morioka, iwate Prefecture
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It’s strange the way some towns just feel comfortable the moment you exit the station. Morioka is one of them, all spick and span in the centre, with a nice river walk and a great view of Mt Iwate in the distance. You can use it as a base for trips out to Kakunodate (the former samurai village) or Chuson-ji Temple or stick to the local sights of the Rock Splitting Cherry Tree, Morioka Castle (especially for the Sakura), Hoonji Temple or Hachimangu Shrine. As for the town itself, it is the capital of Iwate Prefecture, the castle being the seat of power of various clans over the years. Its vibe is definitely one of, ‘I could live here,’ and how cool is the gallery at the top of the station which lets you watch Shinkansen trains come and go!
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Above: Morioka town centre with the gallery at the station showing a Shinkansen ready to go, views towards Mt Iwate, the Rock Splitting Tree and night-time at Takamatsu Park. Below: Morioka Castle.
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Above: Hanami at Morioka Castle. Below: Hachimangu Shrine
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Below: Kakunodate
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Below: Hoonji Temple.
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