IWATE, Feb 03 (lifestyleasia.com) - While Tokyo, Kyoto and Osaka are the top-tier locations that every traveller wants to explore, Japan's magnificence lies in the cities hidden away from the crowds, where quaint places in the lap of nature take your breath away.

One such city in Japan has made its way on The New York Times’ list of “52 Places to Go in 2023”. Morioka, the capital of Iwate, a prefecture in northeast Japan, became the second-most recommended tourist destination after London (of course). The recent listing has piqued people’s curiosity, some of whom are already curating their Morioka itineraries.

Morioka hasn’t drawn a lot of tourists lately, with only 4,690 people visiting it in the first 11 months of last year, as per reports. Thanks to Times’ shoutout, inquiries about the city have already shot up and given a boost to the tourism industry.

Morioka brings together traditional Japanese and western architectural aesthetics, all against the backdrop of scenic mountains and intersecting rivers. Morioka Castle Ruins Park also known as the Iwate Park is a sight to behold in autumn, all covered in red and orange hues of leaves. The Morioka Castle was demolished in 1874, however, authorities revamped it in the early 1900s and renamed it Iwate Park. Locals love spending time in this gorgeous cherry blossom spot. ...continue reading