IwateFood

Tatsuno Kingo's Meiji Retro Architecture: Tokyo Station Designer's Masterpiece

About this spot

A red-brick Western-style building standing on the banks of the Nakatsu River. This is the former headquarters of the old Morioka Bank, designed by Tatsuno Kingo, who designed Tokyo Station's Marunouchi building, and Kanji Kasai, a native of Morioka. The red brick adorned with white granite bands and topped with a green-patina dome is a prime example of the "Tatsuno style" architectural design and is designated as a National Important Cultural Property. Preserved and restored after years of active service as a bank, it is now open to the public, offering close-up views of the sophistication of Meiji-era banking architecture, including the soaring former business hall, the substantial counters, and the ornate ceiling plasterwork. The exterior view across the Nakanohashi Bridge is one of Morioka's signature photo spots, where the retro streetscape and river flow create an ever-picturesque landscape.

Tips

About 5 minutes walk from Morioka Castle Ruins Park. The hall is divided into a free Iwate Bank zone and a paid Morioka Bank zone, with the main interior highlights concentrated in the paid section. Closed Tuesdays. For a full exterior shot, the base of the Nakanohashi Bridge offers the best vantage point.