Visited 09.10.2015 (Fri)
Number of castles visited to date: 9
Number of castles visited to date: 9
Top 100 castles in Japan: #6
First attraction. After settling a late lunch at cafe NOTE カフェ ノート, we made our way to our first attraction of this trip - Morioka Castle Site Park 盛岡城跡公園, also known as Iwate Park 岩手公園. Morioka Castle completed construction in 1633 and was the permanent residence of the Nanbu clan leaders during the Edo period. The castle became dysfunctional under the abolition of Han system in 1871 and most of the building structures were demolished and reconstructed in other places. Fortunately, the castle foundation built with white granite was preserved; leaving us to our imagination how majestic the castle would have looked like if it was still around. In 1906, the entire compound was transformed to a public park. Designed by Yasuhei Nagaoka 長岡安平, one of Japan's first park designer, walking paths and resting areas were created, and various tree species were planted in the castle ground. The park is also known for being an excellent hanami (sighting of blooming sakura) and autumn foliage viewing spot in Morioka city.
First attraction. After settling a late lunch at cafe NOTE カフェ ノート, we made our way to our first attraction of this trip - Morioka Castle Site Park 盛岡城跡公園, also known as Iwate Park 岩手公園. Morioka Castle completed construction in 1633 and was the permanent residence of the Nanbu clan leaders during the Edo period. The castle became dysfunctional under the abolition of Han system in 1871 and most of the building structures were demolished and reconstructed in other places. Fortunately, the castle foundation built with white granite was preserved; leaving us to our imagination how majestic the castle would have looked like if it was still around. In 1906, the entire compound was transformed to a public park. Designed by Yasuhei Nagaoka 長岡安平, one of Japan's first park designer, walking paths and resting areas were created, and various tree species were planted in the castle ground. The park is also known for being an excellent hanami (sighting of blooming sakura) and autumn foliage viewing spot in Morioka city.
Autumn. From Sakurayama Jinja 桜山神社, we walked through San no maru 三ノ丸, Ni no maru 二の丸 and eventually arrived at Honmaru 本丸. From the grounds of Honmaru, the mountain ranges in the background of Morioka city could be clearly seen. Though we came earlier than the peak autumn foliage period, we managed to catch a sneak preview of the mesmersing scenery here as some trees were already decorated by various shades of green, yellow and red. Did a leisure stroll in the park, relishing the moments of tranquility in the serene environment and at the same time, perking our senses up after a red eye flight. Morioka Castle Site Park is truly an oasis for locals to escape from the hustle and bustle of city life momentarily.
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Morioka Castle Site Park 盛岡城跡公園
盛岡市内丸
Free admission
http://www.moriokashiroato.jp/
How to get there?
(1) By bus.
From Morioka Ekimae Bus Terminal, board the Den Den Mushi Bus でんでんむしバス at Platform 16 (anti-clockwise direction) and alight at Morioka Castle Site Park 盛岡城跡公園. A minute walk from the bus stop.
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Commemorative stamp:
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