Morioka Walking Guide: Daiji Shimizu Spring & Morioka Hachimangu Shrine

Morioka is a historic castle town where the charm of old Japan still lives on. Located a little away from Morioka Station, Morioka Hachimangu Shrine is one of the city’s most important landmarks. About a 15-minute walk from the shrine is Daiji Shimizu, a historic spring that has long been loved by locals.

Visiting these two spots offers a glimpse into the nostalgic atmosphere of traditional Japan, making them must-see destinations for anyone exploring Morioka.

In this article, we’ll introduce Daiji Shimizu and Morioka Hachimangu Shrine using original photos and insights from the author’s first-hand visit.

Charms of “Daiji Shimizu,” Which Also Serves as Domestic Water for the Region

Located in Nataya-cho, Morioka City, serving also as domestic water for the region, Daiji Shimizu—a communal well—is a nostalgic water source that can no longer be seen in modern cities. The First Well is drinking water, the Second Well is a rice-washing area, the Third Well is a vegetable and dish washing area, and the Fourth Well is a laundry rinsing area.

Serving as valuable domestic water for neighboring households, it is a wonderful well where you can feel one of the delicious waters (famous waters) of the river town “Morioka.” Because it is one of Japan’s precious treasures as well as water used in the daily lives of neighboring residents, we hope tourists view it with respect.

First Well of “Daiji Shimizu” is Drinking Water (Actually Drinkable)

The First Well is drinking water. You can drink delicious water. Because it is water used for the daily lives of neighboring residents, and precious water for which many people work hard to keep clean, let’s drink it with gratitude.

Because it is crystal clear, delicious water, let’s partake with gratitude. You can feel one of the water sources that supported Japanese towns in the good old days.

Location and Access of “Daiji Shimizu”

Location

Located in “Nataya-cho,” where preserved buildings of Morioka City line the street, “Daiji Shimizu” is a spring water spot that has supported the lives of local residents since ancient times. From JR Morioka Station, board a bus at the bus terminal and arrive in about a 2-minute walk from the nearest bus stop.

Because surrounding roads are mostly one-way with narrow road widths, visiting via public transportation is convenient. When visiting by car, since there is no dedicated parking lot, parking at a paid parking lot around the Morioka Bus Center and heading there while strolling through the charming streetscape is recommended.

Charms of “Morioka Hachimangu,” a Shrine Representing Morioka

Reachable on foot from Daiji Shimizu as well, the shrine representing Morioka is “Morioka Hachimangu.” It is a shrine larger than imagined, though not impossibly huge, offering a comfortable space unique to Morioka, which developed as a regional hub.

A Shrine Representing Morioka

From the torii gate entering the Hachimangu Shrine, it is solemn, beautiful, and quite huge! Bowing under the torii gate, enter the Hachimangu Shrine grounds.

The stairs leading to the main hall visible in front are not too long, making it a shrine with a just-right, splendid main hall where you can worship comfortably. (Photos were taken during the summer pilgrimage in the summer of 2024.)

“Morioka Hachimangu’s” Shinsen (Hand-Washing Basin)

The “shinsen,” which washes the heart, is also beautiful.

Combining coolness with Japanese character, the collaboration of the “shinsen” with casually decorated flowers is also beautiful.

The Coffee Shop Within the Grounds of “Morioka Hachimangu”

Within the shrine grounds, there is an atmosphere-rich coffee shop: “Hachiman Shokudo and Chao Coffee Shop.”

Entering Chao Coffee Shop, the atmosphere is wonderful again. Sitting at a nostalgic table with good sunlight, it is a space where you can calm down and relax while drinking coffee.

Wind Chimes of Summer Pilgrimage (Natsumode) at “Morioka

(It is a video. Sound plays.)

Wind chimes of the summer pilgrimage were playing cool sounds. It is a video (please enjoy the cool sounds of wind chimes). Please enjoy wonderful Morioka.

Location and Access of “Morioka Hachimangu”

Location

Known as the overall guardian shrine of Morioka City, “Morioka Hachimangu” is a shrine with vast grounds located on the east side of the city center. From JR Morioka Station, board a bus such as the one bound for “Chabatake” at the bus terminal (bay No. 16), and get off at the “Hachimangu-mae” bus stop; the entrance with a large torii gate will be right in front of you. Travel time is about 15 minutes.

In the case of cars, it takes about 20 to 25 minutes from Tohoku Expressway “Morioka IC.” Because a free parking lot for worshippers is maintained within the grounds, access by car is also relatively smooth. Because it is also within a 10-minute walk from Morioka Bus Center, you can enjoy strolling together with nearby “Iwate Bank Red Brick Hall” and other spots.

Information of “Morioka Hachimangu”

Item	Details
Facility Name	Morioka Hachimangu
Location	13-1 Hachiman-cho, Morioka-shi, Iwate 020-0872
Worship Hours	24 hours possible (Amulet office, etc. approx. 9:00 – 17:00)
Usage Fee	Worship free
Closed Days	None (Open all year round)
Nearest Station	Approx. 15 mins by bus from JR Morioka Station, right after “Hachimangu-mae”
Facilities	Free parking available, prayer reception, amulet office, teahouse

Summary: Nostalgic “Daiji Shimizu” and Beautiful “Morioka Hachimangu”

In walking through Morioka, the route continuing from Nataya-cho’s “Daiji Shimizu” to “Morioka Hachimangu” is a stroll where you can feel this town’s “abundance of water” and “Morioka’s history, streetscapes, and culture” with your own skin. It is an area where quiet and calm time flows, different from the modern station surroundings.

Walking through Morioka while listening to the murmuring of rivers and the sound of wind chimes brings new discoveries with every visit. Surrounded by the lives of people who carefully protect tradition and the sacred air of the shrine, try enjoying a stroll that refreshes both mind and body. You will surely come to love the city of Morioka even more.