This historic building was built in the early Meiji period and has served as a courthouse and school. The area open to tourists is small, so it took about 10 minutes to get around.
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.
After being defeated by government forces in the Boshin War, the Sendai domain had its territory confiscated, and was then ordered to return its land and people to the emperor, leading to the domain being divided. The prefecture was reorganized and merged many times, and its boundaries were changed many times before the current Miyagi prefecture was established.
During this process, the Tome district was incorporated into Mizusawa Prefecture, and this building was built as the Mizusawa Prefectural Office.
It is said to be a valuable example of official building architecture within the prefecture at that time.
It is wonderful that a building from the early Meiji period still exists. The role of the building has changed over the years, but it has been used so much that it remains an important cultural heritage in the Reiwa era.
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Mizusawa Prefectural Office Memorial Hall displays historical documents, photographs, and artifacts related to Iwate Prefecture's administrative history and the former Mizusawa Prefectural Office building.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.
