Morioka’s Three Great Noodles: A Delicious Guide to Wanko Soba, Jajamen and Reimen
Aug 25, 2026 · ✍️ olablog · ⏱ 8 min read
Taste Morioka’s three iconic noodles, discover the best areas to eat, and plan an easy food-focused trip from Morioka Station.
Why Morioka is a must-visit for noodle lovers
Morioka, the capital of Iwate Prefecture, has an unusually strong claim to culinary fame: three very different noodle dishes are considered the city’s signature foods. Together, wanko soba, jajamen and Morioka reimen are known as Morioka’s “three great noodles.”
Each offers a completely different experience. Wanko soba turns lunch into a lively bowl-counting challenge. Jajamen is a comforting plate of noodles covered in rich meat-miso sauce, followed by a simple egg soup. Reimen is cool, springy and refreshing, with Korean-inspired roots and an unexpected piece of fruit on top.
The city itself is just as appealing as the food. Morioka has a relaxed, walkable centre, elegant riverside scenery, traditional wooden buildings and a striking red-brick banking district. It is an excellent stop on a Tohoku itinerary, especially for independent travellers who want somewhere atmospheric rather than overwhelmingly busy.
How to get to Morioka
Morioka Station is a major stop on the Tohoku Shinkansen, making the city straightforward to reach from Tokyo and other destinations in northern Japan. The journey from Tokyo is roughly 2 hours and 10–30 minutes by shinkansen, depending on the service. From Sendai, the trip is roughly 40–50 minutes.
Local sightseeing is manageable on foot, although the Denden-mushi Loop Bus is useful for connecting Morioka Station with the castle site, historic centre and other central attractions. Regional buses also connect Morioka with destinations such as Hachimantai, Lake Tazawa and Mount Iwate.
| Starting point or route | Transport | Approximate journey | Good to know |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tokyo to Morioka | Tohoku Shinkansen | Roughly 2 hours 10–30 minutes | Reserve a seat during busy holiday periods |
| Sendai to Morioka | Tohoku Shinkansen | Roughly 40–50 minutes | Easy to combine with a wider Tohoku trip |
| Morioka Station to central sights | Denden-mushi Loop Bus or walk | Around 10–25 minutes | Walking is practical in the central area |
| Morioka to regional attractions | Iwate Kenpoku Bus and other local services | Varies by destination | Check seasonal timetables before travelling |
Journey times are approximate. Check the official railway and bus websites before departure, particularly during winter and public holidays.
Morioka’s three great noodles
1. Wanko soba: small bowls and a big appetite
Wanko soba is perhaps Morioka’s most famous food ritual. Rather than receiving one large serving, you are presented with repeated small bowls of soba. A server adds another portion as soon as you finish, often with energetic encouragement and playful banter.
The noodles themselves are simple buckwheat soba, usually served with a selection of condiments such as grated daikon, spring onion, seaweed, mushrooms and tuna. The fun lies in deciding your own pace and knowing when to stop. Place the lid on your bowl when you have had enough.
Wanko soba is often presented as a challenge, but you do not need to treat it as a serious competition. Many restaurants allow diners to enjoy the experience at their own speed. If you are travelling with children or do not have a large appetite, ask whether a regular soba serving is available.
Where to try it: Azumaya is one of Morioka’s best-known places for the traditional wanko soba experience, with locations in the central city. Expect a lively atmosphere and a meal that takes longer than an ordinary bowl of noodles.
2. Jajamen: savoury meat-miso noodles
Jajamen is made with broad, chewy noodles topped with a generous spoonful of meat-miso. Cucumber, green onion and ginger add freshness, while garlic, chilli oil and vinegar can be mixed in to suit your taste.
There is a small ritual to eating it: mix everything thoroughly before taking your first bite. The sauce becomes more evenly distributed, and each mouthful combines the salty meat-miso with the cool vegetables.
When you have eaten most of the noodles, ask for chitantan. Crack a raw egg into the remaining sauce and noodles, then the kitchen adds hot broth to create a light, savoury soup. It is a second course made from the remnants of the first, and one of the most satisfying details of Morioka’s noodle culture.
Where to try it: Pairon is closely associated with Morioka-style jajamen and is a popular choice in the city centre. Jajamen shops are generally casual, making this an easy meal between sightseeing stops.
3. Morioka reimen: chewy, cool and unexpectedly fruity
Morioka reimen is a cold noodle dish with a distinctive texture. The noodles are firm, smooth and springy, served in a chilled beef-based broth with kimchi, sliced meat, cucumber and a piece of fruit such as watermelon or pear.
The fruit may seem surprising at first, but it balances the spicy, salty broth and adds a refreshing sweetness. The noodles are made from a blend that gives them their characteristic elasticity, and eating them neatly can be a little challenging. Use kitchen scissors if they are provided, or simply take your time.
Reimen is particularly welcome in warmer weather, but it is served throughout the year. It also makes a good contrast to wanko soba and jajamen: cool rather than hot, refreshing rather than rich, and spicy rather than deeply savoury.
Where to try it: Shokudo-en and other long-established Morioka restaurants are known for reimen. You will also find the dish at casual restaurants around Morioka Station and in the city centre.
What to see around Morioka
A food-focused visit does not need to mean staying indoors. Most of Morioka’s central sights can be combined into a pleasant walking route.
Morioka Castle Site Park
Morioka Castle no longer stands, but its stone walls remain in the centre of the city. The park is a peaceful place to walk among trees, granite foundations and seasonal flowers. It is especially attractive during cherry blossom season and in autumn, when the leaves add colour to the old stonework.
From the castle site, you can easily continue towards the Kitakami River and Nakatsugawa River, which meet near the heart of the city.
The red-brick banking district
The Bank of Iwate Red Brick Building is one of Morioka’s most recognisable landmarks. Its Western-style red-brick architecture reflects the city’s modern history and creates a striking contrast with the surrounding traditional streets.
The building and nearby historic properties make the area worthwhile even for travellers who are not usually interested in architecture. Take time to explore the side streets, small cafés and craft shops around the district.
Traditional streets and local craft
Morioka is known for handmade goods, including Nambu ironware, dyed textiles and wooden craft. The streets around the old merchant quarters contain small shops selling regional products and souvenirs that feel more distinctive than standard station gifts.
For another atmospheric walk, follow the riverside or visit the Rock-Splitting Cherry Tree, a remarkable old tree growing from a crack in a large granite boulder near central government buildings.
How long should you spend in Morioka?
Allow one full day if your main goal is to try the noodles and see the central sights. A more comfortable plan is one night and two days, giving you time for all three dishes without rushing and allowing space for cafés, shopping and riverside walks.
A simple itinerary could look like this:
- Day one: Arrive at Morioka Station, eat reimen or jajamen, then explore the red-brick district and Morioka Castle Site Park.
- Day two: Try wanko soba, visit traditional craft shops and take a relaxed walk along the rivers.
- Optional extension: Add a regional trip to Hachimantai, Mount Iwate or another destination in Iwate Prefecture.
Best seasons to visit
Morioka is a year-round destination, but each season changes the character of the city.
- Spring: Cherry blossoms brighten the castle site and riverside areas.
- Summer: Cold reimen is particularly refreshing, and the surrounding mountains offer outdoor possibilities.
- Autumn: Red and gold foliage makes the historic centre and nearby rural areas especially photogenic.
- Winter: Snow creates a quiet atmosphere, while jajamen and warm chitantan are ideal comfort food. Check transport conditions before travelling.
For help planning your wider Japan itinerary, explore OlaChill’s Japan destination hub for tickets and tours.
FAQ
What are Morioka’s three great noodles?
They are wanko soba, small bowls of soba served continuously; jajamen, broad noodles with meat-miso and optional chitantan soup; and Morioka reimen, chilled chewy noodles in a spicy-savoury broth.
Do I need to compete when eating wanko soba?
No. The bowl-counting tradition is playful, but you can stop whenever you are full. Some restaurants may offer a standard serving if you prefer a quieter meal.
Is jajamen the same as Chinese zhajiangmian?
They share the idea of noodles with a savoury bean or meat sauce, but Morioka jajamen has its own style, toppings and chitantan finishing soup.
Is Morioka reimen served only in summer?
No. It is available throughout the year, although its cold broth and crisp toppings make it especially appealing during warmer months.
Can I explore the main sights without a car?
Yes. The central attractions are walkable from Morioka Station, and the Denden-mushi Loop Bus can save time between the station and sightseeing areas.
