2017.5 No.90

Let’s go and explore Morioka by Denden-mushi！
Morioka central loop bus, known familiarly as the ‘Dendenmushi (Japanese for a snail)’, runs every day in the center ofMorioka city. It’s easy to access main sightseeing spots inthe center along its route, so it’s useful not only for the
citizens’ everyday lives but also for sightseeing in Morioka.
Why don’t you explore Morioka by Denden-mushi in thisseason, when the warmth of spring feels comfortable?

How to get on the Denden-mushi

It takes the Denden-mushi about 35 minutes to run around the central city area. The fare is¥100 per ride from any bus stop along the route. If you use a one-day pass, you can use the bus
without limit for ¥300 for the day. Denden-mushi takes two directions after leaving Morioka
station, clockwise and counterclockwise. Both buses takes the same route, but it’s better to decide
which direction you take based on the destination.
Clockwise

Counterclockwise

There is a line on each bus,
red for clockwise, and green for
counterclockwise!

Fare

SingleOne-day pass

Adults¥100¥300

Elementary school students

¥50

¥150

※You can get a one-day pass at three places including the bus
information office at the east gate of Morioka station, Nanak bus
ticket counter and Plaza Odette.

Recommended Sightseeing Spots

There are still many old buildings in Morioka, providing a lot of facilities where you can learn
about its history and culture. Why don’t you go to the sightseeing spots where you can explore thehistory and culture of Moiroka, which you don’t experience so much in ordinary, daily life?

Morioka Castle Site Park (Iwate Park） Nearest bus stop：Morioka castle site park (1 min. on foot)The construction of Morioka castle began in 1598 under thegovernment of the Nanbu clan of Morioka domain. In 1874,
most of all the castle was destroyed due to the difficulty ofmaintaining the building. However, it was partially restored
and opened as Iwate Park in 1906. In 2006, as acommemoration of the 100th anniversary, the park was given a
new nickname ‘Morioka Castle Site Park’. It has been a
popular place for citizens to relax since opening.

Morioka History and Culture Museum

Nearest bus stop: Kencho Shiyakusho Mae (4 min. on foot)This facility was opened in 2011 when the former Iwate Prefectural
Library building was renovated. On the first floor, present-day
Morioka is introduced, providing sightseeing information aboutsights and specialties when strolling around the town as well as an
exhibition about festivals. On the second floor there is a display ofthe history of Morioka as a castle town and treasures related to the
Nanbu clan, the Lord of Morioka domain.
Hours: April to October 9:00～19:00 November to March 9:00～18:00
Closed: Every 3rd Tuesday (on the following day in the case of a national holiday), Dec. 31st to Jan. 1st)
Entry fee: 1st floor is free, 2nd floor exhibition rooms are ¥300 for adults, ¥200 for high school students,and ¥100 for elementary and junior high school students.

Bank of Iwate Red Brick Building Nearest bus stop: Morioka bus center (1 min. on foot)This building was originally built as the headquarters of Morioka Bank in 1911. From 1936 to 2012, it wasused as the headquarters of the Bank of Iwate (In 1936, the bank was called Iwate Shokusan Bank), andlater it was used as the Bank of Iwate, Nakanohashi branch. The characteristic Western-style architecturefrom the time of construction can be seen everywhere in this building.
It is designated as an important cultural property. Since July 2016,
the building has been opened to thepublic as the ‘Bank of Iwate Red
Brick Building’.
Hours: 10:00～17:00
Closed: Every Tuesday, December 29th to January 3rd
Entry fee: Adults ¥300 Elementary and junior high school students¥100 (Children under 6 years old are free.)Mitsuishi Shrine Nearest bus stop: Honchodori icho-me (5 min. on foot)According the legend a demon placed hishand print on thethree big rocks in the shrine and this is the origin of theprefectural name of Iwate, which literary means ‘Rock
hand’. In addition, it is said this is where Morioka’s summerfeature, Sansa Odori dance has started. Although the actual
year of the founding isn’t clear, there is a belief that thishistorical shrine is the in this area.

Morioka Takuboku & Kenji Museum Nearest bus stop: Morioka bus center (3 min. on foot)This building was originally the Dai Kyuju Bank, the first bankin Morioka, built in 1878. The building was renovated andopened as a museum in 2002. Takuboku Ishikawa and Kenji
Miyazawa are the leading poet and author in Iwate. This
museum introduces their life and achievements and Morioka at
the time or their adolescence.
Hours: 10:00～18:00
Closed: Every second Tuesday, December 29th to January 3rd
Entry fee: FreeTo deepen an understanding of the town of Morioka,
it is very important to learn about its history andculture. Historical town Morioka has many facilities
where you can learn about its history and culture
besides the ones introduced here. In this fine season
for getting out and about, why not find out theMorioka you hadn’t known until now by using theconvenient Denden-mushi!