What other travelers are saying about Mizusawa Prefectural Office Memorial Hall
The admission fee is 200 yen, but a combined ticket for all six facilities is a better deal (1,000 yen). The receptionist gave us a detailed explanation of the origins of Mizusawa Prefecture. I knew the origins of Miyagi Prefecture separately, but this helped me organize my thoughts. Mizusawa Prefecture was established to govern northern Miyagi Prefecture and southern Iwate Prefecture. After that, it was used as an elementary school and a courthouse, but as a courthouse, it is said to be quite old and valuable for a surviving building.
I visited on Saturday, October 11th, around 10am.
For a museum, it's small and a bit cramped, but for 200 yen you can tour this historical building, so it feels reasonable.
The receptionist was friendly and answered all my questions.
The building was used as the prefectural office for around three years from 1872, after which it served as an elementary school and then as a courthouse and other buildings.
Judging from the exterior and the room that was used as the courtroom, it reminds me of a magistrate's office in a period drama, which makes it feel quite familiar.
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 Sendai Domain was 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. You can see inside while listening to the explanations of the staff. There is also a courthouse from that time in the building, which is quite interesting.
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.
