Sakemachi Shopping Street

Jiro Kuji

Jiro Kuji, who was born in Aomori Prefecture and spent his childhood in Morioka City, was invited to Morioka Junior High School's baseball team and became a catcher. After entering Waseda University, he continued to play an active role in the baseball club, and after graduating, he joined the Hakodate Ocean Club, a corporate team. At the Japan-America Baseball Tournament held in 1933, he played against Babe Ruth and other members of the American selection team, and as a catcher, he had a good lead over pitcher Eiji Sawamura. In 1939, he died after being hit in the head by a thrown ball. Even today, the Kuji Award is established as a fighting spirit award in intercity baseball.

Former Nakamura family residence

The Nakamura family was one of the largest merchant houses in the castle town of Morioka, and was known as ``Itoya'' or ``Itoharu,'' and mainly sold kimono and used clothing. The first generation was from Miyamori village and started doing business in Morioka in 1782. From the second generation onwards, the company began to call itself ``Itoya'' and developed as a sole trader in Shikon dyeing, a specialty of the Morioka clan. . The building has been renovated and repaired many times, but the current main building was built in 1861, and the storehouse was built in the Meiji period, but it cannot be separated from the main building both functionally and aesthetically. It was also designated as an important cultural property. The building retains many characteristics of the late Edo period, such as a well-developed second floor and many cupboards and closets. It is extremely rare for a merchant house that has undergone many additions and renovations to remain in its original form, and is one of the few in the Tohoku region that is designated as an important cultural property.

Morioka Highland Country Club

A unique course with 3 courses and 27 holes located in the gentle hills near Morioka city. From the course, you can see Mt. Iwate, Morioka city, and the countryside.