IwateLeisure

Stroll through the castle ruins park with stone walls and greenery, taking in views of Mt. Iwate and the Kitakami River from the main citadel ruins

About this spot

A park developed on the site of Morioka Castle (盛岡城) built by the Nanbu clan during the Keichō period, affectionately known by residents as "Iwate Park" (岩手公園). The granite stone walls are impressive, ranking among the largest in Japan, and simply walking through the lush gardens allows you to slowly experience the history of the castle town. From the open space at the main citadel ruins, you can command a sweeping view of the majestic Mt. Iwate and the Kitakami River where tonight's fireworks will light the sky—a fitting vista for the beginning of your day. The summer tree shade provides shelter from the sun, making the daytime stroll relatively pleasant. Enjoy the seasonal flowers and the songs of wild birds as you take a leisurely walk through the park.

Fireworks details

Name: 盛岡花火の祭典

Date & time: 8/11 (Tue, hol.) 19:25–20:30

Venue: 盛岡市・都南大橋下流北上川河川敷

盛岡花火の祭典は、北上川の雄大な流れを舞台に開催される盛岡の夏を代表する花火大会です。会場の都南大橋下流北上川河川敷からは、川の上空に大きく開く花火を正面から見上げることができます。川面に映る光の揺らめきと夜空の花火が重なる景色は、川沿いの花火大会ならではの幻想的な美しさです。北上川を渡る川風の涼しさの中、打ち上げのたびに響く音の迫力とともに、盛岡の夏の夜を存分に楽しみましょう。フィナーレの余韻に浸ったら、混雑が落ち着くのを待ってからゆっくり帰路につくのがおすすめです。

Tips

開催可否は荒天時に変更・中止となる場合があるため、当日は大会公式の発表を必ず確認してください。終了後は周辺道路と公共交通機関が大変混み合います。帰りのバスや電車の時刻は事前に調べておき、フィナーレ後は少し時間をおいてから移動するとスムーズです。足元が暗くなるので小さなライトがあると安心です。

Source: ccimorioka.or.jp

Tips

About 10 minutes by bus from the east exit of Morioka Station (盛岡駅東口), or about 20 minutes on foot. Admission is free. The grounds are uneven, so wear comfortable walking shoes. The stone steps to the main citadel ruins are somewhat steep, so hold small children's hands. The adjacent Morioka History and Culture Museum is also worth visiting to better understand the castle's history.