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Iwate Bank Red Brick Pavilion

Built 110 years ago, the building has a history together with the community.

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It was built in 1911 as the head office of the Bank of Morioka, designed by Kingo Tatsuno and Manji Kasai Architects. It is the only remaining architectural work in the Tohoku region designed by Kingo Tatsuno, and is also famous for designing Tokyo Station. The red brick with white granite shingles and a dome on the roof gives the building a Tatsuno-like appearance. The Renaissance-style building is a National Important Cultural Property.

After 25 years as the Morioka Bank head office, the Morioka Bank went bankrupt, and the Iwate Shokusan Bank purchased the building and became the head office of the Iwate Bank. Later, Iwate Bank (Iwate Shokusan Bank changed its name to Iwate Bank Nakanobashi Branch) moved into the newly built head office.

In 1994 (Heisei 6), it became the first active bank to be designated as a National Important Cultural Property. About 100 years after the Bank of Morioka's head office opened, the bank completed its role as a bank and reopened in 2016 (Heisei 28) as a public facility, the Iwate Bank Red Brick Hall. In 2018, the number of visitors reached 100,000.

The interior of the facility is divided into three zones: the Iwate Bank zone (free of charge), the Morioka Bank zone (charged), and the entrance hall, reception room, and vault where the old architectural style has been restored. Visitors can feel the vestiges of the Meiji era, such as the chandelier and the decorative columns in the upper part of the multipurpose hall (large), which can be viewed free of charge.

Highlights

  • Architect Manji Kasai was the first person to establish an architectural design office in Japan together with Kingo Tatsuno.
  • The exterior of the building as well as the interior can be photographed, except in areas where photography is prohibited.
  • The Iwate Bank Akarengakukan is a short walk from the Morioka Takuboku/Kenji Seishunkan (Museum of Takuboku and Kenji's Youth), a National Important Cultural Property.
  • The history of the Iwate Bank Akarengakkan can be viewed on a video.

Photos

  • Retro and modern exterior of the Iwate Bank Red Brick Pavilion (© Iwate Tourism Association)

    Retro and modern exterior of the Iwate Bank Red Brick Pavilion (© Iwate Tourism Association)

  • Morioka Bank at the time of the inauguration ceremony (© Iwate Bank)

    Morioka Bank at the time of the inauguration ceremony (© Iwate Bank)

  • Wooden doors and iron-framed balconies show the characteristics of Japanese Western-style buildings. (© Iwate Bank)

    Wooden doors and iron-framed balconies show the characteristics of Japanese Western-style buildings. (© Iwate Bank)

  • Library lounge introducing the history of Morioka, including the Akarenga-kan (© Iwate Bank)

    Library lounge introducing the history of Morioka, including the Akarenga-kan (© Iwate Bank)

  • The multipurpose main hall, where events are held on an irregular basis. (© Iwate Bank)

    The multipurpose main hall, where events are held on an irregular basis. (© Iwate Bank)

Reviews

1
  • 楊貴華

    百年前的歷史古蹟,內部外觀都維持著當時的樣貌和設計東京車站是同一位建築師。

Details

Name in Japanese
岩手銀行赤レンガ館
Postal Code
020-0871
Address
1-2-20 Nakanohashidori, Morioka City, Iwate
Telephone
019-622-1236
Closed
Tuesdays, December 29th-January 3rd
Business Hours
10:00am-5:00pm (Admission allowed until 4:30pm)
Admission
300 yen for 16 years and older, 100 yen for elementary/junior high school student
Access
1) 10 min. by Iwate Kotsu Bus from JR Morioka Station. to Morioka Bus Center Nanakku-mae Bus Stop.
2) 25 min. drive from Morioka IC on Tohoku Expressway
Credit Cards
Accepted
Official Website
Official Website (Japanese)