Morioka is the city where famous poet Takuboku Ishikawa and children’s story writer Kenji Miyazawa spent their youth. This museum is the place to learn about their works and history.

The brick-built building in a beautiful modern western architectural style exudes a nostalgic atmosphere. This building was once the head office of the No. 90 Bank and was completed in 1910. The architect was Tsutomu Yokohama, who went to the same junior-high school in Morioka as Takuboku and Kenji. The building is an early example of buildings in Japan that were constructed to reflect the European style of the late 19th century and is designated as an important cultural property.

When Takuboku and Kenji were young men Morioka was just starting to see its first western-style buildings and was transforming to become a modern town. Enjoy a moment here while giving a thought to the Morioka of that time, which was so loved by the two writers. The first floor is home to a permanent exhibition of first editions and other materials and the second-floor exhibition hall hosts special exhibitions and concerts. The large chronological panels that incorporate the stories of both men are particularly worth a look.

After looking round the museum, why not take a break at Café Akogare on the first floor? Relax in the retro surroundings while enjoying a steaming cup of freshly brewed coffee.