'''Morioka''' (____) is in the capital of Iwate Prefecture, Japan.
Get in
By train
Morioka is a major train station on the '''Tohoku Shinkansen''' line.
The fastest Shinkansen services from Tokyo to Morioka are the all reserved '''Komachi''' and '''Hayate''', which normally run coupled together as a single train. The ride takes 2 1/2 hours at a cost of ¥14040 each way, so you may want to consider purchasing a '''Japan Rail Pass''' beforehand.
From points west of Tokyo, you can take the '''Tokaido Shinkansen''' and switch in Tokyo to the Komachi or Hayate.
By bus
An overnight bus service, the ''Rakuchin'', runs twice nightly from Tokyo Station to Morioka (about 7 1/2 hours, ¥7850 one way). Other companies offer cheaper, less comfortable rides for as little as 5000 yen.
Get around
See
Do
Morioka has a number of popular festivals.
'''Chagu Chagu Umakko''', 2nd Saturday of June. A parade of 100 colorfully decorated horses.
'''Sansa Odori''', August 1-3. The much anticipated summer taiko (Japanese drum festival. Approximately 100,000 participating taiko players, flute players, and dancers parade down the main street, Odori. After the performance is finished, viewers can join in and dance in the street with the performers as a part of "Wa Daiko". A unique vibe, and absolutely free!
'''Funekko Nagashi''', August 16th.
'''Hachiman Shrine Festival''', September 14-16.
Buy
Nambu Sembei - Morioka's traditional wheat crackers.
Nambu Ironware
Chagu Chagu Umakko - Kids' toy horse.
Eat
'''Morioka Reimen''' (________) - Spicy Cold Noodles severd with half a boiled egg, kim-chi and slide of either apple, watermelon or both.
'''Wankosoba''' (__________) - Small servings of soba, served "all you can eat".
'''Morioka Jajamen''' (______________) - Chinese Style noodles with miso.
Drink
Morioka is a small city, but it offers a number of good drinking options. The water in the area is clean and pure so there are a number of sake breweries.
Japanese style 'Izakaya' bars are everywhere, and there are also some German style beer breweries which offer a variety of brews.
'''Ootaru''', Oodori (''15 minutes walk from the station''). Japanese-style eatery with Asahi on tap and ¥1500 2.5hr ''nomihodai'' (all you can drink) deals. Try the Pizza.
As with most cities in Japan, Karaoke is a good drinking option, especially if you have a large group. Most places are ¥1000 an hour, including drinks. A good place is right off Oodori on the forth floor across the street from Ootaru.
Sleep
''''''FACES'''''' is a western-style and western-owned bar and club near the movie theaters on Eigakan Dori (movie theater street). Great place to meet other English speakers!
Get out