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Morioka

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[+] Get in
- By train
- By bus
[+] Get around
- By bus
See
Do
Buy
Eat
Drink
Sleep
Get out

Morioka (盛岡) is in the capital of Iwate Prefecture, Japan.

[edit] Get in

[edit] By train

Morioka is a major train station on the Tohoku Shinkansen line.

The fastest Shinkansen services from Tokyo to Morioka are the all reserved Komachi and Hayate, which normally run coupled together as a single train. The ride takes 2 1/2 hours at a cost of ¥14040 each way, so you may want to consider purchasing a Japan Rail Pass beforehand.

From points west of Tokyo, you can take the Tokaido Shinkansen and switch in Tokyo to the Komachi or Hayate.

[edit] By bus

An overnight bus service, the Rakuchin, runs twice nightly from Tokyo Station to Morioka (about 7 1/2 hours, ¥7850 one way). Other companies offer cheaper, less comfortable rides for as little as 5000 yen.

[edit] Get around

Morioka is a small enough city to walk around. There are some useful transport methods.

[edit] By bus

Iwateken Kotsu bus operates Den-Den-Mushi Bus (with picture of snails painted on each vehicle) which encircles the city central area starting from Morioka main station via castle park and Bus Center. The cost is 100 yen per ride, and run every 10 mins both clockwise and anti-clockwise during daytime.

[edit][add listing] See

[edit][add listing] Do

Morioka has a number of popular festivals.

Chagu Chagu Umakko, 2nd Saturday of June. A parade of 100 colorfully decorated horses.
Sansa Odori, August 1-3. The much anticipated summer taiko (Japanese drum festival. Approximately 100,000 participating taiko players, flute players, and dancers parade down the main street, Odori. After the performance is finished, viewers can join in and dance in the street with the performers as a part of "Wa Daiko". A unique vibe, and absolutely free!
Funekko Nagashi, August 16th.
Hachiman Shrine Festival, September 14-16.

[edit][add listing] Buy

Nambu Sembei - Morioka's traditional wheat crackers.
Nambu Ironware
Chagu Chagu Umakko - Kids' toy horse.

[edit][add listing] Eat

Morioka Reimen (盛岡冷麺) - Spicy Cold Noodles severd with half a boiled egg, kim-chi and slide of either apple, watermelon or both.
Wankosoba (わんこそば) - Small servings of soba, served "all you can eat".
Morioka Jajamen (盛岡じゃじゃ麺) - Chinese Style noodles with miso.

[edit][add listing] Drink

Morioka is a small city, but it offers a number of good drinking options. The water in the area is clean and pure so there are a number of sake breweries. Japanese style 'Izakaya' bars are everywhere, and there are also some German style beer breweries which offer a variety of brews.

Ootaru, Oodori (15 minutes walk from the station). Japanese-style eatery with Asahi on tap and ¥1500 2.5hr nomihodai (all you can drink) deals. Try the Pizza.

As with most cities in Japan, Karaoke is a good drinking option, especially if you have a large group. Most places are ¥1000 an hour, including drinks. A good place is right off Oodori on the forth floor across the street from Ootaru.

'FACES' is a western-style and western-owned bar and club near the movie theaters on Eigakan Dori (movie theater street). Great place to meet other English speakers!

[edit][add listing] Sleep

Toyoko Inn Morioka-eki Minami, Overlooking the river (3 minutes east of the station), [1]. A particularly nice Toyoko Inn. Opened in 2009 the odd numbered rooms overlook the river and from a high floor you get a nice sunrise. from ¥5,600+ winter discounts available. edit