We have selected 20 recommended tourist spots in Iwate! Hinotori presents a carefully selected list of recommended tourist spots, cafes, and ryokan. Feel free to use this as a reference for your travels!
9 Recommended Tourist Spots in Morioka City, Hanamaki City, and Shizukuishi Town
Among the most attractive regions in Iwate, Morioka City, Hanamaki City, and Shizukuishi Town. Here, we have carefully selected 9 must-visit tourist spots. These include historical sites such as ‘Morioka Hachimangu Shrine,’ the impressive red brick ‘Iwate Bank Red Brick Building,’ and literary must-see spots like the ‘Miyazawa Kenji Memorial Museum’ and ‘Miyazawa Kenji Fairy Tale Village – Kenji’s School.’ This region, with its blend of nature, history, and culture, is recommended for travelers of all ages.
Morioka Hachimangu Shrine
Morioka Hachimangu Shrine is a historic shrine in Morioka City, Iwate Prefecture. This shrine has long been beloved by locals and attracts many visitors. The grounds offer the beauty of nature in all seasons, with the cherry blossoms in spring and the autumn leaves in fall. Morioka Hachimangu Shrine is an important spot where visitors can feel the region’s culture and history. During festivals and annual events, the area becomes lively with both locals and tourists.
[Details about Morioka Hachimangu Shrine, Morioka City]
Iwate Bank Red Brick Building
The Iwate Bank Red Brick Building, built during the Meiji era, features a striking red brick exterior. Inside, there are exhibits on the history and culture of Iwate Prefecture, making it a popular spot for both locals and tourists. The building itself is admired for its beautiful architecture and is often chosen as a photo spot.
[Details about Iwate Bank Red Brick Building, Morioka City]
Nanshoso
Nanshoso is a historic building in Morioka City, Iwate Prefecture, once owned by a local merchant. This site retains traditional Japanese architectural styles and offers a nostalgic atmosphere, as if transporting visitors back in time. The garden is also magnificent, with seasonal flowers providing enjoyment throughout the year. Nanshoso is beloved by many tourists as a valuable place to experience the history of Iwate, along with its beautiful scenery.
[Details about Nanshoso, Morioka City]
Morioka Castle Ruins Park
Morioka Castle Ruins Park, located in Morioka City, Iwate Prefecture, is a historical park built on the site of the former Morioka Castle. Known for its beautiful natural scenery in every season, it is particularly popular during cherry blossom season, when many people come for hanami (flower viewing). The park is also a place of relaxation for locals, with various events being held there. It’s an attractive spot where visitors can enjoy the beautiful landscape created by nature and history while reflecting on the history of Morioka.
[Details about Morioka Castle Ruins Park, Morioka City]
Morioka Handmade Village
Morioka Handmade Village is an experiential tourist facility in Morioka City, Iwate Prefecture, offering various handmade experiences for visitors. Here, you can try pottery painting, bamboo craft, indigo dyeing, and many other craft activities. It is especially popular among families, couples, and groups of friends who can enjoy creating memorable experiences. Morioka Handmade Village offers visitors a creative day in a nature-filled environment, providing new discoveries.
[Details about Morioka Handmade Village, Morioka City]
Koiwai Farm
Koiwai Farm, located in Shizukuishi Town, is a vast tourist farm known for its activities where visitors can interact with nature. At the farm, there are various activities for people of all ages, including tours of the dairy farm and craft workshops. One of its major attractions is the chance to interact with animals, such as sheep, cows, and horses. Koiwai Farm is a great spot for families to spend a day surrounded by nature.
[Details about Koiwai Farm, Shizukuishi Town]
Hanamaki Higashi High School
Hanamaki Higashi High School, located in Hanamaki City, Iwate Prefecture, is known for its high educational standards and rich school spirit. The school respects the culture and history of its local area, focusing on nurturing the individuality and abilities of each student. Since it is located in the area where Kenji Miyazawa lived, students frequently have opportunities to engage with his thoughts and literature, developing their creativity and expressiveness in a natural environment.
[Details about Hanamaki Higashi High School, Hanamaki City]
Miyazawa Kenji Memorial Museum
The Miyazawa Kenji Memorial Museum, located in Hanamaki City, Iwate Prefecture, is an essential spot for literary enthusiasts and fans of Kenji Miyazawa. The museum, built in the area where Miyazawa was born and raised, offers a deep insight into his life and works. Surrounded by the nature Miyazawa loved, visitors can experience a sense of healing. The museum also regularly hosts special exhibitions and events, allowing visitors to immerse themselves further in his literary world.
[Details about Miyazawa Kenji Memorial Museum, Hanamaki City]
Miyazawa Kenji Fairy Tale Village – Kenji’s School
Located near the Miyazawa Kenji Memorial Museum, Miyazawa Kenji Fairy Tale Village – Kenji’s School is an interactive facility where both children and adults can enjoy exploring the world of Miyazawa’s fairy tales. Here, visitors can directly experience the world of the stories he left behind and feel the messages embedded in his works. The facility features many displays modeled after characters and scenes from Miyazawa’s fairy tales, inviting visitors into a magical world. Visitors can spend time in Kenji Miyazawa’s profound world of thought and creativity.
[Details about Miyazawa Kenji Fairy Tale Village – Kenji’s School, Hanamaki City]
Restaurants and Cafes in Morioka, Hanamaki, and Shizukuishi: 9 Spots to Visit
Morioka, Hanamaki, and Shizukuishi offer a variety of restaurants and cafes that delight visitors with local ingredients and unique menus. Here are 9 spots to check out:
Hatsukoma Wanko Soba Main Store
Located in Morioka, this famous wanko soba restaurant has been loved by locals and tourists since its founding in 1960. Wanko soba is a local specialty, where small servings of soba are repeatedly served in small bowls until you’re full. Enjoy the lively interactions with the servers as you savor each bowl to your heart’s content.
[Details about Hatsukoma Wanko Soba, Morioka]
Seiroukaku
Seiroukaku is a yakiniku (BBQ) restaurant popular for its cold noodles. The spacious interior features both table and tatami seating, making it family friendly. The noodles are firm, and the broth is rich and well-balanced with the ingredients, making it a must-try. Located near Morioka Station, it’s easy to access.
[Details about Seirokaku, Morioka]
Kissa Fukakusa
Kissa Fukakusa is a retro-style cafe in Konyamachi, Morioka, offering homemade sweets and expertly brewed coffee. The tranquil atmosphere, combined with views of the river from the window, provides a peaceful spot to relax. On pleasant days, you can enjoy the refreshing air while sipping your drink outdoors.
[Details about Kissa Fukakusa, Morioka]
Handmade Ice Cream Matsubokkuri
Located in Shizukuishi, Mokkusa specializes in handmade gelato made from the milk of cows raised in the surrounding nature. The focus on maintaining the local environment and the scenic walking paths make it a wonderful place to enjoy ice cream and nature.
[Details about Handmade Ice Cream Matsubokkuri, Shizukuishi City]
Yakiniku and Cold Noodles Hige
Hige is a well-known yakiniku and cold noodle restaurant in Morioka. The rich, clear broth and chewy noodles are a perfect combination, while the spicy kimchi adds an extra kick to the dish. If you visit Morioka, Hige offers a unique cold noodle experience you won’t find elsewhere.
[Details about Yakiniku and Cold Noodles: Hige, Morioka]
Fukuda Pan (bread)
Fukuda Pan is a beloved local bakery that has been around since 1948. The fluffy rolls are famous for their variety, and the classic “An Butter” (sweet red bean paste and butter) is highly recommended. Explore the many different fillings and enjoy finding your favorite combination.
[Details about Fukuda Pan, Shizukuishi City]
Marukan Building Diner
Located in the center of Morioka, Marukan Building Diner is a retro-style diner famous for its 10-layer soft-serve ice cream. Along with this unique dessert, the diner serves various set meals and Western-style dishes at affordable prices, offering a warm, nostalgic atmosphere.
[Details about Marukan Building Diner, Morioka]
Wildcat House Yamanekoken
Near the Miyazawa Kenji Memorial Museum in Hanamaki, Yamanekoken features a menu using local Iwate ingredients. Popular dishes include the Yamaneko suiton set, based on a regional dish, and the Katsukare (pork cutlet curry) made with Hanamaki’s renowned Shirokane pork. The spot also has a gift shop.
[Details about Wildcat House ‘Yamanekoken’, Hanamaki City]
Jajamen Hakuryu
Jajamen Hakuryu, a beloved restaurant in Morioka, specializes in Jajamen noodles, one of the three major noodle dishes in the area. The dish features a unique miso-based sauce served with wide, chewy noodles. After finishing the noodles, try the “Chitantan,” a tasty noodle soup that’s a perfect ending to the meal.
[Details about Jajamen Hakuryu, Morioka]
Two Recommended Inns in Morioka and Shizukuishi
Morioka and Shizukuishi offer exceptional accommodation options that captivate visitors. Two standout spots are Tsunagi Onsen Shikitei and Iwate Oushuku Onsen Gensen Kakenagashi no Yado Kawachou. Both are known for their unique appeal.
Tsunagi Onsen Shikitei
Tsunagi Onsen Shikitei is a tranquil inn surrounded by the natural beauty of Iwate. The guest rooms offer peaceful views of seasonal landscapes, providing a serene escape from the hustle and bustle of city life. The bath is gentle on the skin, perfect for unwinding after a long journey. The inn offers dishes made with a luxurious selection of seafood from the Sanriku Coast and local mountain delicacies from Tohoku. The traditional su-kiya style architecture creates a relaxing space for individuals and families. Soak in the outdoor bath while enjoying the changing scenery and experience both physical and mental relaxation. This is the ideal inn for those seeking quiet, restful time.
[Details about Tsunagi Onsen Shikitei, Morioka]
Iwate Oushuku Onsen Gensen Kakenagashi no Yado Kawachou
Located in a hidden gem of nature, Iwate Oushuku Onsen Gensen Kakenagashi no Yado Kawachou boasts its proud feature of flowing natural hot springs. The high-quality hot spring offers a deeply relaxing experience, and the scent of cypress wood in the baths adds to the therapeutic atmosphere. The inn prides itself on using locally sourced ingredients for its meals, with the head chef personally selecting the finest products. Pair your meal with local sake for the perfect dining experience. This peaceful, serene inn is perfect for those seeking a tranquil retreat.
[Details about Oushuku Onsen Gensen Kakenagashi no Yado Kawachou]
