What Is Nanshōsō? A Historic Spot in Morioka to Quietly Enjoy a Garden and Modern Japanese Architecture
A Notable Morioka Building That Preserves a Meiji-Era Residence
Nanshōsō (Nanshō-sō) is a Meiji-era residence and garden in Shimizu-chō, Morioka City, Iwate Prefecture, a historic spot where you can quietly enjoy Morioka's modern Japanese architecture and a garden of the four seasons.
Originally built around 1885 (Meiji 18) as the residence of Segawa Yasugorō, a businessman connected to Morioka, it later passed through several owners and is now owned by the Iwate Consumers' Co-operative.
The buildings of Nanshōsō are designated as a Landscape Important Structure of Morioka City.
The garden is a Nationally Registered Monument (Nanshōsō Garden, registered January 26, 2015) and is also designated as a Protected Garden of Morioka City.
Why Nanshōsō Suits Travelers Visiting Japan
The appeal of Nanshōsō is being able to experience Japanese residential culture and a garden in a calm space rather than the bustle of a typical tourist site.
You can take your time admiring elements typical of a Japanese house, such as tatami rooms, the engawa veranda, and glass doors facing the garden.
About a 20-minute walk from Morioka Station, it is easy to reach from the city center and easy to include in a stroll around castle ruins and historic architecture.
Top Things to See at Nanshōsō: The Garden Viewed from the Veranda and the Yuka-Momiji Reflection
Walk the Garden of the Four Seasons and View It from Indoors
The garden of Nanshōsō changes its expression with the seasons.
Fresh spring greenery, deep summer green, autumn leaves, and winter stillness give the same garden a different impression depending on when you visit.
The garden is planted with about 50 maple trees, including yamamomiji (Japanese mountain maple), and the autumn leaves are usually at their best from early to mid-November.
During the peak autumn foliage season, evening illumination events are held in some years, and you can see the popular yuka-momiji—autumn leaves reflected on the polished floorboards.
Enter the garden from the engawa veranda beside the Suigetsu room.
Since you need to carry your shoes from the entrance, it is reassuring to visit in shoes that are easy to slip on and off.
Pay Attention to the Details of the Modern Japanese Architecture
The building is introduced as a wooden, modern Japanese-style structure with plaster walls, a glazed red-tile roof, and shoin-style Japanese rooms.
Looking at the connected tatami rooms, the engawa, and the spaces that open onto the garden conveys how Japanese residences were designed as one with their gardens.
Indoors, turn your eyes to the ceilings, the ranma (transom panels), the fittings, and the tokonoma alcove.
Rather than only taking photos, set aside a little time to view the garden from the tatami rooms so you can feel the quiet atmosphere unique to Nanshōsō.
Learning the History of Nanshōsō: A Residence Inherited by Morioka's Businessmen
The Story of Nanshōsō, Beginning with Segawa Yasugorō
Nanshōsō is a place deeply connected to the modern history of Morioka.
Segawa Yasugorō, known as its first owner, was a businessman who made his name through ventures such as the management of the Arakawa Mine.
It was later passed on to figures connected to local politics and the economy, including Ōya Umatarō, who served as the fifth mayor of Morioka, the Kindaichi family associated with Morioka Bank, and Akazawa Tahei, a wholesale kimono merchant.
Also Known as a Place Connected to Hara Takashi
Nanshōsō is also introduced with a record that Hara Takashi, a statesman connected to Morioka, stayed here for about a month in 1908 (Meiji 41).
Rather than viewing the residence on its own, thinking of it as a meeting place for the people who supported Morioka's modernization adds depth to your visit.
Even travelers not well versed in history can sense the background of how the town of Morioka grew in commerce, politics, and culture.
Nanshōsō Visitor Guide: Check the Opening Hours, Closed Days, and Admission Fee Before You Go
Opening Hours and Closed Days
Opening hours differ by season.
The summer period runs from April 1 to November 30, from 10:00 to 17:00.
The winter period runs from December 1 to March 31, from 10:00 to 16:00.
Closed days are noted as Mondays and Tuesdays, and the year-end and New Year period (around December 26 to January 10).
However, when a Monday falls on a public holiday, it is open.
Hours may change depending on events or seasonal programs, so check the facility's information before your visit.
Admission Fee and Facilities Inside
The admission fee is 400 yen for adults (high school students and older), 200 yen for elementary and junior high school students, and free for preschool children.
Group rates for parties of 10 or more are set at 360 yen for adults and 180 yen for elementary and junior high school students.
As for time needed, allow about 30 minutes to 1 hour to view the garden and interior at a leisurely pace.
Nanshōsō also has a tearoom corner where you can have matcha, coffee, juice, and more.
The tearoom's last order time differs by season, so if you would like to use it, check at reception or consult the facility information.
How to Get to Nanshōsō: By Bus or on Foot from Morioka Station
Getting There by Bus or on Foot from Morioka Station
From bus stop No. 12 at the Morioka Station East Exit bus terminal, take a bus bound for Suidōbashi, get off after about 7 minutes at the Shimo-no-Hashi-chō bus stop, and walk about 5 minutes.
If you walk from the Morioka Station East Exit, it takes about 20 minutes.
It is also easy to reach on foot from Kawatoku department store and the Sakana-chō shopping street, making it simple to plan a stop during a town walk.
Notes on Parking If You Visit by Car
There is parking for 10 cars in front of the building, but the number of spaces is limited.
If it is full, use a nearby paid parking lot.
Avoid parking without permission in the monthly-contract parking lots across from or next to Nanshōsō, or on vacant land in the area.
Tips for an Enjoyable Visit to Nanshōsō: Etiquette in a Japanese House
Mind Your Shoes and Belongings
Nanshōsō is a historic building.
Inside, there are times when you remove your shoes and times when you carry them as you move around.
If you are carrying large bags, take care not to bump them against the fittings or the tokonoma alcove.
In tatami rooms, it is reassuring to avoid placing wet umbrellas or dirty belongings on the floor.
Check On-Site Guidance for Photography and Access
Photography rules for general visitors may differ depending on the events or exhibitions at the time of your visit.
If you wish to photograph the interior, garden, or exhibits, check the on-site signs or ask staff for guidance.
It is important not to enter areas where access is restricted, rooms that are closed off, or rooms that are in use for rental.
Since this is a facility for enjoying a quiet space, be considerate of your voice and smartphone volume.
Summary: Savoring Morioka's Quiet Moments at Nanshōsō
Nanshōsō is a spot where you can calmly enjoy Morioka's history, modern Japanese architecture, and a garden of the four seasons.
Unlike large-scale tourist facilities, the very act of viewing the garden from a tatami room becomes its charm.
Before your visit, check the opening hours, closed days, admission fee, and whether any events are being held through the facility's information.
For travelers who want to add a little quiet time to a walk around Morioka, Nanshōsō is an easy-to-visit choice.
