Relax and enjoy the scenery among castle ruins
Once upon a time, a giant castle dominated the Morioka skyline. Now a park has taken its place atop the hill that the Morioka clan chose as their base of power. The original buildings are gone, but the memory of the castle lives on in its stone walls.
How to Get There
Morioka Castle is accessible by bus or taxi from JR Morioka Station. The Morioka City Loop Bus stops at the Morioka Joato Koen (10 minutes from Morioka Station). Or you may decide to walk (15 to 20 minutes).
Quick Facts
Construction of the castle started in 1597 and was completed in 1633.
In 1874, most of the buildings were demolished by the Meiji government.
Emperors, shoguns, and warlords
The castle was built by the Morioka clan around a small hill where two rivers meet. As an important location for trade, the castle dominated the city for over 200 years. Unlike other castles in the Tohoku region that have earthen walls, Morioka Castle’s stone walls were built from granite mined from the area around the castle.
Today, the stone walls and a storehouse are all that remains of Morioka Castle. After the Boshin War ended in 1871, the Meiji government consolidated its power by abolishing domains and removing castles in lands that had opposed the government. Morioka Domain became Iwate Prefecture. Although Morioka Castle was allowed to remain, it was demolished due to neglect in 1874.
Death and rebirth of a castle park
After the Meiji government tore down the castle and its surrounding buildings, the land sat idle for thirty years, until park designer Yasuhei Nagaoka turned the grounds into what is now Iwate Park. From 1906, Iwate Park has been open to the public. Since then, the grounds surrounding Morioka Castle have become a popular site for cherry blossom viewing, seeing the fall leaves, and poets. Two poets in particular, Takuboku Ishikawa and Kenji Miyazawa, loved the castle ruins and wrote many works about them. Today you can see monuments to both poets on the castle grounds.
Morioka Castle, also known as Morioka-jo, was a castle located in Morioka, Iwate Prefecture, japan. It was the residence of the Morioka clan, a powerful clan that ruled over the region during the Edo period. The castle was strategically built on a hill where two rivers meet, providing a natural defense against enemy attacks.
Construction of Morioka Castle began in 1597 under the orders of Lord Nanbu Nobunao, the head of the Morioka clan. The castle was designed to be a symbol of the clan’s power and influence in the region. The construction process took several decades to complete, with the main keep and surrounding walls being finished in 1633.
The castle was built using local materials, including granite stone from nearby quarries. The stone walls of Morioka Castle were known for their strength and durability, and they still stand today as a testament to the craftsmanship of the builders.
During its heyday, Morioka Castle was a bustling center of political and cultural activity. The castle town that developed around it was home to samurai warriors, merchants, and artisans, who all contributed to the growth and prosperity of the region.
However, the castle’s fortunes took a turn in the late 19th century. With the Meiji Restoration in 1868, Japan underwent a period of rapid modernization and westernization. As part of this process, the Meiji government sought to centralize power and abolish the feudal system. Many castles across the country were dismantled or repurposed during this time.
In 1874, Morioka Castle met a similar fate. Most of its buildings were demolished, and the castle was left in ruins. The Meiji government deemed the castle unnecessary and a drain on resources. It was a sad end for a once-mighty fortress.
For the next few decades, the site of Morioka Castle lay abandoned and forgotten. The land was overgrown with vegetation, and the castle’s former glory was all but a distant memory.
It wasn’t until the early 20th century that the castle’s fortunes began to change. In 1906, the city of Morioka decided to turn the castle ruins into a public park. The park was named Iwate Park, after the prefecture in which Morioka is located.
Under the guidance of park designer Yasuhei Nagaoka, the grounds of the former castle were transformed into a beautiful green space. The stone walls of the castle were preserved and incorporated into the park’s design, creating a unique blend of history and nature.
Since its opening, Iwate Park has become a beloved destination for locals and tourists alike. The park offers stunning views of the surrounding city and countryside, and its cherry blossoms are a sight to behold in the spring. During the autumn months, the park’s trees turn vibrant shades of red and gold, attracting visitors from near and far.
One of the most notable features of Iwate Park is the presence of monuments dedicated to two famous poets, Takuboku Ishikawa and Kenji Miyazawa. Both poets were inspired by the castle ruins and wrote extensively about them in their works. Their poems are now immortalized in stone, serving as a reminder of the enduring beauty and cultural significance of Morioka Castle.
In conclusion, Morioka Castle may no longer stand as a physical structure, but its legacy lives on in the form of Iwate Park. The park’s serene atmosphere and picturesque scenery make it the perfect place to relax and enjoy the beauty of nature. Whether you’re a history buff, a nature lover, or simply looking for a peaceful retreat, a visit to Morioka Castle and Iwate Park is sure to leave a lasting impression.
Address And Maps Location:
1-1-37 Uchimaru, Morioka-shi, Iwate-ken
Find Location And Direction On Google Maps
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