Morioka History and Culture Museum

The Morioka History and Culture Museum opened in July 2011 after renovation and expansion of the former Iwate Prefectural Library building. It stands within the grounds of Morioka Castle Ruins Park (Iwate Park).

The museum views the Morioka Castle ruins and the surrounding castle town (central city area) as one large “field museum” and aims to contribute to its revitalisation. As a social education facility, it collects, preserves, and exhibits materials related to history and culture, while also serving as a new sightseeing and visitor interaction hub.

Recognising the historical importance of the former Morioka Domain’s political centre and birthplace of the city, the castle ruins are treated as the museum’s “largest exhibit”. The museum actively incorporates the site into exhibitions and programs.

Activities extend outward from the museum to the castle ruins and further into the castle town, encouraging visitors to gather, move, and explore. Through this synergy between the museum, the castle, and the town, the area is promoted as a compelling tourist destination.

Based on the original layout of the castle town, the surrounding streets, neighbourhoods, historic landscapes, the Nakatsu River area, and the former Ōshū Kaidō route are positioned as outdoor exhibitions of the field museum.

Museum Floors and Exhibition Areas

The first floor of the museum has free admission and serves as a tourism and community exchange area. Admission is required for the second-floor exhibition rooms.

1F – Tourism & Exchange Zone

The Town Information Centre introduces certified Morioka specialty products and provides up-to-date sightseeing information. Visitors can also receive recommendations for walking routes around the city. A wide selection of commemorative goods and carefully chosen souvenirs is available.

The Festival Exhibition Room hosts seasonal festival displays, events, and merchandise sales. Visitors can watch video presentations about the Chagu-Chagu Umakko horse festival and the Morioka Sansa Odori dance. A highlight is the model horse dressed in brilliant traditional costume.

The Float Exhibition Hall displays festival floats, including the 9-meter-tall Meiji-period float Watōnai (reconstruction) and the modern float Renjishi, allowing visitors to experience the atmosphere of the Morioka Autumn Festival.

2F – History & Culture Zone

The Permanent History Exhibition includes the following displays:

• Morioka before the construction of Morioka Castle

• The castle town period

• Morioka Castle and the Nanbu clan

• Artifacts connected to the Nanbu family

• Thematic displays

• Transition into modern Morioka

At the Special Exhibition Gallery, special and thematic exhibitions are held about four times a year, offering a deeper understanding of local history and culture and new discoveries for visitors.

The museum’s facilities are barrier-free, with wheelchair rentals available and amenities for visitors with children.