Yamagata Prefecture Local Museum “Bunshokan”

This brick edifice was built in 1916 as Yamagata’s prefectural office and the capitol building. The prefecture’s total budget’s 25%, 400,000 yen, was spent for this early-modern British revival style architecture.

Since the functions of the prefectural office were moved out of the building in 1975, it was preserved as a cultural property and was designated as a national important cultural property in 1984. Since 1995, it has been opened to the public as Yamagata Prefecture Local Museum “Bunshokan.” It is the symbol of Yamagata City.

Not only the exterior is sublime, but the interior such as the main stairs and detailed reliefs on the walls are also exquisite. There are exhibition rooms to share the restoration work as well as Yamagata’s history and local culture. The courtyard and governor’s office were used as a location for the movie “Rurouni Kenshin: Kyoto Inferno”.
You are allowed to take photos of the interior. Check the website before your visit as concerts and events are often held.