Enjoy Morioka's Local Cuisine & Hike Mt. Iwate and Hachimantai – Easy Access from the City!

When in Morioka, don’t miss the city’s "Three Great Noodles." The most iconic is Wanko Soba, served in bite-sized portions with servers cheering you on as you eat. It's not just a meal—it’s a fun, interactive food challenge. Try to beat your record and aim for over 100 bowls! Some restaurants even award certificates or souvenirs based on your total count.

Wanko Soba is more than food—it's cultural entertainment. You can enjoy different flavors by switching up dipping sauces and toppings, and side dishes like tempura or mountain vegetables deepen the experience.

Morioka Reimen is another local favorite, inspired by Korean-style cold noodles. With firm, chewy noodles and a refreshing, flavorful broth, it’s customizable in spice level, making it suitable for everyone. Topped with fruits like watermelon or pear, it leaves a clean and light finish. It's often served in yakiniku restaurants and pairs well with grilled meats.

The highlight of Morioka Reimen is the balance between its rich beef-bone broth and elastic noodles. Adding kimchi creates a spicy contrast that elevates the dish—perfect for cooling down in the summer. Each restaurant has its own spin, making taste comparisons part of the fun.

Jajamen is the third must-try, featuring thick flat noodles topped with rich miso meat sauce. Mix in your preferred amount of vinegar, garlic, and chili oil to taste. After finishing the noodles, ask for “Chitantan”—a broth-and-egg risotto-style finisher that makes for a satisfying end. Each noodle has its own personality, making taste-testing a joy.

Jajamen is loved for its versatility. Newcomers are encouraged to start with light seasoning and adjust gradually. Specialized restaurants often let you choose noodle portions or add toppings for a personalized meal.

Mt. Iwate, one of Tohoku's iconic peaks at 2,038 meters, is just a 30-minute drive from Morioka—ideal for a day hike. Nicknamed the “Southern Fuji,” it offers a breathtaking 360° view from the summit. (The mountain was famously depicted in the manga Musashi no Ken.)

Among several routes, the Yakehashiri Trail and Yanagisawa Trail are most popular. Yakehashiri features a path over hardened lava flows, giving hikers a sense of volcanic power, while blooming alpine flowers create a colorful path in summer. Yanagisawa Trail runs through shaded forest and is beginner-friendly. Both trails open up near the summit, leading to rocky ascents with rewarding views.

Each season offers a unique Mt. Iwate experience: vibrant greenery in spring, clear skies in summer, fiery foliage in fall, and magical snowy landscapes in winter—perfect for snowshoeing. On clear days, you can see as far as Mt. Chokai or Hachimantai, and sometimes catch a sea of clouds.

Don't miss the crater loop (Ohachimeguri), where you can see signs of past eruptions. After the hike, unwind at nearby hot springs like Amihari Onsen or Oushuku Onsen, and reflect on the day while soaking in natural waters.

Mt. Hachimantai (1,613m) is known for its gentle slopes and expansive volcanic wetlands. It's a paradise for trekkers of all levels and only about an hour's drive from Morioka—ideal for a day trip.

The scenic highlights include Hachimannuma and Gamanuma, two volcanic lakes with mysterious waters that change color with the seasons. Autumn transforms the marshes into a golden-red wonderland of grass foliage.

Well-maintained wooden paths make walking easy and safe for beginners. With gentle slopes, it’s perfect for those wanting to enjoy nature without intense hiking. In spring, wildflowers like skunk cabbage and gentians bloom, welcoming the new season.

From the summit, you can enjoy panoramic views of Mt. Iwate and other Tohoku peaks—on clear days, even Mt. Chokai. The area is rich in alpine plants such as iwakagami and chinguruma in summer, and the golden marshes in autumn create dreamlike scenery. Winter offers snowshoe trekking for a completely different but equally stunning experience.

Hachimantai is ideal for those who want breathtaking views without strenuous climbs—perfect for families and first-time hikers. Nearby hot springs offer the perfect post-hike relaxation, with the Hachimantai Onsen Village known for its open-air, mineral-rich waters.

Nothing beats a hot spring bath after a long hike. Around Mt. Iwate and Hachimantai, you’ll find numerous onsen facilities that welcome tired trekkers.

At the foot of Mt. Iwate, Amihari Onsen features milky white sulfuric water with a slight aroma, and its open-air baths offer magnificent views of the mountain. In the Hachimantai area, Fujisato Onsen and Matsukawa Onsen are equally popular. Fujisato is known for its rustic outdoor baths surrounded by nature, while Matsukawa’s reddish-brown, iron-rich waters are praised for promoting circulation.

These hot springs help relax sore muscles and restore energy. Staying overnight at a local ryokan and enjoying a meal made with local ingredients—like mountain vegetables and fresh river fish—turns your trip into a rejuvenating retreat.

Each onsen has its own mineral qualities: Amihari is known for beautifying the skin, while Fujisato offers a full-immersion nature experience. In winter, snow-viewing baths offer unforgettable moments of warmth and serenity. Matsukawa’s iron-rich waters are especially good for relieving fatigue from long hikes.

Morioka is a rare city where you can enjoy gourmet food and outdoor adventure in one day. Start your morning with energizing Wanko Soba, then hit the trails of Mt. Iwate or Hachimantai. After hiking, take a soothing soak in a hot spring, and wrap up the day with local noodle dishes like Morioka Reimen or Jajamen.

To get the most out of your trip, begin early and hike in the cool morning air. Pack a rice ball or light snack to enjoy at the summit. For Hachimantai, take your time walking the wetlands, then relax in a nearby hot spring before returning to the city for a delicious dinner.

End your perfect day with one of the Three Great Noodles. Whether it’s challenging yourself with Wanko Soba, cooling down with Reimen, or crafting your flavor with Jajamen, every bite will taste better after a day in nature.

If time allows, visit a local sake brewery and sample Iwate’s regional flavors. A plan that combines hiking, hot springs, gourmet food, and local culture will make your Morioka day trip truly unforgettable.