Morioka’s city center still has quite a few retro historic buildings, so I spent half a day leisurely exploring them.
My first stop was the Iwate Bank Red Brick Pavilion, designed by Kingo Tatsuno. Its familiar red-brick exterior reminded me of Tokyo Station.
Inside, the former bank spaces and exhibit materials have been preserved. It’s not very large, but the atmosphere is calm, and it’s a nice place to look around at a relaxed pace.
Iwate Bank Red Brick Pavilion | Review by 金己田
Other Reviews by 金己田
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I visited Tsurugaoka Hachimangu in Kamakura for a year-end shrine visit, and also did a bit of a pilgrimage to a famous filming location. Seeing a place that once appeared in a historical drama right in front of me was really special.
This historic shrine has witnessed the rise and fall of the Kamakura shogunate, and actually walking up the stone steps made me feel the weight of its history.
As one of Kamakura’s signature attractions, I’d highly recommend visiting for worship even if you haven’t seen the TV drama. -
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As soon as you step out of Atami Station, the shopping street is right in front of you. The retro atmosphere feels like stepping back in time. There’s a great mix of shops, from traditional dried fish stores to stylish dessert spots. I bought an Atami pudding and enjoyed it while sitting in the arcade, then finished things off with a footbath before leaving. A perfect ending.
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Senaga Island is built along the coast, and the white buildings make you feel like you're on the Mediterranean.
Eating taco rice there, with the sound of planes taking off and landing in the background and an amazing ocean view right in front of you, really puts you in full vacation mode. -
