After giving a lecture in Morioka, I spent the afternoon exploring the city on foot. Morioka is known for its history, architecture, local food, and relaxed atmosphere—but on that particular day, the summer heat nearly overwhelmed everything else.
I had been invited to give a lecture in Morioka.
I hesitated a little because it seemed rather far away, but since it was a rare chance to visit Morioka for the first time, I decided to accept.
The lecture finished before noon, leaving me free for the afternoon.
Iwate is the largest of Japan’s prefectures, so I had imagined that Morioka itself would also be very spread out.
In fact, however, most of the notable places were located within a relatively compact area.
Starting from Morioka Station, I crossed the Kitakami River, passed through Morioka Castle Ruins Park, continued as far as Morioka Hachimangu Shrine, and then walked all the way back.
But during the daytime, Morioka was extremely hot.
Unbelievably so.
The humidity may have been slightly lower than in Kamakura, but it was still very hot.
After eating Morioka’s famous reimen cold noodles for lunch, I set off on my walk.
Soon after I started, however, I developed a headache.
The stone walls were remarkably large, suggesting that a magnificent castle must once have stood there.
The water in my bottle was clearly not going to be enough, so I stopped at a convenience store, drank a sports drink, and cooled down for a while.
I asked one of the staff members which places were worth visiting, and then set off again.
Morioka became widely known after being featured second, following London, in The New York Times list “52 Places to Go in 2023.”
Apparently, the city was praised for three main reasons.
First, it does not have the crowds of a major metropolis, making it possible to explore slowly on foot.
Second, its natural surroundings, including Morioka Castle Ruins Park, blend beautifully with Western-influenced Japanese architecture from the Meiji and Taisho eras, such as the Bank of Iwate Red Brick Building.
Third, Morioka has a distinctive local culture, including foods such as wanko soba and reimen—the latter being what I ate—as well as long-established coffee shops and bookstores loved by local residents.
I did not pass anyone who was obviously a foreign tourist.
Then again, in such intense heat, few people would feel inclined to walk around outside.
Perhaps I simply did not encounter anyone quite as foolish as I was.
The New York Times may indeed have been right in describing Morioka as a city with a distinctive and deeply appealing character.
Unfortunately, it was simply too hot to appreciate those qualities properly.
The next time I visit, I should choose a cooler season and travel by car so that I can also explore some of Iwate Prefecture’s other scenic destinations.
Some cities are best appreciated slowly—and preferably in cooler weather.
・・・
lecture
A formal talk given to an audience, often at a university, conference, or professional meeting.
講演、講義。
spread out
Covering a wide geographical area rather than being concentrated in one place.
広範囲に広がっている。
notable
Important, interesting, or worthy of attention.
注目すべき、見る価値のある。
heatstroke
A serious medical condition caused by the body becoming dangerously overheated.
熱中症。
castle ruins
The remains of a castle that no longer exists in its original form.
城跡。
set off
To begin a journey or start going somewhere.
出発する、歩き始める。
Western-influenced Japanese architecture
Japanese architecture incorporating elements of Western design.
西洋建築の影響を受けた日本建築、和洋折衷建築。
long-established
Having existed and operated for many years.
老舗の、長年続いている。
distinctive
Having a special quality that makes something clearly different from others.
独特の、特色のある。
scenic destination
A place known for attractive natural scenery.
景勝地、自然の美しい観光地。
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