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Adjacent to the West Exit of Morioka Station (*reachable almost directly from the station), “Malios (commercial building)” is a complex building housing offices, a cultural hall, and more. On its top floor, the 20th floor, a free observation room is established and is known as a spot where you can look out over the entirety of Morioka City.
From a height of 92 meters above ground, you can enjoy not only Morioka’s cityscape, but also the majestic Mt. Iwate and the flow of the Kitakami River in a 360-degree panorama.
In this article, based on photos actually taken upon visiting by the author, we introduce the charms of the Malios Observation Room.
Charms of the Malios Observation Room
Morioka Cityscape Viewed in a 360-Degree Panorama
On the top floor (20th floor) of “Malios,” a complex building adjacent to the West Exit of Morioka Station, there is an observation room where you can look out over the city from a height of 92 meters above ground. Morioka City is a city built in a basin where three rivers surrounded by mountains converge; the size of the whole Morioka City is a size that can be looked over from the observation room, and the city scenery woven by the background mountains, 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 appearance extending to its skirts, presenting seasonal expressions along with the scenery of the Shizukuishi River flowing at its foot. Turning your eyes to the east, the platforms and tracks of Morioka Station, and further beyond that, the flow of the Kitakami River and the urban area of Morioka extend, and you can look out toward mountains such as Mt. Himekami and Mt. Hayachine in the distance.
Being able to look out over the appearance of trains departing and arriving and the cityscape formed along winding rivers is a sight unique to this height.
Location Convenience Adjacent to Morioka Station (Almost Directly Connected)
A major convenience of the Malios Observation Room is its good location right near the West Exit of JR Morioka Station. After exiting the station ticket gates, proceed through the West Exit passage, and walking a few minutes on the pedestrian deck (connecting passage) gets you to the entrance of the building.
The point that you can move almost without getting wet even on rainy days is also an advantage allowing you to sightsee without worrying about the weather. Being a few minutes from the station, dropping by when there is quite a bit of waiting time until boarding the Shinkansen is also good sightseeing.
Malios Observation Room Has Free Admission
While you can enjoy the view from 92 meters above ground, the Malios Observation Room incurs no admission fee and can be used for free by anyone. Simply going up to the 20th floor using the dedicated elevator requires no procedures like reservations at all.
Opening hours are from 9:00 to 18:00, allowing you to casually enjoy the scenery from bright daytime hours to dusk. A facility opening such a panorama for free is extremely precious, making it a highly public spot where you can drop by during a little free time, such as between sightseeing or while waiting for the Shinkansen.
Location and Access of “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 direction, walk as is along the pedestrian deck (connecting passage) for about a 3-minute walk to arrive at the building.
Once entering the building, go up to the 20th floor by elevator and you will immediately find the observation room.
Information of “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 (Free entry possible) |
| 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 equipped |
Photo Gallery of “Malios Observation Room”
Please enjoy the photos of “Malios Observation Room.”
Taken in May 2026, Heading from Morioka Station to the Malios commercial building.
Taken in May 2026, Condition of the Malios Observation Room. You can also look out at the city area using telescopes (paid).
Taken in May 2026, On weekdays, there is a paid workspace. Doing homework or work (nomad) on a high floor is also nice, isn’t it?
Taken in May 2026, A building interior wider than imagined. You can relax.
Recommended Hotels for Sightseeing and Business Trips in Morioka City, Iwate Prefecture
Because Morioka City, Iwate Prefecture, is a castle town and an ancient city, Morioka Station, where the Shinkansen stops, and Morioka's downtown area (entertainment and commercial district) are slightly separated. Compared to prefectural capitals in other prefectures (regional areas), Morioka is a city where shops still relatively remain in the center of town (such as the Odori arcade street). Furthermore, as a city of water and greenery with three rivers flowing through it, hotels suitable for sightseeing and business trips are scattered throughout the area.
Among them, the hotel areas in Morioka City are roughly divided into three main zones. The recommended areas vary depending on your priorities—such as location, city sightseeing, gourmet dining, or proximity to downtown/entertainment districts—so choosing a hotel that fits your purpose is recommended.
If you are looking for a hotel in Morioka City, please be sure to check out the following article.
The ancient capital of Morioka, a former castle town, retains the charm of good old Japan. To fully enjoy and sightsee Morioka, choose a high-quality hotel in a recommended area.
Summary: “Malios Observation Room”
Located right near the West Exit of Morioka Station, “Malios Observation Room” is a supreme spot where you can easily grasp the overall picture of Morioka’s city. The scenery viewed from 92 meters above ground teaches us once again that this city is a nature-rich castle town surrounded by mountains and rivers.
- Overwhelming 360-Degree Panorama: From the majestic appearance of Mt. Iwate to the river scenery flowing through the urban area, everything can be looked over at a glance.
- Outstanding Accessibility: About a 3-minute walk from Morioka Station via the pedestrian deck. Movement without getting wet is possible even on rainy days.
- Completely Free to Use: No reservation required and free, anyone can casually drop by from 9:00 to 18:00.
- Comfortable Indoor Environment: In a quiet space wider than imagined, you can spend time slowly while gazing at the scenery.
Naturally short-time visits making use of Shinkansen waiting time are good, but visiting at the start of sightseeing to look down on the cityscape you will tour from now on is also recommended. When visiting Morioka Station, please do step over and taste the sense of openness from 92 meters above ground.
The castle of Iwate’s Nanbu Domain was “Kozukata Castle” (officially “Morioka Castle”) in Morioka. Here, we introduce Morioka Castle Site Park (Iwate Park), which currently serves as a relaxing park for Morioka locals. It is a delightful park surrounded by water and lush greenery where you can also feel the rich history.
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Author: Boon
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