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GOHYAKU (500) RAKAN (Arhats)		Arhat statue at Hoonji Temple
	The 500 Arhats are housed in the Arhat Hall of Hoon-ji Temple, a historic temple said to have been founded in 1394. The 500 Arhats are 500 saints who gathered from all over after the death of Buddha. As they were originally living people, they have realistic and humorous expressions that are very human. The 500 Arhats housed in the Arhat Hall were created by nine Buddhist sculptors from Kyoto over a period of four years starting from 1731, and are all made of wood and painted with lacquer. It is said that there were 500 statues when they were delivered, but currently 499 remain. Gazing at the Arhats is soothing to the soul.		Morioka C.(cap)

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WANKO SOBA (Noodle)		soba noodle from tiny bowls
	"Wanko soba" is a local dish where hot soba noodles are served in small bite-sized "wanko" (bowls) with condiments. The waiter puts bite-sized noodles dipped in hot soba broth into the bowl. The waiter adds more noodles to the empty bowl. This continues until you are full, and the basic style is to "eat all the noodles in the bowl and close the lid without leaving any leftover." The price is not based on a per bowl, but is usually a flat rate for all-you-can-eat. When you enter the restaurant, you are shown to a large room where you are often made to wait for a while until other customers arrive. This is because they place importance on the traditional style of eating in large groups.		Morioka C.(cap)

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SANSA Dance Festival		known as "Japan's No. 1 dram parade"
	This festival takes place every year from August 1st to 4th. The "Sansa Dance", which has been passed down since the feudal era, is said to have originated when the villagers, in joy, danced to the tune of "Sansa, Sansa" after a god had defeated an ogre. The parades by each group generally consist of three parts: Taiko (drums), flutes, and dancing, but due to the large number of Taiko/drums used, it is also known as "Japan's No. 1 Taiko Parade", with well over 10,000 drums. Individuals can also join in the "Circle Dance" that takes place after the parade..		Morioka C.(cap)

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KITAKAMI River		the largest river in the Tohoku region
	The Kitakami River is the largest river in the Tohoku region and the fourth largest in Japan. It flows into the Pacific Ocean. Morioka's most famous landscapes are Kitakami River and Mt. Iwate. It is also famous as a river where swans spend the winter. It has been featured in the works by poets from the Kitakami River basin, such as Miyazawa Kenji (poet, children's story writer) and Ishikawa Takuboku (Tanka poet). From May to October, there are also tours available where you can take a boat down the river and enjoy the surrounding nature and cityscape.		Morioka C.(cap)

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NANBU ironware		known for Nambu iron kettles
	Nanbu ironware is said to have begun in the mid-17th century, when the lord of the Nanbu domain invited a kettle maker from Kyoto to Morioka to make kettles for tea ceremonies. Since then, the craft has continued to develop thanks to the availability of high-quality raw materials and the domain's efforts to protect and nurture the craft, employing many casters and kettle makers from all over the country, and the products it produced ranged from tea kettles to everyday items for a wide range of uses. The famous Nanbu Tetsubin (iron kettle) began in the 18th century when tea kettles were made smaller and improved, making them easy to use for the general public. Today, it is loved by many people for its excellent quality, and has established an unshakable position and brand as a representative traditional Japanese craft. The iron kettles are popular due to their high artistic value, and some manufacturers are also focusing on exporting to foreign countries.		Morioka C. (cap)

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MIKODA morning market		open more than 300 days a year
	Opening at around 5am every morning, the market is packed with freshly picked vegetables, fruits, pickles, and fish throughout the year, such as wild plants in spring and mushrooms in autumn. In between shopping, you can also enjoy Hittsumi soup (one of local soup dish), ramen, stewed offal, and coffee, making it popular with locals and tourists alike. Located about 10 minutes by car from Morioka Station, it is open 300 days a year, making it the only market in the country that is open that many days throughout the year. Moreover, producers directly provide Iwate's fresh agricultural products at low prices, so it remains as lively as ever as the kitchen of Morioka citizens and a place where producers and consumers can meet face to face. Closed on Mondays.		Morioka C.(cap)


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CHAGU CHAGU UMACCO (horses)		Horse appreciation festival
	This festival is held every year on the second Saturday of June. Around 100 horses dressed in colorful costumes march 15 kilometers from here to Morioka City, to the sound of bells ringing. The name "Chagu Chagu" comes from the sound that the decorative bells attached to the horses make as they walk, which sounds like "chagu, chugu." It is said that each horse has more than 700 bells. The festival originated as a festival to give thanks for the work of horses, which, along with cows, are essential livestock for farming. This area is famous for its horse breeding, and people have lived side by side with horses since ancient times. The roots of this festival lie in pilgrimages to shrines to soothe their horses that are exhausted from preparing for rice planting, and to pray for good health. The festival was born from the farmers' cherishing of their beloved horses. The Chagu Chagu Umako Toy" is a folk craft item that is individually handmade in honor of this festival. It is a popular lucky charm and suitabl for a great gift.		Takizawa C.