Summer Morioka-Hachimantai 2 Nights 3 Days Travel Plan

On the first day, enjoy a delicious meal and stroll around Morioka city in summer.
After cooling off with the famous Morioka cold noodles, take a walk along the Nakatsu River or Morioka Castle Ruins Park (Iwate Park) to enjoy the lush summer scenery. Walking along the historic streets, we also recommend visiting places associated with Ishikawa Takuboku and retro architecture.
If the time is right (August 1-4 every year), go to Morioka Sansa Odori, one of the best summer festivals in Tohoku, in the evening! Feel the heat of summer in Morioka as you enjoy the gorgeous sound of taiko drums and lively dancing up close.

If you come to Iwate, why not try the famous "Wankosoba Challenge"?
Enjoy a unique dining experience as soba is poured into bowls one after another, challenging your limits!
How many cups can you eat?

It is one of the three most representative noodles of Morioka. The noodles are firm and slippery, and the cold broth filled with the flavor of beef and chicken intertwines perfectly with the noodles, which are then served with crunchy kimchi.
The moderate spiciness and refreshing sourness are perfect for hot summer days! One of the pleasures is to compare and contrast the different tastes of each restaurant.

One of the best summer festivals in Tohoku, held every year from August 1 to 4 in Morioka City.
The world's largest taiko drum parade unfolds to the accompaniment of lively shouts, and dancers in gorgeous costumes dance rhythmically.
One of the attractions of the festival is the "Rinodori" (dancing in a circle), which is not only a spectacle to watch, but also an opportunity to jump in and join in, bringing locals and tourists together in a lively atmosphere. It is a truly spectacular festival where you can experience the passionate summer of Morioka!

This area is home to many attractive spots where visitors can experience Morioka's history and nature.
Morioka Castle Ruins Park (Iwate Park) offers magnificent stone walls and beautiful seasonal scenery. Cherry blossoms in spring, greenery in summer, autumn leaves in fall, and snowy scenery in winter, each visit offers a different charm.
Nearby is Sakurayama Shrine, where the "Nanbu Katafuji Great Myojin" is enshrined, which is believed to bring luck in victory and success in school. In addition, visitors can learn about Morioka Castle and the history of the Nanbu Clan at the Morioka History and Culture Museum.
The area around the park is also dotted with cafes and long-established restaurants, where visitors can enjoy gourmet food while strolling through the historic streets.

There are a variety of comfortable hotels in the city, where you can relax after a day of sightseeing and dining. At night, take a stroll through Morioka Castle Ruins Park, which is lit up with lights, or enjoy delicious Iwate cuisine at a local izakaya.

Enjoy the vast wetlands and alpine flora by trekking or hiking, and take in the spectacular views from the top of the mountain. Feel the cool highland breezes as you experience the outdoors surrounded by nature and refresh yourself in the hot springs!

Rent a car in front of Morioka Station and depart for Hachimantai!
If you take the expressway, you can reach the spectacular area surrounded by nature in about 45 minutes by car.
Enjoy a comfortable drive while enjoying the magnificent mountains and beautiful seasonal scenery!

Enjoy mountain activities with a professional guide. On the same site is the Rossignol Bike Center, where you can rent bikes and explore special trails with a guide. (*Reservations required)
At night, go firefly watching. Spend a relaxing time in the quiet forest with the shining light of fireflies.

Capture the beautiful scenery in your photos as you tour the sights of Hachimantai. You will be able to leave behind memories of nature's spectacular scenery and seasonal landscapes.
After a day of sightseeing, return to Morioka and indulge in delicious dishes such as the famous wanko soba, Morioka cold noodles, and jaja-men. To conclude your trip, enjoy Morioka's gourmet cuisine to the fullest!

Walking along a fresh forest path lined with pine trees and cedars more than 200 years old, you will feel the sacred air as you make your way to Sakuramatsu Shrine.
Here, there is a sacred tree that grows while two trees intertwine, and is known as a power spot for romance and good relationships. (*About 10 minutes by car)

As you proceed deeper into the Sakuramatsu Shrine, Fudo Falls appears in the quiet forest. The contrast between the beautiful white waterfall, the red bridge, and the lush green trees creates a spectacular view that soothes visitors.
Why don't you spend a peaceful moment while feeling the energy of nature?

SHIMONO528 is popular for its unusual miso-flavored soft-serve ice cream, a unique item with the perfect combination of sweetness and rich miso flavor. It is also perfect for a break from driving! (*About 5 minutes by car)

At Fusetsu Hana, located in the Yasudairo district of Hachimantai City, you can taste four types of tofu (brown, black, white, and blue) made from carefully selected ingredients from all over Japan.
In addition to the special yuba tofu, the creamy oboro soft serve ice cream and the special weekend-only croquettes made with yuba are also excellent!
Tofu lovers can enjoy the full flavor of our special soybeans. (*5 minutes by car)

After returning the rental car in front of Morioka Station, enjoy Morioka's specialty, jaja-men for lunch!
Jaja-men, one of the three major types of noodles in Morioka, is an exquisite gourmet dish of sticky flat noodles mixed with special meat miso and condiments.
Among them, "Piron", the birthplace of Morioka jaja-men, is especially famous! Enjoy the authentic taste of jajamen until the end of the meal.