Guide
The Morioka City Senjin Memorial Museum was established to honor the legacies of 130 notable figures who played significant roles in Morioka from the Meiji era onward. The museum serves as a vital institution for passing down the historical context of Morioka—a city that has produced many exceptional individuals—to future generations. The exhibits are not merely historical records; they are precious pieces that illustrate how local people contributed to society and built the regional culture.
Opened on October 2, 1987, the museum is a substantial facility with a site area of 5,846 square meters and a total floor area of 3,590 square meters. The building consists of one basement level and two above-ground floors, serving as a center for transmitting the spirit of the pioneers who supported Morioka's development to the modern era. Through its exhibits, visitors can grasp the cultural background of how the Morioka region nurtured diverse talent and contributed to social progress.
The core of the exhibition focuses on materials related to 130 prominent figures active since the Meiji era. For instance, the Nitobe Inazo exhibit features documents illustrating his global connections, his personal calligraphy, and even a board game (Sugoroku) he created himself. Additionally, the museum hosts special exhibitions such as the "Koichiro Tomita Relics Exhibition" and the "Morioka Merchant House Hina Dolls Exhibition." These themed displays allow for a deeper dive into the specific lifestyles, cultures, and achievements of different eras.
The museum is open year-round and is suitable for historical study or cultural exploration regardless of the season. The morning hours are generally quieter, making it an ideal time to read and study the exhibition materials at a relaxed pace. Since special exhibitions are held periodically, we highly recommend checking the official website before your visit to see the latest information. Depending on the current exhibition, you may encounter unique historical themes specific to that time.
Inside the museum, you can connect with the lives of historical figures through their personal belongings and writings. Seeing items like the Sugoroku created by Nitobe Inazo allows visitors to feel a sense of human-scale history and even a touch of humor from the past, making these historical figures feel more relatable. Furthermore, the museum offers opportunities to understand local culture from multiple perspectives through regular special exhibitions and workshops.
Morioka City hosts several other facilities dedicated to history and culture, such as the Takashi Hara Memorial Hall, the Ishikawa Takuboku Memorial Museum, Morioka Tegami-kan, the Children's Science Museum, the Morioka City Archaeological Museum, and the Morioka History and Culture Museum. You can visit these sites efficiently by using the "Common Admission Ticket," which allows you to create a systematic tour of Morioka's historical and cultural heritage.
As the museum is a quiet space for learning and reflection, visitors are asked to maintain a calm and respectful atmosphere. There are no specific dress codes, but comfortable clothing is recommended for walking around the exhibits. Cash is required for purchasing the common admission tickets. Regarding English support, please check on-site for the availability of English signage or staff assistance. As the artifacts are precious, please follow all instructions regarding handling and photography within the museum.