Winter in Japan for the non-skiing family

[ShelleyB]

Day 3 and we are heading off to Tohoku. First stop Morioka, which somehow made it onto the New York Times 52 places to go list in 2023. Apparently even residents were rather surprised. Anyway, more details to come.

Started the day by packing enough in our small wheeled bag for a few days. The rest we sent off using Yamato, which seasoned Japan travellers will know and love. ShelleyB-son and I are sharing the little wheeled bag and a large (but still less than 160cm linear dimensions) wheeled bag. As from now we are travelling via Shinkansen we’ll be sending the large bag on via the luggage service Yamato. For Ueno to Morioka for our bag the cost is 3060 yen. A bargain in order not to be lumbered with the thing navigating stairs and snow. Paperwork completed with the help of reception and we hope to see it tomorrow sometime. But are prepared for longer.

Breakfast was again lovely. Today’s soup was vegetable (tasty), more Hokkaido beef and I even had a spot of seafood lasagne. ShelleyB-son had more rice and seaweed, plus was given another of those panda concoctions as per yesterday. ShelleyB-son gives Mitsui Garden Hotel Ueno a high rating.

 

[ShelleyB]

After checkout headed to Ueno station to purchase ekiben for the trip as we would be travelling over lunch. Then onto the platforms to await the train. Which arrived exactly on time. The Ueno to Morioka journey is just over 500km and just over 2 hours with only 2 stops on the fastest journey.

We saw the first signs of snow once the Zao mountain range came into view. And about 20 mins after Sendai, the snow was everywhere. After disembarking at Morioka, we made our way to our hotel for this evening, the Daiwa Roynet Morioka Ekimae. Only about 2 mins walk from the station, which we were glad of with rather icy footpaths.





We’ll be 3 nights here, and I booked us a superior twin for an average of 20000 yen per night. The room is very comfortable, a corner room with great views over the river and a glimpse of Mt. Iwate.

Photos of the room and view:

 

[ShelleyB]

We only had time for a little sightseeing before sunset, so headed towards the castle ruins. Did not get much of a chance to see anything, but we’ll have more time another day.

 

[ShelleyB]

Friday is traditionally pizza night for the ShelleyB family. Quite a few places are still closed for the new year holidays, but we did find a cosy place called Trenta. Lovely bases to the pizzas and even ShelleyB-son enjoyed the Proscuitto and Genovese once he got over it being green.



My first impressions of Morioka are very favourable. The town seems fun and pleasant with a lively atmosphere. There are quite a few young adults around and I note there are a few local Universities, public and private. The place we ate dinner offered student discounts and there are quite a few cafes and bars. I look forward to exploring more.