Episode 65: Northern Honshu Road Trip Japan, Part 4 Exploring Morioka

In part 4 of our epic Northern Honshu road trip, we take you to the heart of Iwate Prefecture with an overnight stay while exploring Morioka. Known for its serene atmosphere and rich cultural heritage, Morioka didn’t disappoint! We share highlights from our luxurious stay at the Shikitei ryokan, where the onsen experience was nothing short of heavenly. The highlight? A multi-course kaiseki dinner crafted from the freshest local, seasonal ingredients—pure culinary artistry at its finest.

But not everything went according to plan! We recount a rather unexpected (and slightly embarrassing) encounter with the local traffic police that resulted in a frustrating speeding ticket. Let’s just say it added some unwanted excitement to the journey.

This episode is packed with travel insights, hidden gems, and practical tips to help you make the most of your exploring Morioka and the Tohoku region adventure in 2025. Whether you’re dreaming of onsen escapes or want to laugh along with our travel mishaps, you won’t want to miss this one!

For more behind the scenes this and all of our explorations in Japan, be sure to check out our Destinations and Japan pages.