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A Hiraizumi night or continue to the Miyako coast?

Stay three nights in Morioka and one in Hiraizumi for Kenji exhibitions and the two temples on separate days. For Hiraizumi history before the beach, choose two nights in Morioka, one in Hiraizumi and one in Miyako. Visit both temples on day three, then landscape models, videos and excavated objects at the Cultural Heritage Center the next morning before moving to Miyako. Both days must be Runrun operating dates. The Kenji route includes ¥340 for return local buses; the coast route includes ¥400 for return Runrun travel on the centre day too. Recheck JR reference fares for your date and plan the final-day return from the beach to Morioka alongside your onward journey.

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Choose a 5 days / 4 nights itinerary

5 days / 4 nights

Four nights: Kenji exhibitions and two temples at a slower pace

Stay three nights in Morioka for city walks and Kenji exhibitions, then one in Hiraizumi. Visit Motsuji’s garden on day four and Chusonji’s Golden Hall and Sankozo on the final day, giving each temple a day of its own.

Four nights: Kenji exhibitions and two temples at a slower pace →5 days / 4 nights

Four nights: Hiraizumi temples, then the Miyako coast

Stay two nights in Morioka, one in Hiraizumi and one in Miyako for temples and Hiraizumi history before Jodogahama beach. Visit both temples on day three. The next morning, see landscape models, videos and excavated objects at the Cultural Heritage Center. Return by JR to Morioka, take the 106 bus to Miyako and walk the beach on the final day. Both Hiraizumi days must be Runrun operating dates.

Four nights: Hiraizumi temples, then the Miyako coast →
5 days / 4 nights

Four nights: Kenji exhibitions and two temples at a slower pace

Stay three nights in Morioka for city walks and Kenji exhibitions, then one in Hiraizumi. Visit Motsuji’s garden on day four and Chusonji’s Golden Hall and Sankozo on the final day, giving each temple a day of its own.

Day 1: Morioka Station → Red Brick Building → stay in Morioka

Visit the Red Brick Building’s indoor exhibitions after arriving at Morioka Station. Spend the night in Morioka.

  1. Morioka Station stand 15 → Clockwise loop to bus centre

    Take the Dendenmushi clockwise loop from stand 15 outside Morioka Station and get off at Morioka Bus Center stand 15. The facility gives about a one-minute walk from the stop to the Red Brick Building. The adult bus fare is ¥150 per ride. After visiting, return on the anticlockwise loop from bus centre stand 14.

    Dendenmushi clockwise loopOperator’s loop bus informationFacility accessIwate Bank Red Brick Building facilities and restored areas

  2. Bus centre → Red Brick Building entrance and exhibitions

    Walk about one minute from the bus centre to the Red Brick Building for daytime exhibitions. Last admission is 16:30; general adult admission to paid areas is ¥300.

    Facility accessOfficial FAQIwate Bank Red Brick Building facilities and restored areas

  3. Bus centre stand 14 → Return by bus to the station for your overnight stay

    After the visit and a meal, take Dendenmushi’s anticlockwise loop from bus centre stand 14 to Morioka Station. Stay at the same accommodation nearby; tomorrow is for the castle park and Nakanohashi area.

    Dendenmushi anticlockwise timetable

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.

Day 2: Morioka accommodation → castle park and Nakanohashi → stay in Morioka

Keep the same accommodation and walk around the castle park and Nakanohashi today. Take your time with city walks and meals before tomorrow’s Hanamaki trip.

  1. Morioka accommodation and station → Walk or take the anticlockwise loop bus to the park

    Leave your accommodation in the morning and go towards Morioka Station. The tourist association’s 15-minute walk to the park starts at the station. For the bus, take Dendenmushi’s anticlockwise loop from stand 16 and get off at Morioka Castle Site Park (盛岡城跡公園). The tourist association’s name 盛岡城跡公園前 also refers to this park stop.

    Tourist association park accessOperator’s loop bus information

  2. Castle park → Lunch in Nakanohashi and city centre walk

    After the stone walls and Taiko Bridge, have lunch around Nakanohashi. Explore central Morioka in the afternoon, then return towards the station and rest at the same accommodation.

    Tourist association park access

Avoid park construction areas and closed paths.

Day 3: Morioka Station → Shin-Hanamaki Station → Kenji museum → stay in Morioka

Visit Hanamaki’s literary exhibitions from Morioka today. After getting off at Shin-Hanamaki, take a bus and continue uphill on foot to the museum.

  1. Morioka Station → Change at Shin-Hanamaki to the memorial museum bus

    Take the Tohoku Shinkansen from Morioka to Shin-Hanamaki. From stand 4, board the Tsuchizawa Line (土沢線) towards Hanamaki Station or Shinashina Hanamaki and get off at Kenji Kinenkan Iriguchi. Check your date’s train and bus separately and leave transfer time. The city guidebook timetable gives about four minutes on the bus from Shin-Hanamaki to the stop, with an adult fare of ¥170 one way.

    Hanamaki City Tsuchizawa Line and fare scopeWeekday timetable currently linked by the cityJR Eki-net date-specific train and reference fare searchLatest city guidebook Tsuchizawa Line timetable and route faresHanamaki City July 2026 transport guidebook

  2. Kenji Kinenkan Iriguchi stop → Stairs, lunch and exhibitions

    The museum is about a 15-minute uphill walk from the stop, including a section with 367 steps. Allow time for meals and the stairs and see the exhibitions in daylight. Hours are 09:00–16:30, with adult admission of ¥350. Check closures in the official calendar.

    Museum hours and accessCurrent Hanamaki City operating informationHanamaki tourist association

  3. Kenji Kinenkan Iriguchi stop → Bus and return to Morioka

    Retrace the downhill route to Kenji Kinenkan Iriguchi and take the Tsuchizawa Line towards Michi-no-Eki Towa back to Shin-Hanamaki Station stand 5. Change to a Morioka-bound train. Buses and trains are separate services; check return times and transfer allowances for your date together. The adult bus fare is ¥170 one way, with ¥340 return counted here. Recheck the timetable and any fare changes in the city’s latest guidebook.

    Hanamaki City Tsuchizawa Line and fare scopeWeekday timetable currently linked by the cityMuseum hours and accessJR Eki-net date-specific train and reference fare searchLatest city guidebook Tsuchizawa Line timetable and route faresHanamaki City July 2026 transport guidebook

Allow time for the uphill walk and stairs separately from the bus ride. The adult bus fare between Shin-Hanamaki Station and Kenji Kinenkan Iriguchi is ¥170 each way; ¥340 return is included below. Weekday and weekend services differ; choose your date’s timetable in the latest city guidebook.

Day 4: Morioka Station → Hiraizumi Station → Motsuji → stay in Hiraizumi

Move from Morioka to Hiraizumi and visit Motsuji’s garden. This is the first of two days with one temple visit each.

  1. Morioka accommodation and station → Check-out and Hiraizumi Station

    Take a JR Tohoku Main Line local train from Morioka to Hiraizumi. Direct and connecting services are available; check stops and transfers for your actual date. Official directions give about a seven-minute walk from Hiraizumi Station to Motsuji. Travel in the morning to leave time for the temples and meals.

    JR 1532MJR Eki-net date-specific train and reference fare search

  2. Hiraizumi Station → Motsuji entrance

    Walk about seven minutes from Hiraizumi Station to Motsuji and explore the garden around Oizumi-ga-ike. Hours are 08:30–17:00, closing at 16:30 from 5 November to 4 March. For an afternoon arrival, leave enough time to visit and exit before closing.

    Motsuji

  3. Motsuji → Explore the garden, take a break and check admission

    After Motsuji’s garden, return towards Hiraizumi Station for a meal and overnight stay. Adult admission is ¥700. Tomorrow, see Chusonji’s Golden Hall and Sankozo before leaving Hiraizumi.

    Motsuji

Return towards the station after Motsuji’s garden and finish before the seasonal closing time.

Day 5: Hiraizumi accommodation → Chusonji → depart from Hiraizumi Station

Use the final morning in Hiraizumi for Chusonji.

  1. Hiraizumi Station → Runrun to Chusonji

    Take the Runrun loop bus from 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. This itinerary’s bus cost applies on Runrun operating days. Ordinary buses on other days have different timetables and fares, and the Runrun day pass cannot be used.

    Runrun operating timetable

  2. Chusonji → Golden Hall and Sankozo visit

    Climb the Tsukimizaka approach from the stop, 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. Allow time for the climb and descent separately from the bus ride, and return down the same approach. Special openings need an additional ticket.

    ChusonjiChusonji accessRunrun operating timetableChusonji hours and standard ticket

  3. Chusonji bus stop → Return to Hiraizumi Station and depart

    Descend Chusonji’s approach to the Runrun stop, then take the loop bus to Hiraizumi Station. Check your return bus from Chusonji alongside your train in the official timetable for your date. Allow plenty of time for the descent, waiting for the bus and reaching the station before the train.

    Runrun operating timetable

A final-day Chusonji visit needs a return bus and onward train that fit after sightseeing and descent. For a morning departure, move Chusonji to the previous day or another trip and go straight to the station.

Confirmed cost subtotal: ¥11,230

Included: Kenji museum ¥350 plus Red Brick Building ¥300 plus Motsuji ¥700 plus Chusonji standard ticket ¥1,000 plus Dendenmushi ¥300 plus Runrun ¥400 plus the 17 October Morioka–Hiraizumi local train reference fare of ¥1,600 one way. Also included: return Shin-Hanamaki Shinkansen reference ¥6,240 and Tsuchizawa Line ¥170 × two rides. Runrun must be operating on the dates listed above.

Additional costs and conditions: Four nights’ accommodation, meals, luggage storage, additional park buses and your final departure from Hiraizumi are extra. The Shinkansen reference varies by seat choice and date; check before payment.

A subtotal for one adult, excluding accommodation and meals. The ¥6,240 return Shinkansen journey to Shin-Hanamaki is an Eki-net search reference. The Tsuchizawa Line museum bus is listed at ¥170 one way in the latest city guidebook, adding ¥340 return. Recheck the actual price if your JR train, seat or travel date differs.

Current Hanamaki City operating informationOfficial FAQMotsujiChusonjiRunrun operating timetableOperator’s loop bus informationJR Eki-net date-specific train and reference fare searchLatest city guidebook Tsuchizawa Line timetable and route faresHanamaki City July 2026 transport guidebook

5 days / 4 nights

Four nights: Hiraizumi temples, then the Miyako coast

Stay two nights in Morioka, one in Hiraizumi and one in Miyako for temples and Hiraizumi history before Jodogahama beach. Visit both temples on day three. The next morning, see landscape models, videos and excavated objects at the Cultural Heritage Center. Return by JR to Morioka, take the 106 bus to Miyako and walk the beach on the final day. Both Hiraizumi days must be Runrun operating dates.

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.

  1. Morioka Station → Walk to the castle park

    The 15-minute park walk starts at Morioka Station; check the route and time from your accommodation separately.

    Tourist association park access

  2. Castle park → Walk, meal and return to your accommodation

    Explore the stone walls and Taiko Bridge in the afternoon, have dinner around Nakanohashi and return to your accommodation. Keep day one focused on walking, with room to rest before the longer journeys ahead.

    Tourist association park access

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 → Red Brick Building → stay in Morioka

Visit the Red Brick Building on your second day in Morioka. Return to the same accommodation and rest before moving to Hiraizumi tomorrow.

  1. Morioka Station stand 15 → Get off at the bus centre and walk to the Red Brick Building

    Take the Dendenmushi clockwise loop from stand 15 outside Morioka Station and get off at Morioka Bus Center stand 15. The facility gives about a one-minute walk from the stop to the Red Brick Building. The adult bus fare is ¥150 per ride. After visiting, return on the anticlockwise loop from bus centre stand 14.

    Dendenmushi clockwise loopDendenmushi anticlockwise timetableOfficial FAQOperator’s loop bus informationFacility accessIwate Bank Red Brick Building facilities and restored areas

  2. Red Brick Building → After exhibitions, return by bus to the station and accommodation

    Walk about one minute from the bus centre to the Red Brick Building and see its free and paid exhibitions. Adult paid-area admission is ¥300; hours are 10:00–17:00, last admission 16:30. Afterwards, take Dendenmushi’s anticlockwise loop from bus centre stand 14 to Morioka Station, have a meal and rest at the same accommodation. Tomorrow, move to Hiraizumi for the temples.

    Dendenmushi clockwise loopDendenmushi anticlockwise timetableOfficial FAQOperator’s loop bus informationIwate Bank Red Brick Building facilities and restored areas

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.

Day 3: Morioka Station → Hiraizumi Station → Motsuji and Chusonji → stay in Hiraizumi

Move from Morioka to Hiraizumi, visit both temples and spend the night here.

  1. 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

  2. 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.

    Motsuji

  3. 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.

    Runrun operating timetable

  4. 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 accessChusonji hours and standard ticket

  5. Chusonji bus stop → Runrun back to Hiraizumi Station and accommodation

    After descending the approach, take Runrun to Hiraizumi Station. Choose your return bus from the date’s timetable first, allowing time for sightseeing, descent and waiting. Return to accommodation near the station for dinner and the night. Standard adult admission to both temples totals ¥1,700; two Runrun rides cost ¥400.

    Runrun operating timetableMotsujiChusonji hours and standard ticket

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 4: Cultural Heritage Center → Morioka Station → stay in Miyako

Explore the historic setting of yesterday’s temples at the Cultural Heritage Center. Visit in the morning, return to Hiraizumi Station and travel via Morioka to Miyako.

  1. Outside Hiraizumi Station → Hiraizumi Cultural Heritage Center · 平泉文化遺産センター

    Take Runrun from the station to the Cultural Heritage Center stop. The official timetable gives seven minutes from the station, with an adult fare of ¥200 and the first morning departure at 10:15. This route applies only on the Runrun operating days listed above. The facility’s address is 44 Hanadate, Hiraizumi; it is different from the similarly named World Heritage Guidance Center.

    Runrun operating timetableHiraizumi Cultural Heritage CenterHiraizumi tourist association: Cultural Heritage Center English name and Runrun access

  2. Cultural Heritage Center → Landscape models, video and excavated objects

    Follow Hiraizumi’s history in chronological order, focusing on the Fujiwara clan. Landscape models with video and sound and objects excavated in the town help you picture the historic setting of yesterday’s temples. Admission is free. April–October hours are 09:00–17:00, last admission 16:30; November–March hours are 09:00–16:30, last admission 16:00. Check year-end, New Year and exhibition-change closures for your date.

    Hiraizumi Cultural Heritage Center

  3. Cultural Heritage Center bus stop → Runrun back to Hiraizumi Station

    After visiting, take Runrun from the centre stop to Hiraizumi Station. The loop returns via Chusonji, taking 13 minutes from the stop in the official timetable. Adult fare is ¥200, or ¥400 for today’s two rides. Choose your return before visiting so that you can connect to an afternoon JR train and the 106 bus.

    Runrun operating timetableHiraizumi tourist association: Cultural Heritage Center English name and Runrun access

  4. Hiraizumi Station → JR to Morioka

    Take the JR Tohoku Main Line from Hiraizumi back to Morioka. With Miyako still ahead today, leave time to reach the bus stand and wait after JR arrival. Check the JR and 106 timetables for your date together to choose a workable connection.

    JR 1537MJR Eki-net date-specific train and reference fare search

  5. Morioka Station East Exit, stand 7 → 106 bus and overnight stay in Miyako

    Take the 106 bus from Morioka Station’s East Exit stand 7 to Miyako. Choose your date’s express or limited-express service from weekday or weekend schedules, checking peak-period surcharges. After arrival, eat near Miyako Station and go to your accommodation. Jodogahama beach is tomorrow.

    106 weekend outward timetable

Both the temple day and centre day must be Runrun operating dates. Check centre closures and the connections between your return bus, JR train to Morioka and the 106 bus to Miyako. Leave time for changing stands, food and waiting. Stay in Miyako and visit the beach tomorrow.

Day 5: Miyako Station → Jodogahama → Miyako Station → depart via Morioka Station

Walk Jodogahama beach on the final morning, then leave via Miyako and Morioka.

  1. Outside Miyako Station → Visitor centre and Jodogahama

    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.

    Local bus weekday timetableMiyako City information106 weekday return timetableCity bus day pass

  2. Miyako Station → Departure from Morioka Station

    Return from Jodogahama to Miyako Station by local bus, then take the 106 to Morioka. Check connections between local and long-distance buses alongside your onward train from Morioka. If the connection is tight, shorten the beach walk and give priority to returning.

    Local bus weekday timetableMiyako City information106 weekday return timetableCity bus day pass

Allow time to walk back from the beach to the visitor centre. Adjust the walk for local restrictions and weather.

Confirmed cost subtotal: ¥11,400

Included: Red Brick Building ¥300 plus Motsuji ¥700 plus Chusonji standard ticket ¥1,000 plus Runrun ¥400 on the temple day and ¥400 on the Cultural Heritage Center day, Dendenmushi ¥300, regular 106 return fare ¥4,600, Miyako day pass ¥500 and Hiraizumi local train reference ¥1,600 × two rides. Cultural Heritage Center admission is free. Both visits must be on the Runrun operating days listed above.

Additional costs and conditions: JR amounts are adult search references for outward travel on 17 October and return on 18 October. Four nights’ accommodation, meals, luggage storage, 106 limited-express surcharges and initial and final transport are extra.

A subtotal for one adult, excluding accommodation and meals. JR amounts use Eki-net search reference prices.

Official FAQMotsujiChusonjiRunrun operating timetableOperator’s loop bus information106 bus timetable, fares and boarding pointsCity bus day passJR Eki-net date-specific train and reference fare searchHiraizumi Cultural Heritage Center

Frequently asked questions

Can I use the JR EAST PASS the next day after a night in Hiraizumi?

Yes, if both JR travel dates fall within the pass’s consecutive validity. Current official information specifies five or ten consecutive days from the start date. Temple buses, admission and accommodation are extra. Before buying, compare ordinary fares including long-distance JR travel outside Iwate too.

JR EAST PASS covered lines and validityJR EAST PASS eligibility and collectionRunrun operating timetable

What does the Cultural Heritage Center show after the temples?

The Cultural Heritage Center explores historic Hiraizumi through landscape models, videos and excavated objects, adding context to your walks at Motsuji and Chusonji. Admission is free and the route adds ¥400 for return Runrun travel. Both temple and centre days must be Runrun operating dates. After the morning exhibition, return to the station, take JR to Morioka and the 106 to Miyako. Check centre closures and your date’s connections before leaving.

Hiraizumi Cultural Heritage CenterRunrun operating timetable

Sources and verification dates