Ad: This page contains affiliate links.
If you want to tour the main sightseeing spots in Morioka City, Iwate Prefecture efficiently, using the Morioka City Center Loop Bus “Dendenmushi” is most recommended! At 150 JPY per ride (flat rate no matter how far you go) and a 1-day unlimited pass at just 400 JPY, the cost performance is outstanding. Covering classic tourist attractions like Morioka Castle Site Park, Morioka Bus Center, and Takuboku’s Newlywed House, even first-time visitors to Morioka can enjoy city walking with peace of mind without getting lost.
Can you get around tourist spots in Morioka City on foot? If riding a bus, which route is convenient and cheap?
For Morioka sightseeing, the city center loop bus “Dendenmushi” is the single best choice! At 150 JPY a ride, and the 1-day unlimited pass at 400 JPY is super advantageous! We will explain the routes, how to ride, and recommended itineraries in an easy-to-understand way!
In this article, based on basic information about the Morioka City Center Loop Bus “Dendenmushi,” we introduce details such as how to use the clockwise and counterclockwise routes.
Morioka City Loop Bus “Dendenmushi” is recommended for people like this:
- People who want to tour main tourist spots in Morioka City (Morioka Castle Site, Takuboku-related sites, Kohgensha, etc.) cheaply and efficiently
- People who want to enjoy city walking with high freedom and great savings using a 1-day unlimited pass (400 JPY)
What is “Dendenmushi” Morioka City Loop Bus?
The Morioka City Center Loop Bus “Dendenmushi” is a convenient sightseeing loop bus starting from Morioka Station and making one loop around tourist spots and major facilities in the city center in about 35 minutes. Its appeal lies in its clarity and ease at a flat rate of 150 JPY per ride no matter how far you go, making it a public transportation option easy to use even for travelers visiting Morioka for the first time.
“Clockwise” and “Counterclockwise” routes are available, which can be used differently depending on your purpose and destination.
Heading to Zaimokucho (Kohgensha) or Takuboku’s Newlywed House! “Clockwise”
The “Clockwise” route departs from Morioka Station, heads toward Asahi Bridge, and tours toward Zaimokucho and Takuboku’s Newlywed House first.
- Main Spots Passed Through: Asahi Bridge, Zaimokucho Minamiguchi, Takuboku Shinkon no Ie Guchi, Honcho-dori, Kencho-mae, etc.
- Recommended for People Like This: Those who want to head directly from Morioka Station to Zaimokucho, home to “Kohgensha” associated with Miyazawa Kenji, or “Takuboku’s Newlywed House.”
Optimal for Touring Morioka Castle Site Park and the Bus Center! “Counterclockwise”
The “Counterclockwise” route departs from Morioka Station, crosses Kaiun Bridge, and heads toward Saien-dori street, Morioka Castle Site Park, and Morioka Bus Center first.
- Main Spots Passed Through: Morioka Castle Site Park, Morioka History and Culture Museum, Morioka Bus Center (Nanak-mae), Iwate Prefectural Office, etc.
- Recommended for People Like This: Those who want to tour starting from tourist spots around Morioka Castle Site, or those who want to enjoy stylish cafes and retro city walking around Morioka Bus Center.
Charms of “Dendenmushi”
- Super Easy-to-Understand Flat Rate of “150 JPY per Ride” No Matter How Far You Go
Flat rate at 150 JPY for adults (80 JPY for children) regardless of travel distance, allowing you to get on and off casually without worrying about calculating small change.
- 1-Day Unlimited “Free Pass” is Just 400 JPY
If getting on and off 3 or more times, the 1-Day Free Pass (Adults: 400 JPY / Children: 200 JPY) is advantageous. It can be easily purchased at places like the Morioka Station Information Center.
- Outstanding Route Design Covering Main Tourist Spots
With just this one bus, you can smoothly tour classic tourist destinations in Morioka City such as Morioka Castle Site Park, Morioka Bus Center, Zaimokucho (Kohgensha), and Takuboku’s Newlywed House.
- Operates at Intervals of Approx. 15 to 20 Minutes! Short Waiting Time Makes Planning Easy
Both Clockwise and Counterclockwise operate frequently during the day, so you can enjoy city walking without meticulously checking timetables.
- Nationwide Transportation IC Cards Such as Suica Can Be Used as They Are
Even without preparing cash, touch-payment riding is possible with your IC card (Suica, PASMO, iCa, etc.).
- “Facility Discounts and Benefits” Received by Presenting the Free Pass
Presenting the 1-Day Free Pass at target tourist facilities and shops comes with delightful benefits such as admission fee discounts.
Introduction of “Dendenmushi” Bus Stops
Morioka Station East Exit
The gateway to Morioka. Departs from the bus rotary (Stop No. 16) right outside the Shinkansen and local line turnstiles. Extremely convenient as the starting point of your trip.
- Morioka Reimen “Seirokaku”: Super popular, high-quality chewy Morioka Reimen savorable in front of the station
- Morioka Reimen “Pyonpyon-sha Morioka Ekimae Store”: Famous shop where classic Morioka Reimen and yakiniku can be enjoyed
Kaiun Bridge
A beautiful bridge famous as the “Two-Time Crying Bridge” spanning the Kitakami River. On clear days, it is a scenic photo spot overlooking majestic Mt. Iwate from atop the bridge.
- Mt. Iwate View from Kaiun Bridge: Excellent scenery with the contrast between the river flow and Mt. Iwate
Saien Kawatoku-mae
A bus stop stopping right in front of Kawatoku Department Store. Optimal as a base for shopping and lunch.
- Parc Avenue Kawatoku: Morioka’s historic, long-established department store
Morioka Castle Site Park
The castle site of the Morioka Domain Nanbu clan. Splendid stone walls remain, making it a green-rich park chosen as one of “Japan’s Top 100 Castles.”
- Morioka Castle Site Park (Iwate Park): Seasonal nature and splendid stone walls are highlights
- Morioka History and Culture Museum: A tourist base where materials on Morioka’s history and festival floats are displayed
Prefectural Office / City Hall
The administrative center of Morioka. Surrounding areas are lined with retro modern architecture, full of appreciation spots for city walking.
Morioka Bus Center
A new landmark of Morioka renewed in 2022. It is a complex facility integrating dining streets, hot bath facilities, and a hotel.
- Iwate Bank Red Brick Building: Heavy Western-style architecture designed by Tatsuno Kingo, who worked on Tokyo Station
- Morioka Shinkin Bank Main Branch: Retro architecture feeling Taisho Roman
- Morioka Takuboku & Kenji Youth Museum
- “FOOD HALL” inside Morioka Bus Center: Local popular gourmet food and craft beer can be enjoyed
- Sakanamachi Arcade: A lively shopping street retaining a Showa retro atmosphere
Morioka Bus Center (Shinmeicho-mae)
A bus stop located on the east side of the Bus Center. Convenient for access toward Konyacho.
Wakazono-cho
An area where quiet residences and historic buildings mix together.
Kami-no-hashi-cho
A quiet area beyond crossing Kami-no-hashi Bridge. An easy place to stop by in the middle of a stroll.
Kami-no-hashi
A historic bridge characterized by bronze giboshi (ornamental finials) spanning the Nakatsu River. Designated as a National Important Cultural Property.
- Kami-no-hashi Giboshi: Valuable structure conveying its Keicho-era appearance to the present
Honcho-dori 1-chome
A bus stop along Honcho-dori street, lined with traditional Morioka shops and residences.
Idai Uchimaru Medical Center-mae
In front of a central regional medical facility.
- Ishiwari-zakura (Stone-Splitting Cherry Tree): A cherry tree that grew by splitting a stone
Chuo-dori 1-chome
Morioka’s central office and commercial area. Many cafes and izakayas gather here.
Chuo-dori 2-chome
An area lined with public offices and office buildings.
Shoko Chukin-mae
Offices and banks gather in the surrounding area, and walking a bit reveals a quiet streetscape.
Takuboku Shinkon no Ie Guchi
The nearest bus stop to “Takuboku’s Newlywed House,” where Ishikawa Takuboku spent a newlywed life with his wife Setsuko for a mere 3 weeks.
- Takuboku’s Newlywed House: The only existing wooden building associated with Takuboku in Morioka City (Free admission)
Zaimokucho Minamiguchi
Entrance to Zaimokucho Shopping Street (Ihatov Avenue), home to “Kohgensha” associated with Miyazawa Kenji. On Saturdays, “Yoi-ichi” is held.
- Kohgensha: Folk craft shop that published Miyazawa Kenji’s “The Restaurant of Many Orders” & stylish cafe “Kahikan”
- Zaimokucho Yoichi: Open-air market bustling with vendor stalls and food stands
Asahi Bridge
A bridge on the route running along the Kitakami River. An area serving as the leg back to Morioka Station.
How to Ride “Dendenmushi” & How to Buy 1-Day Passes
Boarding Procedure & Fare Payment Method
“Dendenmushi” uses a rear-boarding, front-alighting system where you board from the rear door and alight from the front door.
- When Boarding (Rear Door): Board from the rear door. There are no numbered tickets, so please board as is.
- When Alighting (Front Door): When the announcement for your desired bus stop plays, press the stop button. Fares are paid into the fare box when alighting.
- In Case of Cash: Put 150 JPY for adults (80 JPY for children) per ride into the fare box. (*No change is given, so please use the exchange machine beforehand)
- In Case of IC Cards (Suica, PASMO, etc.): Touch the card reader when alighting to complete payment.
How to Buy 1-Day Free Passes (400 JPY)
If riding the bus 3 or more times in a day, the “1-Day Free Pass” for unlimited rides at 400 JPY is advantageous.
- Purchase Locations:
- Morioka Station Bus Information Center (Inside Morioka Station East Exit bus rotary)
- Inside the bus (*When alighting, please ask the driver “1-Day Free Pass, please”)
- How to Use: When alighting, simply present the date side of the Free Pass clearly to the driver.
Delightful Benefits Exclusive to 1-Day Free Passes
Presenting the Free Pass lets you receive delightful discount benefits at major tourist facilities in Morioka City.
- Morioka History and Culture Museum: Exhibition room admission fee 20% discount
- Morioka City Hara Kei Memorial Museum: Admission fee 20% discount
- Morioka Civic Cultural Hall / Morioka Theater: Special treatment for events, etc. (Varies by facility)
Utilizing the pass skillfully makes Morioka sightseeing even more enjoyable.
“Frequently Asked Questions” About “Dendenmushi”
Question
Can transportation IC cards like Suica and PASMO be used?
Answer
Yes, they can be used.
Nationwide mutually usable transportation IC cards such as Suica, PASMO, Kitaca, TOICA, manaca, ICOCA, PiTaPa, SUGOCA, nimoca, and Hayakaken, as well as the regional integrated IC card “Iwate Green Pass,” can be used. Please touch the terminal when boarding and alighting.
Question
Can 1-Day Free Passes also be bought inside the bus?
Answer
Purchase inside the bus is also possible.
In addition to the Bus Information Center in front of Morioka Station, you can purchase directly from the driver inside the Dendenmushi bus. While stopped, please tell them “1-Day Free Pass, please.” (*For smooth operation, advance purchase at the Morioka Station Information Center or preparing cash without change is recommended as much as possible)
Question
Clockwise or Counterclockwise, which should I ride?
Answer
Using them differently depending on your destination is recommended.
If you want to go to Zaimokucho (Kohgensha) or Takuboku’s Newlywed House first, riding “Clockwise,” or if you want to go to Morioka Castle Site Park, Morioka Bus Center, or the Saien area first, riding “Counterclockwise” reaches your destination in the shortest time.
Question
I have a lot of luggage; can I ride bringing a stroller or a large suitcase?
Answer
You can ride.
Because it is operated with general route buses (large and medium-sized buses), riding bringing strollers or hand luggage is possible. However, because the inside of the bus gets crowded during tourist seasons or commuting/school hours, we recommend exploring after depositing large luggage in coin lockers at Morioka Station or similar.
Question
Can I ride both “Clockwise” and “Counterclockwise” with a 1-Day Free Pass?
Answer
You can ride both routes.
Because the 1-Day Free Pass is valid for all Dendenmushi lines, using them differently such as “Counterclockwise” for going and “Clockwise” for returning can be done freely.
Summary: “Dendenmushi”
The Morioka City Center Loop Bus “Dendenmushi” is a public transportation option essential for travelers to efficiently tour major tourist spots starting from Morioka Station. In addition to the low price of 150 JPY per ride, using the 1-day unlimited Free Pass (400 JPY) lets you enjoy free city walking without worrying about small change. Even for a first trip to Morioka, its greatest appeal is being able to move around with peace of mind without getting lost, thanks to a route design covering classic tourist spots.
- Two Selectable Routes: You can select efficiently according to your purpose: “Clockwise” if heading to Zaimokucho or Takuboku’s Newlywed House, or “Counterclockwise” if strolling around Morioka Castle Site Park or the Bus Center area.
- Outstanding Cost Performance: In addition to the flat fare of 150 JPY per ride, if riding 3 or more times, the “1-Day Free Pass” at 400 JPY is overwhelmingly advantageous.
- High Convenience: Nationwide transportation IC cards such as Suica and PASMO can be used, and because it operates at intervals of approx. 15 to 20 minutes, you can make sightseeing plans without over-worrying about timetables.
- With Sightseeing Benefits: By presenting the 1-Day Free Pass, you can receive benefits such as discounts at major facilities in the city, such as the History and Culture Museum.
Making movement within Morioka City cheap and smooth, “Dendenmushi” is truly a strong ally for Morioka sightseeing. Because riding with strollers or large luggage is also possible (caution needed during crowded times), it can be recommended to a wide range of travelers. Please make good use of the Free Pass to enjoy Morioka’s retro streetscapes, history, and gourmet food without missing anything.
Recommended Hotels for Sightseeing and Business Trips in Morioka City, Iwate Prefecture
Because Morioka City, Iwate Prefecture, is a castle town and an ancient city, Morioka Station, where the Shinkansen stops, and Morioka's downtown area (entertainment and commercial district) are slightly separated. Compared to prefectural capitals in other prefectures (regional areas), Morioka is a city where shops still relatively remain in the center of town (such as the Odori arcade street). Furthermore, as a city of water and greenery with three rivers flowing through it, hotels suitable for sightseeing and business trips are scattered throughout the area.
Among them, the hotel areas in Morioka City are roughly divided into three main zones. The recommended areas vary depending on your priorities—such as location, city sightseeing, gourmet dining, or proximity to downtown/entertainment districts—so choosing a hotel that fits your purpose is recommended.
If you are looking for a hotel in Morioka City, please be sure to check out the following article.
The ancient capital of Morioka, a former castle town, retains the charm of good old Japan. To fully enjoy and sightsee Morioka, choose a high-quality hotel in a recommended area.
This website is operated by "Don Don Travel Guide"
Author: Boon
Our mission is to share valuable information with the world through informative and engaging travel media.
Best Japan Tours
This site is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com.
This site uses Google AdSense to display advertisements and earn revenue.
This site utilizes various affiliate service providers (ASPs) to display advertisements and earn commissions through qualifying purchases.
