Nagai’s Dainenbutsu sword dance

upper bridge fake jewel

The bridge above was built by Toshinao, the lord of the Nanbu domain, over the Nakatsugawa River at the same time as he built Morioka Castle. Of the bronze imitation jewels decorating the railing, eight have inscriptions dated to 1609 (Keicho 14), and 10 have inscriptions dated to 1611 (1611). It is extremely rare that so many remain, and in 1945 it was designated as a nationally important art object.

Sakakiyama Inari Shrine (Morioka Kaiun Shrine)

When Morioka Castle was built (Keicho 2), Nobunaga Nobunaga, the 26th lord of the Nanbu clan, dedicated Morioka Kaikan Shrine in the Sakakiyama Curve of the castle as a general guardian of the territory to ensure the fate of the clan. The shrine was dedicated to a deity who had been revered by his ancestor, Shinra Saburo Yoshimitsu (a member of the Seiwa Genji clan). There are 14 shrines in the precincts of the shrine, and the shrine is also home to Ryokufuen Garden and Shinji-no-ike Pond, both of which have a long history from the Morioka domain period, creating a solemn Shinto shrine that adds color to the four seasons in Morioka.

Daisenji Temple

Daisenji Temple, known for Okan's grave, has a main hall with a unique treasure-style warped roof that was rebuilt during the Bunsei era of the Edo period. The treasure-shaped roof is characterized by the beautiful flowing lines of the jewels and the curved eaves. The curved eaves are full of strength and create a wonderful spatial composition.