Traditional crafts passed down in Morioka all under one roof
In the ancient historic castle town of Morioka, many traditional crafts and industries have been passed down over the years. At Morioka Handi-Works Square, first-class handicrafts and local industrial products from the region are not just assembled and introduced, but they are also directly sold, and with workshops in creating these items, the industry of Morioka is communicated over a wide area. The people who participate in the craftsmanship at the facility are artisans of the first order. Being able to see polished traditional techniques in front of your eyes as they are explained to you is a precious experience.
Morioka traditions to be enjoyed in 3 zones
Morioka Handi-Works Square is divided into 3 zones: the Morioka Local Industry Zone, the Workshop Zone and the Nambu Magariya Zone. At the Morioka Local Industry Zone, 4000 kinds of goods including local special products of noodles, alcohol, pickles, candy and other foods, along with the Nambu ironware and lacquerware that are popular within Japan and overseas, dyed goods, and homespun fabrics which were introduced by an English missionary are displayed and sold. The Nambu Magariya Zone has traditional homes of the Morioka area that were moved to the square. Their special characteristic is the L-shaped arrangement which has the main house linked to the barn under one roof. Agriculture from the old days stressed importance on the horse so the magariya is an important form of construction that relates how man and animal lived together, and the houses are 200-year-old creations that have been moved to the facility.
The Workshop Zone to try out the traditional crafts: see, touch and create
At the Workshop Zone, top-flight craftsman actually work in this area and create products daily. Currently, there are 15 workshops where you can observe the production of various handicrafts of Morioka. There are very popular classes where you can try to make foods such as reimen and Nambu rice crackers along with pottery, bamboo ware and dyed products.