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If you want to tour the main sightseeing spots in Morioka City, Iwate Prefecture efficiently, the Morioka City Center Loop Bus “Dendenmushi” is the way to go! At 150 JPY per ride (a flat rate no matter how far you go) and a 1-day unlimited pass at just 400 JPY, the value 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 walking the city without getting lost.
Can you get around tourist spots in Morioka City on foot? If you take 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 a real bargain! We’ll walk through the routes, how to ride, and recommended itineraries clearly!
In this article, we cover the basics of the Morioka City Center Loop Bus “Dendenmushi,” including how to use the clockwise and counterclockwise routes.
Morioka City Loop Bus “Dendenmushi” is a good fit if you:
- Want to tour main tourist spots in Morioka City (Morioka Castle Site, Takuboku-related sites, Kohgensha, etc.) cheaply and efficiently
- Want the freedom to stroll the city on a budget with a 1-day unlimited pass (400 JPY)
What Is the “Dendenmushi” Morioka City Loop Bus?
The Morioka City Center Loop Bus “Dendenmushi” is a convenient sightseeing loop bus that starts from Morioka Station and circles tourist spots and major facilities in the city center in about 35 minutes. Its appeal is how simple it is—a flat 150 JPY per ride no matter how far you go—making it easy public transport even for first-time visitors to Morioka.
“Clockwise” and “Counterclockwise” routes are available, and you can choose between them 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 goes first toward Zaimokucho and Takuboku’s Newlywed House.
- Main stops along the way: Asahi Bridge, Zaimokucho Minamiguchi, Takuboku Shinkon no Ie Guchi, Honcho-dori, Kencho-mae, etc.
- Best for: Anyone who wants to head straight from Morioka Station to Zaimokucho, home to “Kohgensha” associated with Miyazawa Kenji, or to “Takuboku’s Newlywed House.”
Best for Morioka Castle Site Park and the Bus Center! “Counterclockwise”
The “Counterclockwise” route departs from Morioka Station, crosses Kaiun Bridge, and goes first toward Saien-dori, Morioka Castle Site Park, and Morioka Bus Center.
- Main stops along the way: Morioka Castle Site Park, Morioka History and Culture Museum, Morioka Bus Center (Shinmeicho-mae), Iwate Prefectural Office, etc.
- Best for: Anyone who wants to start with tourist spots around Morioka Castle Site, or enjoy stylish cafes and a retro stroll around Morioka Bus Center.
Highlights of “Dendenmushi”
- Simple Flat Rate of “150 JPY per Ride” No Matter How Far You Go
A flat 150 JPY for adults (80 JPY for children) regardless of how far you go, so you can hop on and off casually without fussing over change.
- 1-Day Unlimited “Free Pass” is Just 400 JPY
If you get on and off 3 or more times, the 1-Day Free Pass (Adults: 400 JPY / Children: 200 JPY) is a better deal. It is easy to buy at places like the Morioka Station Information Center.
- A Route That Covers the Main Tourist Spots
With just this one bus, you can smoothly tour classic Morioka destinations such as Morioka Castle Site Park, Morioka Bus Center, Zaimokucho (Kohgensha), and Takuboku’s Newlywed House.
- Runs About Every 15 to 20 Minutes! Short Waits Make Planning Easy
Both Clockwise and Counterclockwise run frequently during the day, so you can enjoy strolling the city without carefully checking timetables.
- Nationwide Transportation IC Cards Such as Suica Work as Usual
Even without cash on hand, you can tap to pay with your IC card (Suica, PASMO, iCa, etc.).
- Facility Discounts and Perks When You Show the Free Pass
Show the 1-Day Free Pass at participating tourist facilities and shops for nice perks such as admission discounts.
“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 ticket gates. Extremely convenient as the starting point of your trip.
- Morioka Reimen “Seirokaku”: Super popular, high-quality chewy Morioka Reimen you can enjoy right in front of the station
- Morioka Reimen “Pyonpyon-sha Morioka Ekimae Store”: Famous shop for classic Morioka Reimen and yakiniku
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 right in front of Kawatoku Department Store. Ideal 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 park rich in greenery and 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—plenty of spots worth pausing for on a city stroll.
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: Substantial Western-style architecture designed by Tatsuno Kingo, who worked on Tokyo Station
- Morioka Shinkin Bank Main Branch: Retro architecture with a Taisho Roman feel
- Morioka Takuboku & Kenji Youth Museum
- “FOOD HALL” inside Morioka Bus Center: Popular local food and craft beer
- 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 mingle.
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: A valuable structure that still shows its Keicho-era appearance
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 just 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 that serves as the return leg to Morioka Station.
How to Ride “Dendenmushi” & Buy a 1-Day Pass
How to Board & Pay the Fare
“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 just get on.
- When getting off (front door): When the announcement for your stop plays, press the stop button. Pay into the fare box as you get off.
- Paying with 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)
- Paying with IC cards (Suica, PASMO, etc.): Tap the card reader when getting off to complete payment.
How to Buy 1-Day Free Passes (400 JPY)
If you ride the bus 3 or more times in a day, the “1-Day Free Pass” for unlimited rides at 400 JPY is a better deal.
- Where to buy:
- 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 getting off, simply show the date side of the Free Pass clearly to the driver.
Perks Exclusive to the 1-Day Free Pass
Show the Free Pass to get discount perks 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 offers for events, etc. (Varies by facility)
Using the pass well 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 tap the terminal when boarding and getting off.
Question
Can I also buy a 1-Day Free Pass on the bus?
Answer
Yes, you can buy one on the bus.
In addition to the Bus Information Center in front of Morioka Station, you can buy one directly from the driver on the Dendenmushi. While the bus is stopped, say “1-Day Free Pass, please.” (*For smoother boarding, buying ahead at the Morioka Station Information Center—or having exact cash—is recommended when you can)
Question
Clockwise or Counterclockwise—which should I take?
Answer
Choose based on your destination.
If you want to go to Zaimokucho (Kohgensha) or Takuboku’s Newlywed House first, take “Clockwise”; if you want Morioka Castle Site Park, Morioka Bus Center, or the Saien area first, take “Counterclockwise”—that gets you there soonest.
Question
I have a lot of luggage; can I bring a stroller or a large suitcase on board?
Answer
You can ride.
It runs on regular route buses (large and medium-sized), so you can bring strollers or hand luggage on board. During tourist season or commuting and school hours, though, the bus can get crowded—we recommend storing large luggage in coin lockers at Morioka Station or similar before you explore.
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, you can freely mix them—for example, “Counterclockwise” outbound and “Clockwise” on the way back.
Summary: “Dendenmushi”
The Morioka City Center Loop Bus “Dendenmushi” is essential public transport for travelers who want to tour major tourist spots efficiently from Morioka Station. Beyond the low 150 JPY per ride, the 1-day unlimited Free Pass (400 JPY) lets you stroll the city freely without worrying about small change. Even on a first trip to Morioka, its greatest appeal is moving around confidently without getting lost, thanks to a route that covers the classic tourist spots.
- Two routes to choose from: Pick by 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 value: Beyond the flat 150 JPY per ride, if you ride 3 or more times, the “1-Day Free Pass” at 400 JPY is by far the better deal.
- High convenience: Nationwide transportation IC cards such as Suica and PASMO work here, and with service about every 15 to 20 minutes, you can plan sightseeing without stressing over timetables.
- Sightseeing perks: Show the 1-Day Free Pass for benefits such as discounts at major city facilities, including the History and Culture Museum.
Making getting around Morioka City cheap and smooth, “Dendenmushi” is a real ally for sightseeing here. You can also ride with strollers or large luggage (take care when it is crowded), so it suits a wide range of travelers. Make good use of the Free Pass and enjoy Morioka’s retro streetscapes, history, and food to the fullest.
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.
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