Former Nanbu Family Villa Main Building

Former Nanbu Family Villa Main House: A Meiji-Era Gem Blending Japanese and Western Architecture

Nestled in the historic Atago district of Morioka City, Iwate Prefecture, the Former Nanbu Family Villa Main House (旧南部家別邸主屋) stands as a remarkable testament to the architectural elegance of Meiji-era Japan. Built in 1908 as a private retreat for the former feudal lords of the Morioka Domain, this Registered Tangible Cultural Property seamlessly blends traditional Japanese aesthetics with Western architectural elements, offering visitors a rare glimpse into the lifestyle of Japan's aristocratic class at the dawn of the modern era.

The villa is situated within the grounds of the Morioka Central Community Center, surrounded by a magnificent stroll garden that traces its origins back to 1669. Today, this cultural treasure is open to the public, inviting visitors from around the world to experience its refined beauty and storied past.

Historical Background

The story of this site stretches back to the early Edo period, when the fourth lord of the Morioka Domain, Nanbu Shigenobu, established a medicinal herb garden known as the "Oyakuen" here in 1669. Over the centuries, the grounds were transformed into an elaborate retreat featuring a palace, tea houses, and a Noh stage, earning the name "Shimokoji Oyashiki" and serving as a cherished villa and pleasure garden for successive feudal lords.

During the late Edo period, the site also served as an educational center when the domain school "Meigido" was established here, offering instruction in Confucian classics and medicine to samurai youth. Following the upheaval of the Meiji Restoration, these buildings and gardens fell into disrepair and were eventually demolished.

In 1908, the 43rd head of the Nanbu family, Count Nanbu Toshiatsu, commissioned the construction of a new villa and garden on this historic site. The design and supervision of the building was entrusted to Kasai Manji, one of Meiji Japan's most distinguished architects, with guidance from Hara Takashi, who would later become Prime Minister of Japan. The garden was designed by the renowned landscape architect Nagaoka Anpei.

After World War II, the property was transferred to public use, serving first as the Iwate Prefectural Industrial and Cultural Hall, then as a municipal facility. In 1980, the building was partially renovated during the construction of the Morioka Central Community Center, and it has since served as an annex cherished by local residents and visitors alike.

Why It Was Designated a Cultural Property

The Former Nanbu Family Villa Main House was registered as a National Registered Tangible Cultural Property on December 24, 2013, in recognition of its outstanding architectural and historical significance.

The building satisfies the criteria for registration as a structure that contributes to the historical landscape of Japan and whose reproduction would be extremely difficult. As a single-story wooden structure with a hipped tile roof spanning 453 square meters, it represents a remarkably well-preserved example of Meiji-era aristocratic residential architecture in the Tohoku region.

Of particular note is the building's masterful integration of Japanese and Western design elements. The west wing features traditional sasurako weatherboarding with latticed windows, while the east wing presents a dramatically different appearance with clapboard siding and a series of semicircular arched sash windows. This deliberate contrast between the two facades demonstrates a sophisticated approach to cultural synthesis that was characteristic of the period's finest architecture.

The interior likewise combines refined Japanese and Western motifs, creating spaces of exceptional quality that reflect the taste and status of a former daimyo family in the modern era.

Architectural Highlights and Attractions

The Grand Entrance

The building faces south on its site, with a striking irimoya-style (hip-and-gable) grand entrance positioned at the center of the facade. This ceremonial entrance immediately establishes the building's aristocratic pedigree and welcomes visitors with traditional grandeur.

The Contrasting Facades

Perhaps the most distinctive feature of the villa is the dramatic contrast between its east and west wings. To the west of the entrance, visitors encounter traditional Japanese-style sasurako weatherboarding with elegant latticed windows. Walking to the east side reveals an entirely different architectural character, with Western-style clapboard siding and a row of semicircular arched windows. This bold juxtaposition captures the spirit of the Meiji period, when Japan was actively embracing Western culture while preserving its own traditions.

The Interior

Inside, the villa features refined spaces that artfully combine Japanese and Western design. The grand tatami rooms with their exquisite woodwork and traditional alcoves sit alongside rooms incorporating Western architectural elements, creating an atmosphere of understated luxury throughout.

The Architect: Kasai Manji

The villa was designed by Kasai Manji (1863–1942), a native of Morioka who became one of Japan's most important architects. Kasai studied under Tatsuno Kingo, the father of Japanese modern architecture, at the Imperial University of Tokyo. Together, they established the Tatsuno-Kasai Architectural Office in 1903, which went on to design more than 90 major buildings, including the iconic Tokyo Station and the original Ryogoku Kokugikan sumo arena. In his hometown of Morioka, Kasai also designed the Morioka Bank Main Branch (now the Iwate Bank Red Brick Hall), which is today designated as a National Important Cultural Property.

The Stroll Garden

The villa is surrounded by a magnificent stroll garden covering approximately 10,000 square meters, which was registered as a National Memorial (Scenic Spot) in March 2014. Designed by Nagaoka Anpei, the garden centers on a large pond with three small islands, connected by arched bridges and adorned with stone lanterns in various styles.

The garden is a renowned destination for autumn foliage viewing, when the maples and other deciduous trees put on a spectacular display of color reflected in the tranquil pond waters. In summer, water lilies bloom across the pond's surface, creating a scene of serene beauty. The garden is open to the public free of charge throughout the year, making it an accessible oasis of tranquility in the heart of Morioka.

Visitor Information

The Former Nanbu Family Villa Main House is located within the grounds of the Morioka Central Community Center, which boasts the largest site area of any community center in Japan. The garden can be explored freely during opening hours, and the building's exterior can be viewed at any time during a garden visit.

Access is convenient by public transportation: take the Matsuzono-Yamagishi line bus from Morioka Station (about 15 minutes) and alight at the "Chuo Kominkan-mae" bus stop. The JR Yamada Line's Kami-Morioka Station is also within a 15-minute walk. Parking is available on site, though spaces are limited, and public transportation is recommended.

The community center is open from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM (last admission at 4:30 PM) and closed on Mondays (or the following day if Monday falls on a public holiday) and during the New Year holiday period (December 29 to January 3). The garden is free to enter. Autumn illumination events are held during the peak foliage season, typically in late October to early November, creating an enchanting nighttime atmosphere.

Surrounding Attractions

The Morioka Central Community Center grounds themselves contain another nationally designated treasure: the Former Nakamura Family Residence, a National Important Cultural Property. This merchant's townhouse, originally built in 1861, was relocated here in 1974 and offers a fascinating look at the commercial life of Edo-period Morioka. Visitors can request access at the community center office.

Nearby, the Iwate Bank Red Brick Hall (former Morioka Bank Main Branch), also designed by Kasai Manji, stands as another must-visit architectural landmark. Completed in 1911 — three years before Tokyo Station — this striking Western-style building is designated as a National Important Cultural Property and now serves as a museum and civic hall.

Morioka Castle Site Park (Iwate Park) is a short distance away, offering beautiful stone walls and seasonal scenery. The city is also famous for its unique food culture, including wanko soba noodle challenges, Morioka reimen cold noodles, and jajamen noodles — three iconic local dishes that are a highlight of any visit to the area.