[Iwate Prefecture] Why is Iwate/Morioka called that? Find out the origin of place names!

Iwate Prefecture is full of attractions, including food culture such as Wanko Soba, Morioka Reimen, and Jajamen, as well as historical heritage sites such as Motsuji Temple and Chusonji Temple, but have you ever wondered why Iwate Prefecture was given the name Iwate? mosquito?

Many people may know the place names of Iwate Prefecture and Morioka City, but may not know the history of the place names. In this article, we will introduce the origin of the place names Iwate and Morioka and the history of the birth of the current Iwate prefecture.

What is the origin of the place name “Iwate”?

The origin of Iwate is related to an ancient tradition. There are several theories, but this time I will introduce the story of ``Mitsuishi-sama and the Rakshasa Demon'', which is often talked about.

Mitsuishi Shrine, located in Mitswari, Morioka City, has three large rocks with shimenawa ropes tied to them. The three rocks are said to have been blown away by the eruption of Mt. Iwate, and were worshiped by people under the name "Mitsuishi-sama."

In the past, a demon called the Rakshasa demon was causing trouble to the village and travelers, so he asked Mitsuishi-sama to punish the demon. Then, the demon was tied to three large rocks by God.

The Rakshasa demon was surprised and promised not to do anything bad again, so Mitsuishi-sama ordered him to leave a proof that he would never do anything bad again. It is said that the Rakshasa demon left a handprint on Mitsuishi and fled to the other side of Mt. Nanchang.

The above is a legend, and the place name ``Iwate'' is said to have come from ``a handprint left on a rock.'' It is said that even now, after the rain, you can see a faint handprint-like silhouette.

What is the origin of the place name “Morioka”?

There are several theories about the origin of Morioka, and this time we will introduce the most likely one, ``the name change due to the castle being moved.''

In the Edo period, around 1615, when the Nambu clan moved their castle to Kozukata, which is present-day Morioka, they decided to move the castle to Morigaoka, which was thought to have the meaning of ``an area where few people visit'' that was bad luck. ” was changed.

After that, Morigaoka changed to ``Morioka'', and ``Mori'', which has the same sound as ``forest'' and has the meaning of excitement, was adopted, and it is said that Morioka became ``Oka that flourishes and flourishes''.

Progress from Morioka Prefecture to Iwate Prefecture

It has a long history before becoming Iwate Prefecture. In particular, we will start with the Edo period, where the name Morioka appears.

During the Edo period, the northern part of present-day Iwate Prefecture was ruled by the Nanbu clan of the Morioka and Hachinohe clans, and the southern part was ruled by the Date clan of the Sendai and Ichinoseki clans.

However, with the end of the Edo period and the Boshin War (1868), the situation began to change. The Ou-etsu clan alliance was formed by the clans of Mutsu, Dewa, and Echigo provinces to rebel against the Meiji government, and fought the Boshin War, but was defeated. The Iwate area came under the jurisdiction of the new Meiji government.

In July 1898, due to financial difficulties, the Morioka domain became the first in the country to abolish the domain and create a prefecture, becoming Morioka Prefecture. Over the next year and a half, there were repeated mergers and name changes, and in January 1899, Morioka Prefecture was renamed Iwate Prefecture. The current prefectural area was finally determined in May 1876.

3 spots where you can learn about the origins of Iwate Prefecture

Here are three spots that anyone interested in the history of Iwate Prefecture and Morioka City should definitely visit. It's even more interesting when you actually learn about the history with your own eyes.

Iwate Prefectural Museum

The Iwate Prefectural Museum is a facility where you can learn about Iwate Prefecture's natural and cultural history through geological, archeological, historical, folklore, and biological materials. At the ``Iwate no Hiroki'' booth, you can learn about the history of Iwate Prefecture from ancient times to modern times through valuable exhibits.

We also hold hands-on events for children such as ``making fossil replicas'' and ``making pottery'' every Sunday from 1:00pm to 2:00pm, so we recommend visiting with your family.

Iwate Prefectural Museum <Information>

• Name: Iwate Prefectural Museum
• Address: 34 Ueda Matsuyashiki, Morioka City, Iwate Prefecture
• Business hours: Tuesday-Sunday 9:30-16:30
• Phone number: 019-661-2831
• Official URL: Iwate Prefectural Museum

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Morioka History and Culture Museum

This is a facility where you can learn about the history of the castle town of Morioka. The museum has a collection of exhibits that give a glimpse into the state of Morioka Castle before it was built and the lives of people during the Edo period.

In addition to materials, other attractive exhibits include a life-size model of Morioka's traditional festival ``Chagu Chagu Umako'' and a booth that recreates a townhouse from the Morioka clan era.

Morioka History and Culture Museum＜Information＞

• Name: Morioka History and Culture Museum
• Address: 1-50 Maru, Morioka City, Iwate Prefecture
• Business hours: 9:00-19:00
• Phone number: 019-681-2100
• Official URL: Morioka History and Culture Museum

Google Maps

Morioka castle ruins

Although the castle itself does not remain, the stone walls and moat do exist. The area around the castle ruins is a park, so we recommend taking a leisurely stroll while feeling the history.

The top is also a photo spot where you can get a panoramic view of Morioka city.

Morioka Castle Ruins Park＜Information＞

• Name: Morioka Castle Ruins Park
• Address: 1-37 Morioka City Maru, Iwate Prefecture
• Business hours: -
• Phone number: 019-639-9057
• Official URL: Morioka Castle Ruins

Google Maps

Let's go on a journey to feel the history of Iwate and Morioka

This time, we introduced the origins of the place names Iwate and Morioka and the history of the birth of present-day Iwate Prefecture. Place names hide ancient legends and the history of castle architecture.

If you are interested in the origins of Iwate Prefecture, why not take a trip through the area and see it with your own eyes?