| THE ROCK-SPLITTING CHERRY TREE | |
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This lovely cherry tree sprouted from within the crack of a huge granite rock. Delicate, pale pink petals may be seen every April when the tree is in bloom. Estimated to be three to four hundred years old, it grows in front of the Morioka Court of Justice. Designated in 1923 as a national treasure, it has endeared the hearts of all Morioka residents down through the years. |
| KAMINOHASHI BRIDGE | |
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Spanning the Nakatsu River which runs through the center of Morioka City, Kaminohashi has eight specially crafted bronze railing ornaments which were forged in 1609 (Keicho 14). Later, in 1611, ten more bronze post tops called, "Giboshi", were added to the railing. The bridge is designated as a national cultural treasure, bridges with such decorative ornamentalization being quite rare in Japan. One other such bridge, the Saanjo-ohashi Bridge in Kyoto, has ten ornamental tops. |
| IWATE PARK / THE SITE OF MORIOKA CASTLE | |
| The Lord of Nambu, Nobunao, began construction of the castle in 1597 (Keicho 2), finally completing the task in 1633. All successive lords lived there. During the Meiji Restoration battles, all buildings within the castle grounds were destroyed leaving the stone wall as the only remaining vestige. The wall was constructed of granite produced in this area. These ruins are considered to be one of the three best-known castle sites | |
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in the Tohoku. In their works, many famous poets and writers, admiring these ruins, immortalized the castle grounds now registered as a national historic site. |
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| IWATE BANK (Former Main Office) | |
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Located in the center of the city, near Nakanohashi Bridge, the building with red brick construction, dome, and white stone wall makes its own contribution to what is considered one of the more scenic spots in Morioka. Under the direction of architect Manji Kasai, wha had helped desigh Tokyo Station, the building was completed in Meiji 44 (1911). Kasai was a native of Iwate. |
| IWATE MEDICAL UNIVERSITY | |
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