九十九草
Iwate - Morioka, Hokkaido & Tohoku
Tucked on a quiet side street in central Morioka, Tsukunakusa (九十九草) feels like a polished secret for anyone who loves music with their coffee; the small space combines the hushed attentiveness of a traditional kissaten with the warmth of a neighborhood listening room. Wooden counters, battered vinyl spines and a scattering of potted herbs — a playful nod to the name — frame a vintage turntable and analogue amp, and the owner curates sets that lean from mellow jazz and domestic folk to cinematic city‑pop and Tohoku singer‑songwriters, often punctuated by short, intimate live nights or guest DJs. In winter the room is an especially comforting cocoon against Morioka’s snow, while in summer the door stands open to the soft bustle of the neighborhood, making it easy to drift in for a single song or a long conversation about records. Locals come for the careful sound and knowledgeable pours, travelers for an authentic slice of Iwate’s music culture; either way you leave feeling you’ve heard the city differently.
Tucked on a quiet side street in central Morioka, Tsukunakusa (九十九草) feels like a polished secret for anyone who loves music with their coffee; the small space combines the hushed attentiveness of a traditional kissaten with the warmth of a neighborhood listening room. Wooden counters, battered vinyl spines and a scattering of potted herbs — a playful nod to the name — frame a vintage turntable and analogue amp, and the owner curates sets that lean from mellow jazz and domestic folk to cinematic city‑pop and Tohoku singer‑songwriters, often punctuated by short, intimate live nights or guest DJs. In winter the room is an especially comforting cocoon against Morioka’s snow, while in summer the door stands open to the soft bustle of the neighborhood, making it easy to drift in for a single song or a long conversation about records. Locals come for the careful sound and knowledgeable pours, travelers for an authentic slice of Iwate’s music culture; either way you leave feeling you’ve heard the city differently.