Morioka Castle Ruins Park (Iwate Park), a symbol of the castle town of Morioka.

Morioka Castle Ruins Park (Iwate Park) was developed as “Iwate Park” in 1906 on the site of Morioka Castle, whose construction began in 1597. Today, it is designated as a National Historic Site as the “Morioka Castle Ruins.” The park has two ponds (moats), a lawn area, and other green spaces that make it ideal for a relaxing stroll. Seasonal scenery is also part of its appeal, with plum blossoms and cherry blossoms in spring and colorful leaves in fall.
There are many other highlights in the park as well, including historic sites and cultural properties such as impressive stone walls that still evoke the atmosphere of the old castle, so taking your time to explore is highly recommended.

During cherry blossom season, another spot you’ll want to visit is Ishiwari-zakura, located on the grounds of the Morioka District Court, about 7 minutes on foot from the park. This 350- to 400-year-old Edo-higan cherry tree grows powerfully out of a crack in a massive granite boulder, as if splitting the stone apart. It is usually best viewed from around mid-April to late April, so keep that in mind when planning your trip.

After your walk, you’ll probably be hungry. For lunch, enjoy Morioka’s signature local dish, Wanko Soba! Head to Azumaya Honten, a famous Wanko Soba restaurant located about 7 minutes on foot from Morioka Castle Ruins Park (Iwate Park).

With shouts from the server like “Hai, janjan. Hai, dondon,” bite-sized portions of soba are continuously placed into your bowl one after another, and the service continues until you say “I’m done” and close the lid. This unique style of eating Wanko Soba is one of Iwate’s must-try food experiences. Not only is it delicious, but the fun interaction with the server is sure to become one of the most memorable parts of your trip!

Once you’ve had your fill of Wanko Soba, head to the Iwate Bank Red Brick Building, located just 1 minute on foot from Azumaya Honten.

Built in 1911 as the head office of Morioka Bank, this Renaissance-style building has a photogenic retro-modern exterior. It was designed by the Tatsuno-Kasai Architectural Office, and it is the only remaining building in the Tohoku region designed by Kingo Tatsuno. You can freely tour areas such as the large multipurpose hall, where features like the chandelier evoke the Meiji era, and you can also watch video exhibits about the history of the Iwate Bank Red Brick Building. Another nice point is that photography is allowed inside as well, except in areas where it is prohibited.

Approx. 2 minutes on foot from the Iwate Bank Red Brick Building is a museum housed in the former main building of the 90th Bank, a structure designated as an Important Cultural Property of Japan.

This museum introduces Ishikawa Takuboku and Kenji Miyazawa, two writers who spent their youth in Morioka. In addition to exhibits about their younger years, there are also displays about the city of Morioka during that time. The museum also has a retro-style café corner, making it a perfect place for a short break during your walk.

After leaving the Morioka Takuboku & Kenji Youth Museum, walk for Approx. 13 minutes to reach Morioka Hachimangu Shrine.

Morioka Hachimangu Shrine is said to have been built in 1680 and is the largest shrine in the prefecture. Its shrine buildings have been rebuilt repeatedly after suffering damage from disasters, including the Great Morioka Fire of 1884 and harsh weather, and the current shrine building was reconstructed in 1997. Twelve shrines stand within the grounds, enshrining deities closely connected to daily life, including agriculture and commerce. Visit this local spiritual spot in Morioka and boost your luck.

Next, travel from Morioka Hachimangu Shrine to your accommodation for the day, Hanamaki Onsenkyo “Hanamaki 12 Hot Springs.”
From the Hachimangu-mae bus stop, go to Morioka Station. From Morioka Station, take the Tohoku Main Line bound for Kitakami and get off at Hanamaki Station. Then hop on the free shuttle bus for guests and head to Hanamaki Onsenkyo!

Hanamaki Onsenkyo, known as “Hanamaki 12 Hot Springs” because it includes 12 hot springs such as Hanamaki Onsen, Dai Onsen, and Osawa Onsen, is one of the largest hot spring areas in Tohoku. It offers a wide range of accommodations, from traditional therapeutic inns in old-fashioned hot spring towns to resort hotels and ryokan. On the first night, relax in the hot springs here and soothe away the fatigue of your trip!

Take the JR Kamaishi Line from Hanamaki Station and get off at Tono Station after Approx. 1 hour. From there, head to Tono Monogatari no Yakata, where you can experience the world of Japanese folktales.

Tono Monogatari no Yakata is a place where you can experience the world of “The Legends of Tono,” a work by Kunio Yanagita that compiled folktales and oral traditions from the Tono region. Highlights include the “Mukashibanashi Kura,” where you can experience tales passed down in Tono through video and audio, the “Kunio Yanagita Exhibition Room,” which introduces the life and achievements of Kunio Yanagita, and the “Tono-za,” a theater space where a storyteller tells old tales in the Tono dialect in sessions of about 20 minutes each. It’s a rare chance to step into the world of traditional Japanese folktales.

Since you’re stopping in Tono, why not enjoy one of its local specialties for lunch too? Take a taxi for Approx. 3 minutes to Jingisukan Anbe, a long-established restaurant known for Tono Jingisukan.

In fact, Tono City in Iwate is also well known for jingisukan. This popular restaurant, with a history of over 70 years, is visited by many as the originator of “Tono Jingisukan.” Its light yet spicy secret sauce with a pleasant tang is outstanding, and it’s so good that even the vegetables are said to taste delicious. Another nice point is the wide selection of set meals available at lunchtime.

After your meal, it’s finally time to head to Miyako! Take a taxi from the restaurant to Tono Station, then board the rapid JR Kamaishi Line and arrive at Kamaishi Station in about 50 minutes.

From Kamaishi Station, hop on the Sanriku Railway, a local railway affectionately known as “Santetsu”! Opened as Japan’s first third-sector railway, it offers views from the train window of the steep cliffs unique to the ria coastline and the peaceful daily life along the shore. Ride the charming tricolor train cars and enjoy a leisurely train journey of Approx. 80 minutes.

Get off at Miyako Station on the Sanriku Railway, then take a bus for Approx. 15 minutes from the Miyako Ekimae bus stop. You’ll arrive at your accommodation for the day, Jodogahama Park Hotel!

Set on a hill overlooking Jodogahama, one of Sanriku’s most famous scenic spots, this hotel is well known for its wonderful ocean views. As soon as you pass through the main entrance and reach the lobby, the spectacular view of Miyako Bay filling the windows will catch your eye. Meals are mainly served buffet style, featuring dishes made with seasonal ingredients from the sea and mountains of Iwate’s Sanriku region. The hotel also offers a good selection of Iwate local sake, which pairs perfectly with your meal.

Approx. 10 minutes on foot from Jodogahama Park Hotel, your next stop, while enjoying a walk, is Jodogahama, one of Japan’s most representative scenic spots.

This rocky cove facing the Sanriku Coast offers white stone beaches, crystal-clear water, complex landforms, and otherworldly scenery. There are also many viewpoints created by the strange rock formations formed about 52 million years ago! Stroll leisurely along the walking course around the cove, where decks have been installed, and take in the beautiful scenery.
There is also a popular spot called Hachinohe-ana, known as the “Blue Cave,” where sunlight and highly transparent seawater create a striking blue space. You can even take a Sappa boat deep inside, so it’s well worth visiting as well.

Head back to Jodogahama Park Hotel, then take a bus from in front of the hotel to Miyako Station. From there, go to Janome Honten, located about 1 minute on foot from the station.

Popular with locals as well, this restaurant is known for serving Sanriku seafood at reasonable prices. Try the specialty Kita-Sanriku Gohan, topped with 15 kinds of fresh seafood caught in Northern Sanriku, including sea urchin, salmon roe, and tuna! They also serve “Bin-don,” a local rice bowl from Miyako made with seasonal seafood packed into a milk bottle, which is another must-try.
Enjoy plenty of fresh local seafood and end your trip on a delicious note!