Iwate Museum of Art 岩手県立美術館

A dramatic, contemporary building located in the middle of the city of Morioka, the Iwate Museum of Art showcases the work of the prefecture's greatest artists. The museum also hosts several exhibitions throughout the year.

The closest transport hub to the Iwate Museum of Art is Morioka Station, accessible from Tokyo via the Tohoku shinkansen. The journey takes approximately two hours.

From the east exit of Morioka Station, take the Seinan Loop 200 Bus. Get off at the Prefectural Museum of Art stop.

The museum's collection is exhibited on the second floor. You can find works by three of Iwate's outstanding artists: painters Tetsugoro Yorozu and Shunsuke Matsumoto and sculptor Yasutake Funakoshi.

One of the most impressive pieces on display is “Hara-no-jo” (“Hara Castle”) by Yasutake Funakoshi. Get close up to appreciate the close attention to detail the artist paid to this work.

While the museum's main focus is on local artists, a roster of exhibitions and events attracts visitors of all ages and interests. The museum shop sells original products related to the exhibitions, while the in-house restaurant serves Western-style dishes made using locally grown produce.