What to know
Morioka (盛岡) is the capital of Iwate Prefecture, located about 2.5 hours north of Tokyo by the Tohoku Shinkansen. Surrounded by mountains on three sides and blessed with several rivers, it is an attractive city and a convenient transport hub.
During the feudal era, the region around Morioka, including the eastern part of today's Aomori Prefecture, was ruled by the Nambu clan from Morioka Castle. Their name became synonymous with the domain, and some traditional local goods still bear the name Nambu. The most famous example is Nambu Tekki, handmade ironware.
The city is also well known for its various noodle styles. While central Morioka may lack major sightseeing spots, there are a handful of minor sites of interest across the city. Furthermore, Koiwai Farm, one of Japan's oldest and most famous dairy farms, is located 15 kilometers west of the city.
