The staff kindly explained the history of Mizusawa Prefecture and how the building was used as an elementary school and a courthouse. Thank you very much.
There was once a county-level administrative division that existed for only five years. Small and exquisite, it explains the county administrative system of that time.
This building was originally a prefectural office constructed in the early Meiji period, and it appears to have been used later as a courthouse and a school.
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.
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
