ABOUT
About this spot
Standing in the center of Morioka, the Iwate Bank Red Brick Building is a beautiful historic Renaissance-style building, constructed in 1911 as the head office of the former Morioka Bank. It is the only work in the Tohoku region involving Kingo Tatsuno, the architect famed for designing Tokyo Station, and it is designated an Important Cultural Property of Japan. Its exterior, with the striking contrast of solid red brick and white granite, lends elegance to Morioka's streetscape and makes a superb photo spot. Inside, the high-ceilinged lobby that retains the look of the old banking hall and the lavishly decorated customer waiting area convey the graceful atmosphere of the Meiji and Taisho eras. The building is divided into two areas: the free-to-use Iwate Bank Zone, which has a multipurpose hall and more, and the paid Morioka Bank Zone, where the reception room and executive offices have been restored to their original appearance and you can take your time viewing the former vault room and other features. The Nakatsu River promenade and Morioka Castle Ruins Park are also nearby, making this a main stop for historical strolls that visitors of all ages can enjoy.
Last updated March 28, 2026