Sightseeing– category –

A complete guide to the "Morioka Bus Center," which was renovated in 2022. It is packed with attractions, including a food hall serving signature meat soba and local "Baeren" beer, "KANAN SPA" (complete with a sauna), an art hotel, and a jazz museum. The guide also provides a detailed explanation of what to watch out for regarding the electronic information boards—a common source of confusion for bus passengers.

A walking guide taking you from Nakanohashi to Sakanacho in Morioka. It introduces highlights such as the "Iwate Bank Red Brick Building" (an Important Cultural Property), views of the Nakatsu River, the new "monaka" facility (opened in 2024), the retro "Hot line Sakanacho" arcade, and the "Plaza Odette" tourist hub. Accompanied by photos, the guide showcases the best sights in the Nakanohashi and Sakanacho areas.

Located just a three-minute walk from the West Exit of Morioka Station, the "Marios Observation Room" is a free attraction situated 92 meters above the ground. This article introduces the site with photos, highlighting the panoramic 360-degree views of the majestic Mount Iwate and the cityscape of Morioka, while also providing details on access and opening hours. It is an ideal spot to visit while waiting for your Shinkansen train.

We introduce the charms of the Iwate Bank Red Brick Building—a symbol of sightseeing in Morioka—accompanied by the author's own photographs. This article highlights the beautiful exterior of this Important Cultural Property, which boasts over a century of history, as well as the impressive interior that retains the atmosphere of its original era.

Nestled quietly in the heart of Morioka, "Kogensha" traces its roots back to the printing house that published the first edition of Kenji Miyazawa's *The Restaurant of Many Orders*—a place where the lingering atmosphere of the story still deeply permeates the air. Visitors are free to enter the cobblestone courtyard, where a peaceful ambiance unfolds amidst the interplay of dappled sunlight and the aroma of coffee. In this article, I introduce the world of Kenji Miyazawa at Kogensha, drawing on my own firsthand experiences and photographs.

Morioka is a historic castle town that has preserved the charm of a traditional riverside city. Located a short distance from Morioka Station, **Morioka Hachimangu Shrine** and **Daiji Shimizu Spring**—just a 15-minute walk from the shrine—are two nostalgic attractions that offer a glimpse of old Japan. In this article, we introduce both Daiji Shimizu Spring and Morioka Hachimangu Shrine, featuring original photos taken during the author's visit.

The castle of the Nanbu Domain in Iwate was Kozukata Castle (officially known as Morioka Castle). Here, I would like to introduce the Morioka Castle Ruins Park (also known as Iwate Park), which now serves as a relaxing spot for the citizens of Morioka. It is a pleasant park where one can enjoy nature—with its greenery and water—while also experiencing a sense of history.