Morioka Castle, whose construction was begun by Nobunao Nambu, the first lord of the Morioka Domain, with the permission of Toyotomi Hideyoshi, was officially completed when the third lord, Shigenobu Nambu, took residence in 1633. For over 200 years, Morioka Castle served as the central stronghold of the Morioka Domain under the Nambu family. However, the castle was dismantled in 1874, during the Meiji Restoration, marking 150 years since its demolition this year. Today, while the imposing stone walls of the Morioka Castle ruins remain, it is challenging to visualize its appearance during the Edo period, such as the location and structure of various buildings.
Many might be familiar with the three-story yagura (turret), which was located at the southeast corner of the main enclosure (honmaru) and was also known as the tenshu (main keep) during certain periods. However, Morioka Castle also housed numerous other structures, including the palace buildings (goten) at the honmaru and ninomaru (second enclosure), gates, storehouses, and shrines dedicated to gods and Buddhas. These structures, however, were mostly demolished during the Meiji era, leaving behind only historical documents to trace their existence.
As efforts to reconstruct historical buildings at the Morioka Castle ruins have become more active in recent years, the lack of definitive materials for accurate restoration remains an issue. Nevertheless, what kind of materials partially illustrating the reality of Morioka Castle are still extant?
This special exhibition explores various remaining materials related to Morioka Castle, including drawn documents, written records, and physical artifacts, in an attempt to shed light on the actual structure and appearance of the castle.
Adults ¥300; High School Students ¥200; Junior High and Elementary School Students ¥100; Persons with Disability Certificates + 1 Companion, Seniors 65 & Over residing in Morioka city free.
20 minute walk from the East exit of JR Morioka Station; From the East exit of JR Morioka Station, take the Morioka City Loop bus and get off at Kencho Shiyakusho-mae. The venue is 4 minute walk from there. From the East exit of JR Iwate Station, take the Iwate Kenpoku bus towards Morioka Bus Center and get off at Kencho Shiyakusho-mae. The venue is 4 minute walk from there.
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