The city of Morioka in Iwate Prefecture has been chosen as one of the "52 Places to Go in 2023" by The New York Times (NYT). In the article, writer and photographer Craig Mod introduces Morioka as a captivating city with a highly walkable city center, historic buildings, meandering rivers, and transformed castle ruins that create its charm.
・A knowledgeable guide, well-versed in the city of Morioka, will accompany you, showcasing the city's diverse expressions throughout the seasons.・While the general itinerary is pre-determined, the guide will adjust the time allocation according to your interests and preferences, ensuring a personalized experience.・The tour includes a visit to the local shopping street during the city walk.
・The tour starts from the front entrance of "Cross Terrace Morioka." ・Known as the "Wall Street of Morioka," this place served as a bank during the Meiji to Heisei periods and played an integral role in the lives of the city's residents. However, its banking role has now come to an end. ・ Morioka Castle Ruins Park preserves the remains of Nanbu Morioka, the former castle town of Morioka, which flourished during the Edo period. Throughout the seasons, visitors can enjoy picturesque views, including cherry blossoms in spring, lush greenery in summer, vibrant autumn foliage, and snowy landscapes in winter. ・Morioka is not only known for its specialty coffee shops with unique roasting techniques but also for its coffee culture deeply ingrained in the daily lives of its residents, who take pride in grinding their own coffee beans at home. Cafés are also an enjoyable part of the city's coffee culture. ・As a brief stop, you will encounter Morioka's traditions at the Local Kraft Factory, where you can explore Nanbu Senbei (rice crackers), Nanbu Tekki (cast ironware), Shikon-zome (traditional dyeing), and the Gozaku Shop.
・The tour requires a minimum of two participants. ・Please note that this is not a private tour, and you may be joining other customers for the city walk. ・The tour will proceed even on rainy or snowy days. For the summer and winter seasons, we recommend wearing appropriate clothing for temperature regulation and comfortable shoes for walking. ・In the event of unexpected circumstances leading to the closure of a designated stop, please understand that the visiting location may be changed. In such cases, an alternative location will be arranged. ・Please arrive at the meeting point well in advance of the scheduled departure. ・When making a reservation, please be sure to select your preferred language and desired start time. ・If you have any allergies to soba noodles, please consult in advance. ・ The Wanko Soba meal may be served in stacked bowls, and there may be a wait depending on the restaurant's congestion.
・Please print and bring the voucher. ・Please arrive at the meeting point 10 minutes before the scheduled assembly time. ・If you do not arrive within 15 minutes after the departure time, your reservation will be canceled, and no refunds will be provided. ・If you are feeling unwell on the day of the tour, please refrain from participating. ・In the event of inclement weather or any safety concerns determined by the guide (even during the tour), the tour may be canceled. ・Please exercise caution and be mindful of regular bicycles and vehicles as you explore the public roads used by local residents. ・At the LACAL KRAFT FACTORY, cash payment may be required, so please prepare Japanese yen if necessary.