Morioka: Iwate Bank Red Brick Hall – A Guide to This Historic Landmark

Standing along the Nakatsu River in Morioka City, Iwate Prefecture, the “Iwate Bank Red Brick Hall” is a brick building completed in 1911 (Meiji 44). While it was formerly used as the head office of a bank, it is currently open to the public as a historical building representing Morioka after undergoing preservation and repairs.

Its beautiful red-brick exterior conveys the characteristics of Western-style architecture of that era to the present day, and in 1994, it was designated as a National Important Cultural Property. Inside the building, you can tour the interior preserved as it was back then, such as the open-ceiling lobby and the customer waiting area that convey the appearance of business operations at that time.

In this article, based on photos actually taken by the author, we introduce the charms of “Iwate Bank Red Brick Hall.”

Charms of “Iwate Bank Red Brick Hall”

Beautiful Red Brick Hall Exterior Evoking Scenery of Those Days

Standing at an intersection close to the Nakatsu River, “Iwate Bank Red Brick Hall” exudes a particularly strong presence even among the surrounding streetscapes. As the name suggests, the vibrant red-brick exterior walls are beautiful, and the white walls placed at equal intervals also serve as accents, creating a neat design. Truly beautiful.

Its dignified construction incorporating the Renaissance style lets you feel the modern atmosphere of the Meiji and Taisho eras. Even now, more than 100 years after its completion, it retains almost the same appearance as back then, serving as an important landmark shaping Morioka’s historical landscape.

Combined with the scenery of the nearby Nakatsu River, it has become one of the landmarks communicating the charm of the ancient capital Morioka.

Knowing History, Touring the Interior of the Red Brick Hall

The interior of the building can be toured in its entirety for an admission fee of 300 JPY, allowing you to closely observe the state of bank operations back then. Stepping inside, an open-ceiling lobby with high ceilings extends before you, and you can enjoy architectural beauty unique to the interior, such as heavy pillars and a ceiling adorned with elaborate decorations.

The fact that it was actually used as a bank teller window until 2012 also lets you feel the continuity of history.

The modern interior evoking the office work of those days is also beautiful with its waist-high wooden walls and white-based walls, and windows that inspire romance convey feelings continuing from that era. It is an indoor environment that lets you feel such a moment, becoming intoxicated in a deep space.

Souvenirs and Small Goods Can Be Bought in Collaboration with BEAMS (As of May 2026)

In the open space with an expansive atrium inside the building, a “BEAMS JAPAN” pop-up shop is being hosted (as of May 2026).

A wide variety of products selected with modern taste are lined up, such as regional craftworks, original small goods, and apparel. The vessels and general goods displayed on wooden fixtures harmonize with the classic atmosphere of the Red Brick Hall, allowing you to search for souvenirs obtainable only here.

Location and Access of “Iwate Bank Red Brick Hall”

Location

“Iwate Bank Red Brick Hall” is located at Nakanohashi-dori in central Morioka City. From JR Morioka Station, take a bus from the bus terminal for about 10 minutes, get off at the “Morioka Bus Center” bus stop, and walk for about 1 to 2 minutes to arrive.

In the case of coming by car, it takes about 10 to 25 minutes from the Tohoku Expressway “Morioka IC.” Because there is no dedicated parking lot for the facility, when visiting by car, you will use nearby commercial paid parking lots.

Information of “Iwate Bank Red Brick Hall”

Item	Details
Address	1-2-20 Nakanohashi-dori, Morioka-shi, Iwate
Opening Hours	10:00 – 17:00 (Last admission: 16:30)
Closed Days	Every Tuesday, New Year holidays (December 29 – January 3)
Admission Fee (Paid Area)	Adults: 300 JPY / Elementary & Junior High School Students: 100 JPY (*Free admission area available)
Nearest Bus Stop	Morioka Bus Center (1-minute walk)
Parking	Nearby coin-operated parking available
Official Website	https://www.iwagin-akarengakan.jp/

Photo Gallery of “Iwate Bank Red Brick Hall”

Please enjoy the photos of “Iwate Bank Red Brick Hall.”

Summary: Iwate / Morioka Sightseeing Recommendation “Iwate Bank Red Brick Hall”

As a symbol of Morioka City, Iwate Prefecture, “Iwate Bank Red Brick Hall” is a place that continues to maintain its beauty and dignity even after more than 100 years. Not to mention the beauty of its exterior, it is a spot with endless highlights, such as interior decorations conveying bank conditions of those days to the present, and events merged with modern culture.

If enjoying strolling through Morioka, this Red Brick Hall is absolutely recommended; alongside the tranquil scenery along the Nakatsu River, feel the breath of eras continuing from Meiji and Taisho. The atmosphere of those days conveyed directly from that space will surely become a wonderful page of Morioka sightseeing.