Morioka Sightseeing: Enjoy City Views and Mt. Iwate from the Malios Observation Room

Adjacent to the West Exit of Morioka Station (*reachable almost directly from the station), “Malios (commercial building)” is a complex housing offices, a cultural hall, and more. On its top floor—the 20th—a free observation room is open and known as a spot where you can look out over all of Morioka City.

From 92 meters above ground, you can enjoy not only Morioka’s cityscape but also majestic Mt. Iwate and the flow of the Kitakami River in a 360-degree panorama.

In this article, based on photos actually taken by the author on a visit, we introduce the highlights of the Malios Observation Room.

Highlights of the Malios Observation Room

Morioka’s Cityscape in a 360-Degree Panorama

On the top floor (20th floor) of “Malios,” a complex adjacent to the West Exit of Morioka Station, there is an observation room where you can look out over the city from 92 meters above ground. Morioka is a city built in a basin where three rivers meet amid surrounding mountains; the whole of Morioka can be taken in from the observation room, and the city scenery woven by the mountains in the background, the rivers flowing through the center, and the greenery is worth seeing at least once.

On the west side, Mt. Iwate, the symbol of Morioka, shows its majestic form spreading to its foothills, presenting seasonal expressions along with the scenery of the Shizukuishi River flowing at its foot. Looking east, the platforms and tracks of Morioka Station, and beyond them the Kitakami River and Morioka’s urban area, stretch out, and you can look toward mountains such as Mt. Himekami and Mt. Hayachine in the distance.

Being able to look out over trains arriving and departing and the cityscape formed along winding rivers is a sight unique to this height.

Convenient Location Adjacent to Morioka Station (Almost Directly Connected)

A major convenience of the Malios Observation Room is its location right near the West Exit of JR Morioka Station. After exiting the ticket gates, proceed through the West Exit passage; a few minutes’ walk on the pedestrian deck (connecting passage) brings you to the building entrance.

That you can get there almost without getting wet even on rainy days is also an advantage, letting you sightsee without worrying about the weather. Being just a few minutes from the station, dropping by when you have a fair amount of waiting time before boarding the Shinkansen makes for good sightseeing too.

Free Admission to the Malios Observation Room

While you can enjoy the view from 92 meters above ground, the Malios Observation Room has no admission fee and can be used free by anyone. Simply taking the dedicated elevator to the 20th floor requires no procedures such as reservations at all.

Opening hours are from 9:00 to 18:00, so you can casually enjoy the scenery from bright daytime hours to dusk. A facility that opens such a panorama for free is extremely rare, making it a highly accessible public spot where you can drop by during a little free time—between sightseeing or while waiting for the Shinkansen.

Location & Access for “Malios Observation Room”

Location

“Malios Observation Room” is located at Morioka Ekimae Nishidori, adjacent to the West Exit of JR Morioka Station. From Morioka Station, pass through the 2nd-floor North-South Free Passage toward the West Exit, then continue along the pedestrian deck (connecting passage) for about a 3-minute walk to the building.

Once inside the building, take the elevator to the 20th floor and you will find the observation room right away.

Information for “Malios Observation Room”

Item	Details
Facility Name	Malios Observation Room (20th Floor)
Address	2-1-1 Morioka Ekimae Nishidori, Morioka-shi, Iwate 020-0045
Business Hours	9:00 – 18:00
Usage Fee	Free (entry free)
Closed Days	December 31, January 1 (Otherwise, temporary closures due to building maintenance/inspection occur)
Nearest Station	JR Morioka Station (3-minute walk via pedestrian deck from West Exit)
Equipment	Observation lobby, elevator

“Malios Observation Room” Photo Gallery

Please enjoy these photos of “Malios Observation Room.”

Summary: “Malios Observation Room”

Located right near the West Exit of Morioka Station, “Malios Observation Room” is an outstanding spot where you can easily take in the overall picture of Morioka. The scenery from 92 meters above ground reminds us once again that this city is a nature-rich castle town surrounded by mountains and rivers.

Naturally, short visits that make use of Shinkansen waiting time are good, but visiting at the start of sightseeing to look down on the cityscape you are about to explore is also recommended. When you visit Morioka Station, please do stop by and savor the sense of openness from 92 meters above ground.