A Night Out in Morioka City

Nakadori Area

Ask any local to point you in the direction of the nightlife and they’ll have you heading straight towards Nakadori, a large, lively street that runs through the center of Morioka. The area’s vibrant atmosphere and plethora of eateries and watering holes invites a mixed crowd of both locals and tourists, Japanese and international alike. Dine like a local at an izakaya, a tapas style eatery which doubles up as a pub, or hit some of the smaller bars before dropping in at one of the numerous karaoke boxes which is sure to keep everybody going all night. Looking for something a little less crowded? Drop back off the main street to hunt out some of the more quiet and unique establishments.

Nikkatei Piano Bar

Tucked down a little side street of central Morioka is Nikkatei piano bar. As the name suggests the bar’s main draw is its live piano music which continues all night until the bar closes at 3am. Though the vibes are on the whole pretty chilled, customers often grow a little more frisky when the pianist starts taking song requests. With a table charge to cover the musician’s fees and drink prices reflecting the fairly upmarket feel of the bar, you can expect to spend a few thousand yen on a night at Nikkatei.

にっか亭

岩手県盛岡市大通2-6-25

0196246834

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Sakurayama Shrine Izakaya District

Though Nakadori is still the most frequented part of the city at night, the Sakurayama Shrine district is increasingly competing for business. Originally known as one of the more sleazy areas to spend an evening in Morioka, the narrow streets leading up to Sakurayama Shrine have been gradually filling up with stylish izakaya and Japanese-style bars in recent years. As a hidden pocket of the city, a night out here is sure to have you escaping the international crowd and carousing with the locals.

Sakurayama-jinja Shrine

Iwate Morioka-shi Uchimaru 1-42

0196222061

Open 24 hours[Awarding offic…

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Sundance

Sneaking down a side street away from the bright lights of Nakadori brings you out at the Sundance pub. If your idea of a good night out involves friendly faces and a buoyant atmosphere you’ve come to the right place. Set out over two floors, this pub fills up with regulars and newcomers brought together by live music, trendy vibes, and the irrefutably friendly owner who manages the bar. In need of a midnight snack after all those local craft beers? Grab a taco from the stand just outside the pub before stumbling home.

Sundance

サンダンス

岩手県盛岡市大通2-4-22 サンライズタウン1・2F

0196526526

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