<p>The park is vividly colourful and completely peaceful</p>

The park is vividly colourful and completely peaceful (Photo: Imogen Riethmuller)

Iwate Kōen, Morioka

Castle grounds in the heart of the city

Imogen Riethmuller Aug 24, 2014 - 1 min read

<p>The park is vividly colourful and completely peaceful</p>

<p>The remains of the moat that surrounded the castle, filled with koi</p>

<p>Beautiful greens, reds and browns of the park</p>

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

<p>Flowers growing in the castle grounds</p>

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

<p>Red and gold leaf detail</p>

<p>The park is a popular spot for refreshment, reflection, or just a lunch break</p>

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

<p>Sit at a bench under a canopy of trees</p>

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

<p>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</p>

<p>Corridors of trees seem to stretch on forever</p>

<p>Impressive stone walls surround the park</p>

<p>The walls serve as a reminder of the castle that once stood on the site</p>

<p>Masses of greenery in the middle of the city</p>

<p>A cool staircase – the park offers shade in the hot summer months</p>

<p>Reflections on the old moat outside Iwate Kōen</p>

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.

Imogen Riethmuller

Imogen Riethmuller @imogen.riethmuller