Morioka is famous for three noodle dishes. Wanko soba, jajamen, and reimen. The castle ruins overlook two rivers, and the craft scene (Nambu ironware, in particular) runs deep. A small city with an outsized food reputation.
What Morioka is known for
Top-rated in Morioka
Pyonpyonsha Morioka Reimen
4.8restaurant
Iconic cold noodle house serving Morioka's signature chewy reimen in rich chilled broth.
Sansa Odori
4.8entertainment
Mass synchronized dance parade through Morioka with taiko drummers, wooden flutes, and thousands in unison.
Izakaya Sai
4.5restaurant
standout izakaya praised by travelers for its welcoming staff and delicious small plates.
Iwachu
4.6nature
Watch craftsmen forge Nambu tekki ironware by hand at this working foundry, then browse tetsubin kettles in showroom.
Morioka Hachimangū Shrine
4.4shrine
Grand 1062 shrine hosting June's Chagu Chagu Umakko horse parade through the city.
Fukuda Pan
4.4cafe
Morioka's cult-favorite bakery where locals line up for oversized koppe-pan rolls filled with dozens of customizable toppings.
Nanshoso
4.4cafe
A Meiji-era merchant mansion turned cultural space where you can sip matcha overlooking one of Morioka's finest hidden gardens.
Hoonji Temple Five Hundred Rakan
4.4temple
A Soto Zen temple housing 499 individual wooden rakan statues, each with a unique and eerily lifelike expression.