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Bunshokan (Yamagata Prefectural Museum)

山形県

4.3

Tourist Information of This Area

general.prefecture.

Luxurious decorations adorn this nationally designated important cultural property.

The Bunshokan, which was used as the prefectural office and prefectural assembly hall until 1975, is a building in the style of the British Neo-Renaissance. It is now open to the public for free. One of the highlights is the numerous luxurious decorations inside. You can fully enjoy the atmosphere of Western architecture.

Features & How to Enjoy

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Highlights

Point 1

The Symbol of Bunshokan: The Clock Tower

The clock tower at Bunshokan is a very historic structure and can be considered the symbol of Bunshokan. The clock tower of the former prefectural office building is the second oldest clock tower in Japan that is currently in operation, following the one in Sapporo. The height of the clock tower, from the foundation of the building to the base of the lightning rod on the tower, is about 25 meters. A large clock mechanism is installed on the top floor, and the pendulum that moves it is manually wound by a clockmaker once every five days. As a result, Bunshokan has been continuously ticking away time to this day. The clock face has a diameter of one meter and is shaped to face in four directions, allowing the time to be checked from any direction. Bunshokan also offers tours of the clock tower interior, allowing visitors to see inside. It's recommended to participate in this valuable experience and learn about the history and mechanism of the clock tower.

Point 2

Impressive Appearance of the Heavy British Neo-Renaissance Style

Bunshokan is a brick building in the heavy British Neo-Renaissance style, and its appearance is worth seeing. The construction method used at the time has been faithfully restored, giving a sense of its history and prestige. As it was used as the former prefectural office, the building is three stories high and the outer walls are covered with stones. Its impressive appearance overwhelms viewers and highlights the presence of Bunshokan. The color and texture of the bricks, as well as the stone decorations, harmonize to create a dignified appearance. This magnificent building truly adds to the scenery of Oishawazawa City as a part of its history.

Point 3

Interior Adorned with Luxurious Decorations!

One of the highlights of Bunshokan is the luxurious decorations inside. Upon entering the entrance hall, you can feel the Western architecture atmosphere. In particular, the handrails of the stairs are finely decorated, and the cute stained glass with laurel wreaths as motifs shines beautifully on the landing. The ceiling of the main office, which is reached by climbing the stairs, has been beautifully restored with plaster decorations that showcase the craftsmanship of the artisans. These decorations are a tribute to the building's architectural and artistic excellence, enhancing the overall grandeur of the building. The intricate decorations inside Bunshokan captivate visitors and provide a place to appreciate history and beauty.

Point 4

Exhibits Introducing the History and Culture of Yamagata Prefecture!

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Various exhibits are held at the Bunshokan. There are exhibit corners on the history and lifestyle of Yamagata Prefecture, a video hall that introduces the restoration process, galleries, conference rooms, and more. Of particular note are the exhibits "Corridor of Monuments" and "The Mogami River Speaks". In the Corridor of Monuments, exhibits are divided into five eras from the Meiji period to the present day, conveying the way of life and culture of Yamagata Prefecture in each era. This allows you to experience the flow and changes in the history of Yamagata Prefecture. In "The Mogami River Speaks", an exhibit is held to convey the full picture of the Mogami River, the mother river of Yamagata Prefecture. The history and characteristics of the Mogami River, as well as the scenery of the basin, are exhibited, allowing you to learn about the impact the Mogami River has had on the culture and daily life of the people of Yamagata Prefecture. These exhibits are interesting contents that introduce the history and culture of Yamagata Prefecture, and play a role in conveying the charm of Yamagata to visitors!

Point 5

A Courtyard with a Strong Sense of Taisho Era Style!

The courtyard of Bunshokan has an atmosphere that makes you forget you're in the city center. It has a strong sense of Taisho era style, allowing you to feel the Taisho romance. This beautiful courtyard was used as a location for the popular movie "Rurouni Kenshin" in the past. The unique charm of the courtyard is created by the combination of the atmosphere of Bunshokan and the era in which the movie is set. For movie fans and those who enjoy historical atmospheres, this courtyard is a special place. The courtyard of Bunshokan is a quiet space with a beautiful landscape, providing visitors with a sense of peace and nostalgia. This courtyard, famous as a movie location, is loved by many people as part of the charm of Bunshokan!

Sightseeing

The Local Museum: A Blend of Historical Value and Beautiful Architectural Style

The Bunshokan is a building constructed in the British neo-classical style in 1916. It was once used as the Yamagata Prefectural Office and the Prefectural Assembly Hall. In 1984, it was designated as an important cultural property by the government, and from 1986, restoration work was carried out to faithfully reproduce the original construction techniques. It is now open to the public as the Yamagata Prefectural Museum, free of charge. The former prefectural office is a three-story brick building with a stone exterior, giving it a stately appearance. The clock tower, which is the symbol of the Bunshokan, can be seen on all four sides of the building. This clock tower is the second oldest active clock tower in Japan after the one in Sapporo. A clockmaker manually operates the pendulum weight every five days, and it has been carefully used since its installation, continuing to keep time to this day. The Bunshokan is popular among locals and tourists alike, thanks to its historical value and beautiful architectural style. Since it is open to the public free of charge, visitors can tour the interior of the building and experience the atmosphere of the time. For those interested in the history and culture of Yamagata Prefecture, the Bunshokan is a valuable place to visit and well worth the trip!

Access

Accessible by Car in About 5 Minutes from Yamagata Zao IC!

When accessing Bunshokan by public transportation, first arrive at JR Yamagata Station. From there, it's about a 30-minute walk to Bunshokan. Exit the station and head right, then cross the main street and continue straight to arrive at Bunshokan. If using a car, it's about a 5-minute drive from Yamagata Zao IC on the Yamagata Expressway to reach Bunshokan. Exit the IC and enter the road, then follow the signs to arrive at Bunshokan. Parking is available in the area around Bunshokan, making it convenient to visit by car. Access to Bunshokan is relatively easy, and it can be reached by public transportation or car. Inside the building, you can learn about the history and culture of Yamagata Prefecture, so please come and visit.

Basic Information

	Address	3-4-51 Hatagocho, Yamagata-shi, Yamagata 990-0047
	Business Hours	Mon: 定休日 Tue: 9:00～16:30 Wed: 9:00～16:30 Thu: 9:00～16:30 Fri: 9:00～16:30 Sat: 9:00～16:30 Sun: 9:00～16:30
	TEL	023-635-5500
	Web Site	http://www.gakushubunka.jp/bunsyokan/

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