Morioka Machiya-Story Museum: A Journey Through Time

The Morioka Machiya-Story Museum offers a captivating glimpse into the past, preserving the unique architectural style of Machiya houses, traditional wooden townhouses that tell the story of the region. Housed in a renovated sake brewery that operated until 2006, the museum allows visitors to explore the interior of these historic buildings and learn about Morioka's history and culture. The museum features several buildings, including Hamato's Sake Brewery, where you can delve into the history of sake production and view a video recording of the Showa period. In the Gashiya, exhibits showcase valuable materials from the old Iwate River. The Main House serves as a general information desk and community space, hosting art exhibitions, lectures, and other events. The Taisho-gura, built in the Taisho era, houses a shop selling local specialties and crafts, a gelato shop, and a coffee shop on the first floor, with the Toki-no Exhibition Room, a gallery hosting art exhibitions, on the second floor. Visitors can explore the old tatami-paved house, admire retro signs and toys, and enjoy a kids' play area. The adjacent Universe Katayacho Store offers local goods and handicrafts. The museum provides a unique opportunity to experience Japanese daily life and architecture, with preserved old-fashioned buildings evoking a nostalgic atmosphere.