What to know
Downtown Morioka is about a 15-minute walk from Morioka Station and is home to many of the city's attractions, restaurants, and entertainment districts. The city is relatively flat with neatly laid-out streets, making it easy to explore on foot.
One of the main highlights in central Morioka is Morioka Castle Ruins Park, the former grounds of Morioka Castle. The castle was demolished in 1874, leaving only the walls of the former defensive circles, with no surviving or reconstructed buildings. Also known as Iwate Park, it is now a pleasant recreation area and a popular cherry blossom spot, with the season typically peaking around mid to late April.
Just a stone's throw from the castle park is the former Bank of Iwate, an eye-catching red brick building completed in 1911. Sharp-eyed visitors may notice its resemblance to Tokyo Station's Marunouchi side; in fact, both buildings were designed by the same architect. Tourists can view the interior of the building.
Not far from both the former bank and castle park stands the unique Rock-breaking Cherry Tree (Ishiwarizakura), an approximately 400-year-old cherry tree growing out of a granite boulder on the grounds of the Morioka Courthouse.
Visitor information
Practical details to check before planning this stop.
- Hours
- 10:00 to 17:00 (entry until 16:30)
- Closed
- Tuesdays, December 29 to January 3
- Admission
- 300 yen (~$1.92)
- English name
- Original name
- Morioka Downtown
Verify details before visiting. Currency conversion is indicative and may vary over time.