The middle day: temple trip or a night on the coast?
Stay two nights in Morioka to visit both temples in one day without changing accommodation. For more time at Jodogahama beach, choose one night each in Morioka and Miyako. The temple itinerary uses local JR trains and temple buses; the coast uses the 106 and Miyako local buses. To visit the Red Brick Building on the final day, allow time for the city return journey and sightseeing between your bus from the coast and onward train.
Choose a 3 days / 2 nights itinerary
Two nights: Morioka base with a Hiraizumi day trip
Stay two nights in Morioka and visit Motsuji’s garden and Chusonji’s Golden Hall without changing accommodation. On day two, use the JR Tohoku Main Line and temple buses for Hiraizumi, returning to the same hotel.
Two nights: Morioka base with a Hiraizumi day trip →3 days / 2 nightsTwo nights: Morioka, then the Miyako coast
Stay one night each in Morioka and Miyako to combine city walks and sea views on a short trip. Walk Jodogahama beach on day two, then return to Morioka for the Red Brick Building before leaving on day three.
Two nights: Morioka, then the Miyako coast →Two nights: Morioka base with a Hiraizumi day trip
Stay two nights in Morioka and visit Motsuji’s garden and Chusonji’s Golden Hall without changing accommodation. On day two, use the JR Tohoku Main Line and temple buses for Hiraizumi, returning to the same hotel.
Day 1: Morioka Station → castle park → stay in Morioka
After arriving at Morioka Station, walk through the castle park and have a meal in the city. Spend the night in Morioka.
- Morioka Station → Walk to the castle park
Walk from Morioka Station to the castle park. The tourist association gives about 15 minutes on foot.
- Castle park → Stone walls and Taiko Bridge walk
Explore the stone walls and Taiko Bridge, return towards the station for a meal and spend the night at the same accommodation.
Walk beside the stone walls and Taiko Bridge, have a meal in the city and return to your accommodation. Avoid park construction areas and closed paths.
Day 2: Morioka Station → Motsuji → Chusonji → stay in Morioka
Allow separately for Motsuji’s garden walk and the climb at Chusonji.
- Morioka Station → JR Tohoku Main Line to Hiraizumi Station
Take a JR Tohoku Main Line local train from Morioka to Hiraizumi. Some trains are direct and others require a change; check stops and transfers for your date. Travel in the morning to leave time for the garden and a meal.
JR 1532MJR Eki-net date-specific train and reference fare search
- Hiraizumi Station → Visit Motsuji’s garden, then return to the station
Walk about seven minutes from Hiraizumi Station to Motsuji and explore the Oizumi-ga-ike garden. Adult admission is ¥700. Hours are 08:30–17:00, closing at 16:30 from 5 November to 4 March. After sightseeing and lunch, return to the station bus stop for Chusonji.
- Outside Hiraizumi Station → Runrun to Chusonji bus stop
Take the Runrun loop bus outside Hiraizumi Station to Chusonji. In 2026 it runs Saturdays, Sundays and public holidays from 11 April to 29 November, plus daily from 13 to 16 August. The cost below applies on Runrun operating days. Otherwise, check ordinary services’ return timetables and fares; the Runrun day pass cannot be used.
- Chusonji bus stop → Climb the approach for the Golden Hall and Sankozo
Climb Tsukimizaka, pass the main hall and visit the Golden Hall and Sankozo. The standard adult ticket is ¥1,000. Hours are 08:30–17:00 from 1 March to 3 November and 08:30–16:30 otherwise; ticket sales stop 10 minutes before closing. Special openings need an additional ticket. Afterwards, descend the same approach to the bus stop.
- Chusonji bus stop → Hiraizumi → Morioka accommodation
Return by bus from Chusonji to Hiraizumi Station, then by JR Tohoku Main Line to Morioka. First choose a return bus that leaves time for the uphill visit and descent, then allow for bus delays when choosing your train connection. Have dinner near Morioka Station and return to the same accommodation.
JR 1545MRunrun operating timetableJR Eki-net date-specific train and reference fare search
Visit on a Runrun operating day. Chusonji involves an uphill approach and descent, with tickets ending 10 minutes before closing. For both temples, travel in the morning and allow time for the garden, lunch and approach. Choose your return bus to the station first.
Day 3: Morioka accommodation → Red Brick Building → depart from Morioka Station
Finish with city exhibitions in Morioka the day after the temples.
- Morioka accommodation → Travel to the Red Brick Building
Take the Dendenmushi clockwise loop from stand 15 outside Morioka Station to Morioka Bus Center stand 15. The facility lists about a one-minute walk to the Red Brick Building. The adult fare is ¥150 per ride. Return on the anticlockwise loop from bus centre stand 14 after visiting. Walk from the bus centre into the building and see the free and paid exhibitions. Adult paid-area admission is ¥300.
Dendenmushi clockwise loopOfficial FAQOperator’s loop bus informationFacility accessIwate Bank Red Brick Building facilities and restored areas
- Bus centre stand 14 → Return to Morioka Station
After the visit and a meal, take the Dendenmushi anticlockwise loop from bus centre stand 14 back to Morioka Station. Choose a return service from your date’s timetable and leave time to board your train at the station.
The Red Brick Building opens 10:00–17:00, with last admission at 16:30. On Tuesdays and 29 December–3 January, swap the indoor visit with another day’s park walk or meal. With no lift or lockers, ask the facility which areas you can visit if stairs are difficult for you.
Included: Red Brick Building ¥300 plus Motsuji ¥700 plus Chusonji standard ticket ¥1,000 plus Runrun ¥400 plus Dendenmushi ¥300 plus the 17 October direct local train reference fare of ¥1,600 × two rides. Runrun must be operating on the dates listed above.
Additional costs and conditions: Two nights’ accommodation, meals, luggage storage, travel to and from Morioka and additional facilities are excluded.
A subtotal for one adult, excluding accommodation and meals. JR amounts use Eki-net search reference prices.
Official FAQMotsujiChusonjiRunrun operating timetableOperator’s loop bus informationJR Eki-net date-specific train and reference fare search
Two nights: Morioka, then the Miyako coast
Stay one night each in Morioka and Miyako to combine city walks and sea views on a short trip. Walk Jodogahama beach on day two, then return to Morioka for the Red Brick Building before leaving on day three.
Day 1: Morioka Station → castle park → stay in Morioka
After arriving at Morioka Station, walk through the castle park and have a meal in the city. Spend the night in Morioka.
- Morioka Station → Walk to the castle park
After lunch, walk about 15 minutes from the station to the castle park, following the tourist association’s directions.
- Castle park → Walk, then return towards the station for a meal
Walk beside the stone walls and Taiko Bridge in daylight, return towards the station for a meal and spend the night at your accommodation. Follow local detours if construction or events close paths.
Walk beside the stone walls and Taiko Bridge, have a meal in the city and return to your accommodation. Avoid park construction areas and closed paths.
Day 2: Morioka Station → Miyako Station → Jodogahama → stay in Miyako
Move from Morioka to Miyako today and visit the beach.
- Morioka Station East Exit, stand 7 → 106 express to Miyako Station
Take the 106 bus from stand 7 at Morioka Station’s East Exit to Miyako Station. Choose the appropriate express or limited-express service and weekday or weekend timetable for your date, checking peak-period surcharges. Allow separately for changing to a local beach bus after arrival in Miyako.
106 weekend outward timetable106 bus timetable, fares and boarding points
- Outside Miyako Station → Walk from the visitor centre to the beach
From stand 3 outside Miyako Station, take a local bus towards Jodogahama or Miyako Hospital that calls at the visitor centre. The city gives about a 15-minute walk from the centre to the beach. After enjoying the beach and rocks, retrace the walk to the centre stop for a Miyako Station-bound bus. Walking after the ride takes extra time; choose both journeys for your date before leaving.
- Jodogahama beach → Bus and overnight stay in Miyako
Retrace your walk to Jodogahama Visitor Center stop after the beach. Take a local bus to Miyako Station, have dinner after getting off and return to your accommodation. Allow about 15 minutes to walk back from the beach plus waiting time. Check the operator’s weekday or Saturday, Sunday and public holiday return timetable.
106 weekend outward timetableLocal bus weekend timetableMiyako City information
Allow time to walk back from the beach to the visitor centre. Adjust the walk for local restrictions and weather.
Day 3: Miyako Station → Morioka Station → Red Brick Building → depart from Morioka Station
Leave your Miyako accommodation, return to Morioka and visit the Red Brick Building.
- Miyako Station → 106 limited express to Morioka Station
Take the 106 bus from Miyako Station back to Morioka. Journey times and fares differ between express and limited-express services and weekday and weekend schedules; choose your date’s service with the operator. For a Red Brick Building visit too, leave time for a return city journey and sightseeing between arriving at Morioka Station and your departure.
106 weekend return timetableIwate Bank Red Brick Building facilities and restored areas
- Morioka Station stand 15 → Visit the Red Brick Building
Take the Dendenmushi clockwise loop from stand 15 outside Morioka Station to Morioka Bus Center stand 15. The facility lists about a one-minute walk to the Red Brick Building. The adult fare is ¥150 per ride. Return on the anticlockwise loop from bus centre stand 14 after visiting. Walk from the bus centre into the building and see the free and paid exhibitions. Adult paid-area admission is ¥300.
Dendenmushi clockwise loopFacility accessOperator’s loop bus informationIwate Bank Red Brick Building facilities and restored areas
- Red Brick Building → Bus centre stand 14 and return to the station
After the visit and a meal, take the Dendenmushi anticlockwise loop from bus centre stand 14 back to Morioka Station. Choose a return service from your date’s timetable and leave time to board your train at the station.
The Red Brick Building opens 10:00–17:00, with last admission at 16:30. On Tuesdays and 29 December–3 January, swap the indoor visit with another day’s park walk or meal. With no lift or lockers, ask the facility which areas you can visit if stairs are difficult for you.
Included: Regular 106 return fare ¥4,600 plus Miyako one-day pass ¥500 plus Dendenmushi ¥300 plus Red Brick Building ¥300.
Additional costs and conditions: Add ¥200 per ride when the 106 limited-express peak-period surcharge applies. Two nights’ accommodation, meals, trains and luggage storage are excluded.
A subtotal for one adult, excluding accommodation and meals.
106 bus timetable, fares and boarding pointsCity bus day passOperator’s loop bus informationOfficial FAQ
Frequently asked questions
Does the ¥500 Miyako day pass include the 106 bus to Morioka?
No. The ¥500 pass covers a day in the designated Jodogahama/Miyako Port local bus area. Budget separately for the Morioka–Miyako 106 bus; this itinerary adds regular adult fares of ¥2,300 each way, or ¥4,600 return. Add ¥200 per ride when a limited-express peak-period surcharge applies.
City bus day pass106 bus timetable, fares and boarding points
Sources and verification dates
- Tourist association park access ·
- Operator’s loop bus information ·
- Dendenmushi anticlockwise timetable ·
- Official FAQ ·
- Facility access ·
- Runrun operating timetable ·
- Chusonji ·
- Chusonji access ·
- Motsuji ·
- Miyako City information ·
- Tourist association walking routes ·
- Dendenmushi clockwise loop ·
- JR 1532M ·
- JR 1545M ·
- 106 bus timetable, fares and boarding points ·
- 106 weekend outward timetable ·
- Local bus weekend timetable ·
- 106 weekend return timetable ·
- City bus day pass ·
- JR Eki-net date-specific train and reference fare search ·
- Chusonji hours and standard ticket ·
- Iwate Bank Red Brick Building facilities and restored areas ·