Murata Folk Crafts Studio

Morioka City

Central Iwate

A local toy workshop founded in 1963. Cocoon crafts that convey warmth, such as zodiac signs and carp streamers, are popular for their smiley faces and have become one of Iwate's representative local toys.

Location: 5-6-6 Mitsuwari, Morioka City
Business Hours: 9:00～17:30
Closed: Holidays, year-end and New Year holidays
Inquiries: Murata Folk Crafts Studio
Phone number 019-661-2229
FAX number 019-661-2229
Website: http://muratamingeikoubou.com/

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Daijiji Temple

Daijiji Temple, also known as Hara Takashi's family temple, was built in 1673 with a rare Chinese-style temple gate. The hall was destroyed in a fire in 1899, but the Sanmon gate and the warehouse were rebuilt thanks to Takashi Hara's generosity.

Morioka City

Central Iwate

History / Culture Shrines / Temples

Wanko Soba (Morioka)

"Wanko" is a dialect that refers to a wooden bowl. In areas such as Morioka and Hanamaki, there was a custom of serving soba to entertain guests. The only way to serve freshly boiled food to a large number of customers at once is to serve it in small portions in bowls. This etiquette is said to be the origin of Wanko Soba. The reason why you are forced to refill your plate as soon as you finish eating is a courtesy of hospitality towards guests, which is called ``otebachi.'' ``Wanko Soba'' is a playful dish where the waitstaff throws soba noodles in one after another while shouting ``Hai, Dokkoi. The greeting "Gochisousama" is not understood there. The food is served until the bowl is covered.

Morioka City

Central Iwate

Kyosuke Kindaichi

A linguist from Morioka City and a leading expert on Ainu research. Graduated from the Department of Linguistics at the University of Tokyo, and won the Academy Award in 1933 for ``Research on the Ainu Epic Yukara.'' He became a professor at the University of Tokyo and Kokugakuin University, and was also a member of the Japan Academy and the Japanese Language Council. In 1951, he received the Order of Culture. He had been friends with the poet Takuboku Ishikawa since their days at Morioka Junior High School, and it is said that he often took care of him.

Morioka City

Central Iwate

History / Culture