Nanshoso

Step into a quietly atmospheric residence built Approx. 140 years ago by Yasugoro Segawa, a business leader from Morioka, Iwate, who became known as the “Mining King of Michinoku.” After surviving the threat of demolition, it is now owned by Iwate Co-op.

Traditional Japanese design runs through this two-story wooden building—plaster walls, a roof of glazed red tiles, and shoin-style tatami rooms. Out back, the strolling pond garden (chisen kaiyu-shiki), said to have taken several years to complete, is particularly outstanding.

Centered on a large pond, the garden is designed with a walking path that lets you enjoy the scenery as you make a full loop around it, and its seasonal plantings are part of the appeal. It’s beautiful year-round, but the fall foliage season is especially recommended, when Approx. 40 Japanese maples (yamamomiji) turn vibrant colors.

The combination of the retro residence and vivid autumn leaves is one of Morioka’s signature sights, and when the foliage is at its best, the grounds are illuminated at night for a dreamlike atmosphere. Relax with matcha or coffee at the on-site café corner and enjoy a refined, unhurried moment.