A Morning Walk in Morioka — Cherry Blossoms, Red Brick, and the Best Sushi of My Life
Sunday, April 12. 8:07 in the morning.
I had not walked through the heart of Morioka for a long time.
The flowers were blooming along the streets, as if they were happy to finally be here. Just walking felt like a gift. That is what it means to love a city.
Ishiwari Zakura — The Cherry Tree That Splits Rock
There it was. People pointing cameras at it, and I understood completely.
Ishiwari Zakura — a cherry tree growing straight out of a granite boulder. No soil. No help. Just will.
Every time I see it, I think: this is the spirit of Morioka people. Strong on the outside, delicate in bloom.
Location: Morioka District Court, 1-1 Uchimaru, Morioka Best time: Late April Free to view
Sanpei Shokudo — The Legend That Is Gone
On my walk, I passed by Sanpei Shokudo. The shutters were down. A real estate notice on the door.
I had only been inside once. The owner — a spirited older woman — handed me a cold towel and immediately said: “That is for your face, not the table!”
The miso ramen arrived with only a single narutomaki on top. I thought, is that it? Then I dug in — and found the chashu and menma hiding underneath. Classic.
On the wall hung a handwritten poster: “I counted 300 sesame seeds for the tantanmen.”
Sanpei Shokudo closed in 2024. But for those of us who went, it lives on.
Some places are irreplaceable.
Iwate Bank Red Brick Building — Morioka’s Most Elegant Landmark
Did you know? The architect who designed Tokyo Station also designed this building.
Tatsuno Kingo completed the Iwate Bank Red Brick Building in 1911. When I first saw it, I thought — Morioka is surprisingly cosmopolitan.
It still stops me every time.
Address: 2-1 Chuo-dori, Morioka Open as a museum. Check current hours before visiting.
Morioka Castle Ruins Park — Cherry Blossoms by Night
A few evenings later, my family walked through Morioka Castle Ruins Park after dark.
The lanterns cast a soft light on the blossoms. Shadows and petals together.
There is something about nighttime cherry blossoms that feels uniquely Japanese — a beauty that holds a little sadness inside it. I was glad to be there.
Morioka Castle Ruins Park (Kōjōen) Free to enter. Cherry blossom season: late April
Sanzushi — The Sushi That Made Me Forget to Take Photos
That evening, my family visited Sanzushi for the first time — our first proper, non-conveyor-belt sushi experience together.
One bite and I thought: oh.
It was not about luxury ingredients. It was the warmth of someone’s hands. The temperature of the rice. The care in every piece.
I was so happy I forgot to photograph half the meal.
“Fun is delicious.” That is something I truly believe.
Sanzushi Saien Honten Mon–Thu: 11:00–14:00 Fri–Sat: 11:00–23:00 Sun: 11:00–22:00 Tel: 019-623-5500
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