Morioka

Morioka is a city on Japan's Honshu island. Iwate Park, known for its spring cherry blossoms and fall colors, is home to the ruins of 17th-century Morioka Castle. Nearby, Ishiwarizakura is a centuries-old cherry tree growing from a cracked boulder. Hoonji Temple houses hundreds of Buddhist statues. Kaiunbashi Bridge offers views of Mount Iwate. To the west there are hot springs at Tsunagi, on the shore of Gosho Lake.