Mizusawa Prefectural Office Memorial Hall is typically open from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM, closed on Mondays and national holidays. Admission is usually free, though special exhibitions may have entrance fees. Check the official website or call ahead to confirm current hours and any seasonal closures.
Take JR Tohoku Main Line to Mizusawa Station, then it's about a 15-minute walk to Mizusawa Prefectural Office Memorial Hall. Local buses are also available from the station. The memorial hall is located in Oshu City, Iwate Prefecture, making it easily accessible from major cities like Sendai and Morioka.
Mizusawa Prefectural Office Memorial Hall displays historical documents, photographs, and artifacts related to Iwate Prefecture's administrative history and the former Mizusawa Prefectural Office building. Visitors can learn about local government development, regional culture, and the building's architectural significance as an important Meiji-era structure.
Yes, Mizusawa Prefectural Office Memorial Hall typically provides free parking for visitors. The parking area can accommodate regular cars and tour buses. However, during peak seasons or special events, parking may be limited, so arriving early is recommended for guaranteed parking availability.
Near Mizusawa Prefectural Office Memorial Hall, visitors can explore Chuson-ji Temple, Motsu-ji Temple (both UNESCO World Heritage sites), and the National Astronomical Observatory of Japan Mizusawa VLBI Observatory. The area also offers traditional Japanese gardens, local museums, and scenic walking paths showcasing Iwate Prefecture's natural beauty and cultural heritage.
Traveler reviews
The entrance fee is 200 yen, but a combined ticket for all six facilities is a better deal (1000 yen). The receptionist kindly explained the history of Mizusawa Prefecture. I already knew about the history of Miyagi Prefecture, but it helped to organize my thoughts. Mizusawa Prefecture was formed to govern the northern part of Miyagi Prefecture and the southern part of Iwate Prefecture. Afterwards, it was used as an elementary school and a courthouse, and as a courthouse, it is said to be quite old and valuable as one of the few remaining.
A historic building that has served as a prefectural office, elementary school, and courthouse. It's a good deal to purchase a combined ticket to visit.
When the feudal domains were abolished and prefectures were established, the area from the northern part of Miyagi Prefecture to the southern part of Iwate Prefecture became Wakuya Prefecture, Tome Prefecture, Ichinoseki Prefecture, and then Mizusawa Prefecture in 1871. The prefectural office was located here until Mizusawa Prefecture was abolished in 1875, and you can see what it was like inside while listening to explanations from the staff. There is also a courthouse from that time located inside the building, which is quite interesting.
The receptionist was very courteous and showed great consideration for how to handle the cultural property and its position as a tourist facility.
I visited on Saturday, October 11th, in the late 10:00s.
As a museum, it's small and feels a bit cramped, but being able to see a historical building for 200 yen makes it feel reasonably priced.
The receptionist was friendly and answered all my questions.
The building was used as a prefectural office for about three years starting in 1872 (Meiji 5), then as an elementary school, and later as a courthouse.
Looking at the exterior and the room that was used as a courtroom, it looks like a magistrate's office from a historical drama, which gives it a strange sense of familiarity.
More about Mizusawa Prefectural Office Memorial Hall, Tome from our blog
