[2025 Morioka Attraction] Travel Guide for Ishiwarizakura (The Rock-Splitting Cherry Tree) (Updated Aug)

🚶♀️ Just a short walk from Morioka Castle Ruins Park or the Odori Shopping Street, you can admire two iconic landmarks of Morioka at once—the Iwate Bank Red Brick Building and the Rock-Splitting Cherry Tree. One tells the story of the city's history through architecture, while the other symbolizes the vitality of nature. 🔻 Iwate Bank Red Brick Building: Designed by Kingo Tatsuno, the same architect behind Tokyo Station, this is the only preserved Tatsuno-style building in the Tohoku region. Completed in 1911, its red brick walls and copper roof exude the elegance of the Meiji era. Now designated as an Important Cultural Property, the building houses exhibition spaces and an immersive virtual theater, allowing visitors to experience the beauty of century-old bank architecture. 🕰️ Opening Hours: 10:00–17:00 (Closed on Tuesdays and during the New Year holidays) 💰 Admission: Adults 300 yen / Children 100 yen / Free for children under 7 🔻 Rock-Splitting Cherry Tree: This Edo-higan cherry tree, over 360 years old, grows from the cracks of a massive rock and is located in the front yard of the Morioka District Court. During spring (around mid-April), when the tree is in full bloom, it becomes a must-visit spot for photography enthusiasts. Designated as a National Natural Monument in 1923, it stands as a symbol of resilience and rebirth. 🌸 Recommended Photography Times: Full bloom in spring, early morning, or during the golden hour at dusk 📍 Access: About a 20-minute walk from JR Morioka Station

#summervacay Morioka, the capital of Iwate Prefecture, is a delightful city in northern Japan, perfect for travelers seeking a blend of history, nature, and unique local flavors! Why Morioka? Easy Access: Morioka Station (盛冈駅) is your convenient gateway, connecting you to the city's sights and wider Iwate. Historic & Natural Beauty: Explore the serene Morioka Castle Site Park (盛冈城跡公園) and marvel at the unique Stone-Splitting Cherry Tree (石割桜). Noodle Paradise! 🤩 Morioka is famous for its "Three Great Noodles" (盛岡三大麺)! You absolutely must try: Wanko Soba (わんこそば): A fun, competitive, endless soba experience! Jajamen (じゃじゃ麺): Savory noodles with a rich meat miso paste. Reimen (冷麺): Refreshing cold noodles, often with fruit and kimchi. Local Crafts: Discover beautiful Nambu Tekki (南部鉄器), traditional cast ironware. Morioka offers an authentic and relaxed Japanese experience beyond the usual tourist routes! #Morioka #Iwate #JapanTravel #MoriokaStation #ThreeGreatNoodles #WankoSoba #Jajamen #Reimen #Tohoku #JapaneseFood #TravelJapan

#Spring0yentrip From Tokyo, it takes about 2 hours by Shinkansen to Morioka, the prefectural capital of Iwate Prefecture. At Morioka Station, the Tohoku Shinkansen and Akita Shinkansen are coupled and uncoupled, so if you have the time, I recommend you see it. When I entered the city, the first thing I saw was the Ishiwari Sakura. The cherry blossoms, which bloom by splitting a huge rock in half, are both powerful and quiet, and I couldn't help but stop and stare. Morioka Castle Ruins Park, located nearby, is also impressive with its stone walls and spacious grounds, and time flows slowly. It was cherry blossom season, and the petals dancing in the wind added color to the historic landscape, making it very beautiful. Nature and history blend into the city in this way, and just walking around makes you feel calm. Morioka is a quiet place, but it is filled with a certain charm.

In Morioka City, Iwate Prefecture, Japan, I visited the famous Ishiwarizakura, a miracle tree that showcases the power and beauty of nature. I took seven photos to document this amazing visit. The Ishiwarizakura is a cherry blossom tree growing in the crevices of a massive rock, a unique landscape that amazes with the strength and resilience of nature. As I entered the courtyard where the Ishiwarizakura is located, I was immediately captivated by the magnificent sight of the tree. The massive rock has been split by the roots of the cherry tree, creating a spectacular natural scene. When the cherry blossoms are in full bloom, the beauty of the Ishiwarizakura reaches its peak. Pink flowers cover the entire tree, contrasting sharply with the surrounding rocks, like a natural painting. During my visit, which coincided with the cherry blossom season, I was filled with joy and wonder at the sight of this miracle tree in full bloom. Around the Ishiwarizakura, I found many tourists and locals who had come to admire this extraordinary tree. Everyone was taking photos to capture the beauty and miracle of nature. I also took pictures of these beautiful scenes, hoping to share this astonishing natural wonder with everyone. Besides the cherry blossoms, the courtyard where the Ishiwarizakura is located is also very peaceful and beautiful. The area is shaded by green trees and lush with flowers and plants, creating a harmonious and tranquil atmosphere. I strolled here, feeling the power and beauty of nature, and my heart was filled with immense peace and pleasure. This visit to the Ishiwarizakura not only allowed me to appreciate the magnificent natural scenery but also made me feel the resilience of life and the miracle of nature. I will forever treasure these wonderful memories and look forward to returning here in the future to explore more of nature's beauty.

The cover picture is the famous Rock-Splitting Cherry Tree in Morioka. It grows from a big crack in a granite boulder which is located in front of an old courthouse near Morioka station. The circumference of the boulder is about 21 meters and 1.7 meters above ground. The tree is about 350 years old and approximately 10 meters tall. It blossoms every April in spring. The snow covered mountain is Iwate Mountain. Since this city is situated in the middle of Iwate Prefecture, it is a popular hub for travel.