This setup is for wanko soba, one of Morioka's three signature noodles. The main attraction is soba, which is served in bite-sized bowls. I didn't know this going in, but it's a contest format where an attendant stands by you the entire time, chanting and refilling the bowl until you cry uncle. It's both a lot of food and a lot of entertainment.
170 on my first attempt. It ain't much, but it's honest work. (I'm coming back for 200)
Next day at the temple... Despite the freezing cold + snow, people still showed for hatsumode.
This spicy ramen (actually spicy, not just Japanese spicy) was at a Chinese fusion sort of restaurant. Morioka seems to carry a lot of foreign influence -- e.g. two of their signature local noodles, reimen + jajamen, have distinctly Korean tones.
Statues of 500 rakan (also translated arhat) at Hoonji.
Contributing to the oyster shortage, part 2...