Attractions

This magnificent cherry tree sprouted from within the crack of a giant granite boulder, splitting it as it grew. Delicate pale pink petals can be admired every April when the tree is in full bloom. Estimated to be three to four hundred years old, it grows in front of the Morioka Court of Justice.

In 1923, it was designated as a National Treasure. Throughout the year it continues to capture all the hearts of the Morioka residents.

Among 208 temples, Ho Onji was the main temple during the Nambu reign. Even today, it is used for Buddhist services, such as praying for the Nambu family.

Housed in the Ho Onji, these statues were created by Kyoto sculptors. They are made out of wood and finished with Japanese lacquer. Included within the display are statues of Marco Polo and Kublai Khan.

With contrasts of red bricks and white granite stripes, this building is a magnificent display of architecture from the Meiji era. Built in 1911, it stands as a historic building in central Morioka.

Bridging the past and the future, one can see first hand the traditions of the Morioka area.

The square is a unique complex where one can observe, touch and make traditional products and foods. The square features three zones: a traditional industry center, and a handicraft workshop area and a traditional Nambu style house combined with a stable called, "Magariya."

The Morioka Handi-work's Square, open to the general public, is focal point for Morioka tourists.

This Japanese style building with a tiled roof and white walls, opening in 1988, was built to manifest the achievements of predecessors from the Morioka area. It features the works of Dr. Inazo Nitobe, whose works helped bridge the east and the west.

This is where the Lord Nambu's villa was once located. Today it houses multiple exhibition rooms, displaying memorabilia of the Nambu family. The Central Public Hall maintains one of the finest Japanese style gardens, which can be admired throughout any season of the year.

With the Nakatsu River from the east and the Kitakami River from the north, the area provided many natural defenses. Exploiting this strategic location, in 1597 the Nambu lord, Nobunao began construction of the castle. Completed in 1633, it become the home of all the successive lords.

During battles of the Meiji Restoration, the castle was destroyed leaving only the stone walls as the only remaining vestige.

The museum was built in 1983 to help children explore their scientific imaginations. Inside there are many attractions including robots and planetarium.

The opening of the zoological park, on the southern slope of Iwayama took place in April 1989. It symbolizes a new era for the city. The park was meticulously designed so that one can observe animals in their, as much as possible, natural environment. It facilitates not only research and exhibition of animals, it provides an atmosphere where people can be in close touch with them. While taking in the sights, people can enjoy picnicking and the outdoors in this new type of zoological park.

This multipurpose sporting facility with 5,000 seats opened in 1989 and has become the main site for ice skating events during the winter in Morioka.

This is the first public facility with a pipe organ in Iwate Prefecture and is expected to play an important part in cultural activities.

Located next to the Morioka station, it draws audiences and visitors from both inside and outside of the Prefecture.

Following the example of, our twin city, Victoria’s Hanging Basket Program, colorful hanging flower baskets on the streets of Morioka entertain the eyes of residents and visitors.

In 2007, Morioka set a new Japanese record of 620 hanging baskets placed in a public space such as local shopping districts and city facilities.

>>Morioka's Hanging Basket Program