Iwate

24/08/2014

Iwate Kōen, Morioka

Castle grounds in the heart of the city

Por Imogen Riethmuller

Community writer

The park is vividly colourful and completely peaceful

The remains of the moat that surrounded the castle, filled with koi

Beautiful greens, reds and browns of the park

The trees here are spectacular- some of the leaves are so fine they look almost like feathers

Flowers growing in the castle grounds

While it is famous for cherry blossoms in spring, the park is full of beautiful colours in summer

Red and gold leaf detail

The park is a popular spot for refreshment, reflection, or just a lunch break

The red painted bridge that leads to where the main grounds of Morioka Castle once stood

Sit at a bench under a canopy of trees

It's easy to forget that Iwate Kōen is right in the heart of Morioka

The horse statue is missing from the top of this monument, as it was melted down in WWII for iron and has not yet been replaced

Corridors of trees seem to stretch on forever

Impressive stone walls surround the park

The walls serve as a reminder of the castle that once stood on the site

Masses of greenery in the middle of the city

A cool staircase – the park offers shade in the hot summer months

Reflections on the old moat outside Iwate Kōen

Right in the heart of Morioka city, Iwate Kōen used to be the site of Morioka Castle. The castle began to fall into disrepair during the Shogunate and the Meiji period, and was ultimately demolished in 1874. The park was redesigned in 1906 by pioneering early modern park designer, Yasuhei Nagaoka. It has since become a place of relaxation and refreshment during the hot summer months. The impressive stone walls that surround the park are made of granite sourced locally in Morioka, and serve as a tribute to the great castle that once stood there.

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Imogen Riethmuller

Por Imogen Riethmuller

Community writer

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