[Iwate] Feel nostalgic! Travel back in time to the Meiji era with a retro walk around Morioka Station

Morioka Station, located in the center of Iwate Prefecture, once flourished as the castle town of the Nanbu clan. Historical buildings and old townhouses built during the Meiji period still remain, so take a stroll and enjoy the retro atmosphere. There are also cute general stores and delicious restaurants worth stopping by

Iwate Bank Nakanohashi Branch

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Once you arrive at JR Iwate Station, first board the Morioka City Center Loop Bus Dendenmushi (counterclockwise) and get off at Morioka Bus Center
You will see the Iwate Bank Nakanohashi Branch. With its impressive red brick construction and dome-shaped roof, which is a symbol of Renaissance architecture, the Iwate Bank Nakanohashi Branch is a symbol of Morioka City
It's amazing to know that it has been operating as a bank since it was completed in 1911. Be sure to take a commemorative photo here

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Kamadate

Leaving the Nakanobashi branch of Iwate Bank, a two-minute walk will bring you to a retro shop with the word "Kama" (kettle) written on it.
This is Kamasada, a renowned shop specializing in Nanbu ironware, which has been in business since the Meiji era. It is famous as a long-established shop of Nanbu ironware, a specialty of Iwate, and is a world-renowned shop whose products have even been exhibited at MoMA.
Frying pans and pots are relatively reasonably priced at 3,000 to 5,000 yen, so why not buy one as a souvenir? While cherishing tradition, they also incorporate modern designs, making them very stylish.

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Taga Public Hall

If you get tired from walking, take a break and have a meal at a restaurant. Kokaido Taga, located in front of Iwate Prefectural and City Hall, is a long-established French restaurant with a classic atmosphere. It is known that Nitobe Inazo once frequented it. Although it has been over 80 years since it opened, the interior of the restaurant has remained unchanged since its founding. Although it is a famous restaurant, the chef's recommended lunch is reasonably priced at around 1,300 yen, and the specialty hayashi rice is around 500 yen, making it a great place to stop by

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Upper Bridge

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Once you've had your fill, try walking north along the Nakatsugawa River. You'll see the upper bridge with its impressive wooden railings. Built in 1619, the bridge's railings are made with bronze giboju, a rare find in Japan. Walking while watching the river flow is sure to put you in a relaxed mood

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Kogensha

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The last stop on your Morioka Retro Walk is Mitsuharasha Shrine, located along the Kitakami River. It's a little far from the upper bridge, so we recommend taking the Dendenmushi train back to Morioka Station and sightseeing there
This publishing house is known for publishing "The Restaurant of Many Orders" by Miyazawa Kenji, a famous literary figure from Hanamaki City, Iwate Prefecture, and currently sells and exhibits folk crafts. The "The Restaurant of Many Orders" postcard set is very popular
There is also a coffee shop inside the company where you can enjoy a cup of coffee in a retro atmosphere. If you are a fan of Miyazawa Kenji, this is a must-visit spot

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summary

It's nice to take a leisurely half-day walk, or a quick one in about an hour. You'll be able to trace the history of Morioka City, which flourished from the Meiji to Taisho eras. This is also a recommended walking route for those who are in Morioka on a business trip but don't have time to sightsee