[2025 Morioka Attraction] Travel Guide for Morioka Hachimangu Shrine (Updated Aug)

Traveling from Tokyo to Morioka, a town in Iwate Prefecture in the Tohoku region, this is my second visit to Morioka. The first time was in spring, to see the cherry blossoms in full bloom at Kitakami. This time, also in spring, I came to see the Dragon Eye at Hachimantai in Akita Prefecture. Since I'm staying overnight, I must take a stroll around the town, stopping by Morioka Hachimangu Shrine, the town's important temple, to pray for good fortune. Then, I continued walking and taking pictures around the Kitakami River bridge. The weather was great, the flowers beautiful, and the walk was absolutely enjoyable. Along the way, I stopped by various fruit shops and snack stores. It's easy to walk around, and the weather is nice. If you have the chance, come and visit this town.

[Access] About 15 minutes by taxi from Morioka Station [Points] ~A must-see for sightseeing in Morioka city~ Morioka Hachiman Shrine is said to have been built in 1680 by Lord Nanbu Shigenobu. The gods enshrined at Morioka Hachiman Shrine are said to be the gods of the roots of human life, such as agriculture, industry, commerce, learning, and food, clothing, and shelter. It is said to be the largest shrine in the prefecture, so be sure to visit it when you are sightseeing in the city. *Information as of May 2023. #Tourist Spots

Day 1️⃣ 📍Pyonpyonsha🍜Cold Noodles Location: Basement 1, "Fezan Odensekan" at Morioka Station ・Authentic Morioka Cold Noodles (Strong-flavored, Beef Bone Soup) 📍Hoonji Temple⛩️ ・Famous for its 500 Arhat Statues (Edo-period, expressive wooden architecture) Designated a Tangible Cultural Property by Morioka City 📍Mitsuishi Shrine👹 ・Benefits: Matchmaking, safe childbirth, fertility Three giant natural stones Power Spot of the Divine Body 📍Morioka Hachimangu Shrine⛩️ ・Benefits: Famous for luck, protection from evil, and matchmaking. Features a gorgeous shrine building and spacious grounds. 📍Morioka Bus Center🚌 ・The building features a cafe, bakery, tourist information center, accommodation, and hot spring facilities. A stylish spot. Day 2️⃣ 📍Iwate Bank Red Brick Building🏦 ・Meiji-era architecture. Designed by architect Tatsuno Kingo (who also designed Tokyo Station). Visit (¥300 for adults). 📍Sakurayama Shrine⛩️ ・A huge natural rock called Eboshiiwa (Eboshi Rock) is located within the shrine grounds and is a must-see. Benefits: Good luck in gambling, career advancement. 📍Morioka History and Culture Museum📚 ・Introduces the history of the Nanbu Domain, Morioka Castle, and more. 📍Birthplace of Nitobe Inazo💴 ・A memorial to educators. Famous for its portrait on the 5,000 yen bill. 📍Jajamen🍜Hakuryu ・A famous restaurant that boasts one of the "Three Great Noodles of Morioka." The highlight is adding vinegar, chili oil, garlic, and other seasonings before eating. 📍Morioka Juichiya🍶 ・Famous Iwate sakes: Kikuno Tsukasa, Nanbu Bijin, Asakai, etc. 📍Former Shoichiro Ishii Residence🏠 ・Modern architecture blending Japanese and Western styles. Born in Morioka. Businessman. Politician. Contributed to the development of Nanbu ironware. Only the exterior can be viewed (public openings irregular). 📍Asabiraki Brewery🍶 ・Clear, crisp sake made with underground water from Mt. Iwate. Active in overseas exports and collaborative products (English name "ASABIRAKI"). Enjoy tastings. #Japan Travel Guide #My Travel Plan #Bullet Train #Morioka Sightseeing #Jajamen #Morioka Cold Noodles #Daiginjo Asakai

This is a large shrine in Morioka, Iwate Prefecture. It is famous for its Chagu Chagu Umako. I think it is within walking distance if you go sightseeing around Morioka Station. There is a large parking lot. There is also a tea shop. It was rebuilt in 2006 and was beautiful. I visited in the evening, so it was empty. There was a stand to put your smartphone so you can take photos with the temple grounds in the background, which was great 😂 (it doesn't fit with a selfie stick) I was able to take a nice commemorative photo 🎶 In addition to fortune-telling slips and votive plaques, there were also gourds. They also sold a lot of charms. The weather wasn't the best, but if it had been sunny, I think I would have been able to take more colorful photos!! Address: 13-1 Hachiman-cho, Morioka City, Iwate Prefecture 020-0872 Opening hours: 9:00-17:00 (from Google Maps) #EnjoyJapan#Iwate #MoriokaTourism #MoriokaHachimangu Shrine

#aprilblooms It is said that it was built in 1680 by Nanbu Shigenobu, the third lord of the Mutsu Morioka Domain. It is the best shrine in the prefecture, and there are a total of 12 shrines located in the precincts. The gods who are closely related to life, such as agriculture, commerce and industry, learning, food, clothing and housing, are enshrined. The shrine has been rebuilt repeatedly after disasters such as the Morioka Great Fire in 1884 and wind and snow damage, and the current shrine was rebuilt in 1997. Taisha-den, which has a sculpture of paulownia flowers, which is a prefectural flower, on a bright vermilion paint, is popular as the face of Morioka.

This time I went to Iwate Hanamaki Morioka for a self-guided tour. I didn't expect to encounter heavy snow before departure. I drove for two days to visit Genbikei, Geibikei, Tazawako, and Akita's Bujiashiki. The snow made this trip more beautiful. There are not many tourists in Tohoku in winter, and there is less noise and more tranquility. The whole trip was very leisurely and I enjoyed the slow life in Tohoku, which is very different from the summer. I felt very friendly wherever I went. Iwate is really suitable for slow travel. I will definitely arrange to visit again if I have the chance. 💞Recommended reason: slow travel, leisure, beautiful scenery 💰Per capita consumption: Medium Day 2: Yanbi Gorge, Geibike Gorge Day 3: Lake Tazawa, Kakunodate Samurai Yashiki Street, Michinoku Akita Pudding Shop Day 3: Morioka Castle Ruins, Morioka Hachimangu Shrine, Iwate Bank Red Brick Building 【Must-eat food】 1. Shengluoge + BBQ cold noodles (warm noodles) 2. Sakura no Sato + Oyakodon, skewers 3. Hakuryu + Morioka Jjajangmyeon. Ramen (I’ve tried it before) 【Accommodation recommendation】 Morioka Hotel Name: Richmond Hotel Hotel address〒020-0034 9-17 Morioka Station, Morioka-mae-dori, Morioka City, Iwate Prefecture

📍Location: Morioka Hachimangu Shrine ⌚️Business hours: 09:00-17:00 💰Fee: Free This time in Morioka, in addition to tasting Morioka cold noodles and enjoying the beautiful scenery of Iwate Mountain, I especially wanted to find a quiet place to walk, so I came to the most representative shrine in the area - Morioka Hachimangu Shrine. Quiet approach to the shrine and the majestic main hall As soon as you enter the shrine, you will see the tall red torii gate, which, along with the towering trees on both sides of the approach, gives you a solemn and peaceful atmosphere. It is said that this place has a history of more than 300 years and is mainly dedicated to Hachiman Omikami, who blesses military luck, career prosperity, and family peace. When you walk to the main hall, the sunlight shines through the leaves onto the vermilion building, making it look particularly sacred. I followed the Japanese way of worshipping, washing my hands and body in the hand-washing pavilion, then gently ringing the bell, inserting coins, and clapping my hands to pray. This process allows people to calm down unconsciously and temporarily escape from the daily hustle and bustle. For me, Morioka Hachimangu Shrine is not just a tourist attraction, but a place where people can slow down and quietly experience traditional culture. Next time you come to Morioka, don’t forget to come here for a walk. Perhaps you can find your own peaceful moment among the red buildings and ancient trees. Especially in the cold winter, the silvery white snow falls on the shrine, which is very wonderful #JanuaryGoodDestinations2025 #TokyoItinerary #Morioka #JapanTohoku #JapanTravel

Morioka Hachimangu Shrine is a Shinto shrine located in Morioka City, Iwate Prefecture. Previously classified as a prefectural shrine, it is now listed as a special shrine under the Association of Shinto Shrines. It is considered the guardian shrine of Morioka and is known for its traditional events such as the Chagu Chagu Umakko horse festival, the float festival during the annual festival, and the Yabusame horseback archery ritual. The grand shrine pavilion, adorned with vivid carvings and painted in bright vermilion, exudes a dignified presence as the new 'face of Morioka.' As the largest shrine in the prefecture and a cornerstone of faith and celebrations in people's lives, it continues to attract many visitors throughout the year. We offer various life ceremonies such as Shinto weddings, Miyamairi (newborn shrine visits), and Shichi-Go-San (celebrations for children aged 3, 5, and 7), as well as prayers, celebrations, and exorcisms. The annual Morioka Hachimangu Grand Festival is also a well-established autumn event in Morioka.

One of Morioka's most powerful spots! Iwate's largest shrine 🙏🏻 Morioka Hachimangu Shrine is known as the largest shrine in Iwate, and is a power spot where many gods gather ⛩️ It was summer pilgrimage season, so people were making wishes with wind chimes 🎐 There was also a water fortune telling where the letters appear when you use water, so it was a summery way to enjoy it ☀️ 🕐Business hours: 9:00-17:00 📍Address: 13-1 Hachiman-cho, Morioka City, Iwate Prefecture - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Thank you for reading to the end ✨I'm an office worker with weekends off, but I enjoy planning and using my paid leave and weekend trips. I want to know about places like this! I want to go here! We look forward to your comments! #MoriokaTourism #MoriokaTrip #IwateTrip #IwateBank #SummerPhoto

In Morioka City, Iwate Prefecture, Japan, I visited the solemn Iwate Gokoku Shrine, a place full of historical significance and spiritual ambiance. I captured five photos to document this profound visit. The Iwate Gokoku Shrine is located in a tranquil area of Morioka City and is a shrine dedicated to the spirits of war heroes. As I entered the shrine, I was immediately captivated by its solemn atmosphere and the beautiful natural scenery. The shrine's main hall is designed with simplicity and dignity, surrounded by tall trees and delicate plants, creating a sense of peace and tranquility. Inside the shrine, I paid my respects at the main hall and other important altars, feeling the sacredness and solemnity of the place. Every detail showed respect for the war heroes, inspiring awe. I prayed quietly here, feeling inner peace and pleasure. The shrine's garden is also a place worth appreciating, where the natural landscape and architecture blend perfectly, forming a harmonious picture. I strolled through the garden, enjoying the surrounding beauty and feeling the power of nature and spiritual enlightenment. What particularly impressed me were the monuments and sculptures within the shrine, which displayed respect and remembrance for history and ancestors. I captured these solemn scenes, hoping to share this sacredness and beauty with everyone. This visit to the Iwate Gokoku Shrine not only allowed me to understand Japanese history and culture but also made me feel the spirituality and tranquility of the place. I will forever treasure this beautiful memory and look forward to returning here in the future to experience more of the beauty of history and spirituality.

Next to the Morioka Hachimangu Shrine in Morioka City, Iwate Prefecture, Japan, I visited the Iwawashiyama Stone Monument, which is a monument full of historical and cultural value. I took three photos to record this inspiring visit. The Iwawashiyama Stone Monument is located near the entrance of Morioka Hachimangu Shrine. This stone monument is tall and solemn, showing profound historical and cultural significance. Approaching the stone monument, I was immediately attracted by its exquisite carvings and detailed inscriptions. The design of the stele is full of history, and every detail shows the important position of this stele in local culture. According to the description on the tourist sign, Mount Iwate is another name for Mount Iwate. This stone monument was originally located in Jinmei Town and was built by Tatsumiya Yusuke and others in the third month of Wushen in the fifth year of Honghua. The stele was originally built in the house of Shugensoro Iwawashiyama Jikobo (Kamisha Betsudo) in the enclosure. Jikobo had the format of a mountain (Iwate) representative during the feudal period. After completing the mission, Ziguangfang and many serving monks performed the protecting ceremony in front of the stone tablet, and removed their costumes, breaking away from the format of serving as a minister for the Lord. There is also a legend about this stone monument: when a certain samurai passed by this place on a dark night, he saw a huge monster in front of him. He drew his knife and chopped it off. Later he found that it was actually a stone tablet, and there were knife marks on the back of the stone tablet. After the Meiji Restoration, Jinmeisha Shrine was abandoned. However, because of the worship of nearby residents, the residents of Hachiman Town moved the monument to the pine forest in Hachimangu Shrine on May 23, Meiji 26th year (now Meiji The place where the icon of the Great Emperor was built). In addition to the stone monument itself, the surrounding environment is also very beautiful. The green trees, flowers and stone monuments of Morioka Hachimangu Shrine complement each other, creating a peaceful and solemn atmosphere. I prayed quietly here and felt inner peace and joy. This visit to the Iwajiu Mountain Stone Monument not only allowed me to learn more about local history, but also allowed me to feel the history and culture of this city. I will cherish this wonderful memory forever and look forward to coming here again in the future to explore more history and beauty. #伊淹山石典 #Morioka Hachimangu Shrine #Japanese History #Cultural Exploration #Travel Memories

In Morioka City, Iwate Prefecture, Japan, next to Morioka Hachimangu, I visited the Meiji Emperor statue, a monument of great historical significance and cultural value. I took three photos to document this inspiring visit. The Meiji Emperor statue is located at the entrance of Morioka Hachimangu, and the statue is tall and majestic, displaying the dignity and historical status of Emperor Meiji. As I approached the statue, I was immediately captivated by its exquisite craftsmanship and details. The design of the statue is full of historical sense, and every detail showcases the important position of Emperor Meiji in Japanese history. In front of the statue, I learned a lot about the history and stories of Emperor Meiji. Emperor Meiji was the promoter of Japan's modernization, and under his rule, Japan underwent significant changes, transforming from a feudal society into a modern state. I felt the profound historical significance and cultural value behind this statue. Besides the statue itself, the surrounding environment is also very beautiful. The green trees and flowers of Morioka Hachimangu complement the statue, creating a tranquil and solemn atmosphere. I prayed here in silence, feeling the peace and joy in my heart. This visit to the Meiji Emperor statue not only allowed me to learn more about the modern history of Japan but also made me feel the history and culture of this city. I will always cherish these beautiful memories and look forward to coming back here in the future to explore more history and beauty.

In Morioka City, Iwate Prefecture, Japan, I visited the Morioka Hachimangu Shrine, a place filled with spiritual and cultural charm. I took thirteen photos to document this unforgettable visit. Morioka Hachimangu is renowned for its ancient architecture and sacred atmosphere. As I stepped into the shrine, I was immediately captivated by its magnificent torii gate and exquisite main hall. The architecture here blends traditional Shinto styles, with every detail showcasing exquisite craftsmanship and design. Inside the shrine, I paid my respects at the main hall and other important altars, feeling the spiritual power of the place. The interior decorations are simple yet solemn, enshrining the deity Hachiman, symbolizing protection and prosperity. I prayed quietly here, feeling a sense of peace and joy within. The natural scenery surrounding the shrine is also exceptionally beautiful. The trees and flowers complement each other, creating a harmonious and tranquil atmosphere. I strolled through the shrine's garden, admiring the surrounding beauty, with every corner filled with natural harmony and beauty. What impressed me the most were the various stone lanterns and carvings within the shrine. These elements added a sense of history and artistic value to the shrine. I captured these beautiful scenes in photos, hoping to share this sacred and beautiful experience with everyone. Morioka Hachimangu also frequently hosts various traditional festivals, attracting many local residents and tourists, bringing vitality and energy to the shrine. Although I didn't encounter any festivals this time, I felt the warmth and welcome of the place. This visit to Morioka Hachimangu not only allowed me to feel the power of traditional Japanese beliefs but also provided a moment of peace and relaxation in my busy life. I will forever cherish these beautiful memories and look forward to returning in the future to experience more of its spirituality and beauty.

Morioka Hachimangu Shrine is located in the heart of Morioka City. As soon as I entered the gate of the palace, I felt a solemn and sacred atmosphere. The ancient architecture and exquisite carvings showcase the unique aesthetics of traditional Japanese shrines. As I entered the palace, I saw the shrine dedicated to Hachiman-Omikami, a holy place where local people pray for luck and protection. 😮⛩️🙏 The shrine gardens of Morioka Hachimangu Shrine are filled with beautiful scenery, with fields of spring flowers in full bloom, adding a beautiful atmosphere to the entire palace. I strolled through it and felt the vitality and beauty of spring. This feeling of being one with nature brings peace and tranquility to my soul. 🌸🌸🌸🍃 Morioka Hachimangu Shrine is also an important cultural heritage, rich in history and tradition. In the museum inside the palace, I saw many ancient cultural relics and artworks, including ancient artifacts and handed down documents. These precious exhibits gave me a deeper understanding of Japanese history and culture. 📜🖼️🏺 During the visit, people wore traditional costumes, held blessing ceremonies and performances, which made me feel the strong traditional atmosphere and the power of unity. I can feel people's piety and awe of the gods, and this sense of participation makes me feel warm and moved. 🎎🎉🙌 Morioka Hachimangu Shrine is a place that fills me with mystery and awe. Its beautiful architecture, gorgeous gardens and time-honored cultural traditions made me feel the power and beauty of the ancient divine realm. If you are interested in Japanese culture and religion, why not come to Morioka Hachimangu Shrine to find out! ⛩️🔮🌸 #Morioka Hachimangu #MysteriousExperience #JapaneseCulture #AncientShrine #Must-visitSpotsInJapan