Chagu Chagu Umakko: Complete Guide to Morioka's Horse Bell Festival
Plan your visit to Chagu Chagu Umakko: the 14-kilometer horse parade route from Takizawa to Morioka, 2026 shuttle times, and where to watch.
Explore by theme
Morioka travel guides
28 articles
Morioka, Iwate's understated capital, earned a spot on international best-places lists for good reason — a walkable center of Meiji-era buildings, riverside views of Mount Iwate, and a singular noodle culture spanning wanko soba, jajamen, and reimen. These guides cover Morioka's noodles, sights, and its role as a northern Tohoku base.
6 Best Morioka Festivals to Plan a Trip Around (2026 Guide)
The 6 best Morioka festivals for 2026: Sansa Odori, the Autumn Festival, Chagu Chagu Umakko, and more, with dates, crowds, and where to stay.
Morioka Events Calendar: Month-by-Month Festival Guide
Plan around Morioka's 2026 events calendar: dates, prices, and routes for Sansa Odori, Chagu Chagu Umakko, the Fireworks Festival, and the Fall Festival.
Morioka Sansa Odori Guide: World's Largest Taiko Drum Festival
Plan the 2026 Morioka Sansa Odori (Aug 1-4): parade schedule on Chuo-dori, joining the wa-odori dance, seating costs, and Tohoku festival-hopping tips.
6 Best Cafes in Morioka: Specialty Coffee & Historic Kissaten
Discover the best cafes in Morioka, from Nagasawa Coffee to historic kissaten. Get 2026 pricing, etiquette, and neighborhood tips for a coffee crawl.
What to Eat in Morioka: 6 Dishes From the Three Great Noodles to Local Specialties
What to eat in Morioka: the Three Great Noodles (wanko soba, reimen, jajamen), plus Iwate wagyu, Nanbu senbei, and where to find each dish in 2026.
8 Best Izakaya in Morioka: Local Nightlife & Dining Guide
Find the best izakaya in Morioka: nostalgic Sakurayama alleys, Saien bar-hopping, and craft beer near the station. Iwate sake picks and otoshi tips for 2026.
13 Best Restaurants in Morioka (2026 Guide): Noodles, Wagyu, and Izakayas
The best restaurants in Morioka for 2026: 13 picks spanning wanko soba, jaja-men, Iwate Wagyu, eel, and Saien-district izakayas near Morioka Station.
Seasonal Food in Morioka: 2026 Guide to Noodles, Wagyu, Seafood
Plan seasonal food in Morioka around the Three Great Noodles, matsutake and apple season, Sanriku seafood, and Maesawa wagyu, updated for 2026.
Morioka Food Souvenirs and Sweets: A Local Buying Guide
Discover the best Morioka food souvenirs and sweets, from Kamome no Tamago to Nanbu Senbei, plus exactly where to shop at Fesan station.
Best Time To Visit Morioka: A Seasonal Travel Guide
Discover the best time to visit Morioka. Our guide covers seasonal weather, the Sansa Odori festival, cherry blossom peaks, and winter travel tips for Iwate.
6 Best Ways to Get to Morioka
Discover the fastest and cheapest ways to get to Morioka. Includes Shinkansen times, JAL flight discounts, and the new 2026 JR East Pass updates.