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Historic building · Yamagata, Yamagata
Bunshokan
The former Yamagata prefectural government and assembly building, from 1916, in brick and stone in the English Renaissance style, with a clock tower, restored rooms and free entry.
Illustrative images. The pictures in this guide are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs, and may differ from it.
A look at the place
Bunshokan in pictures
These pictures are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs. They may differ from the place.
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About Bunshokan
Bunshokan is the former Yamagata prefectural government building, with the assembly hall beside it, built in 1916 at the end of the main avenue of the city center. Both buildings follow the English Renaissance style, with exposed brick, stone details, slate roofs and a clock tower above the entrance. They are designated Important Cultural Properties.
The prefectural government moved in the 1970s, and the buildings underwent a long restoration that returned the rooms to their original appearance. Today they function as a museum of local history and a cultural center. The interior shows wooden staircases, molded plaster ceilings, chandeliers and corridors with parquet floors.
The most visited rooms are the reception hall and the governor’s office, furnished with period pieces, and the assembly hall, with a gallery and high ceiling, used for concerts and events. Exhibitions tell the history of Yamagata from the Meiji period and the construction of the building.
There is usually no admission fee, and volunteers give guided tours at certain times. In front of the building, a lawn and an avenue of trees lead to the shopping district; at night the façade is illuminated. Kajo Park, the ruins of Yamagata Castle, is about a 20-minute walk away.
Before you go
Practical information
Cidade Turismo reviews its information regularly, but something may have changed. Check with the place before planning your trip.
How much time to set aside
About one hour.
Best time
By day, to see the rooms in natural light; at night, for the illuminated façade. On some days there are concerts in the assembly hall. Check opening hours and closing days before you go.
How to get there
From Yamagata Station it’s about a 20-minute walk through the center or a 10-minute ride on a city bus to the nearest stop.
Tip
Ask at the entrance about guided tours, which show details of the building you might otherwise miss. Combine the visit with Kajo Park and a soba lunch in the center.
Official website
Get your questions answered
Frequently asked questions about Bunshokan
What is the Bunshokan?
It is the former prefectural government and assembly building of Yamagata, from 1916, in the English Renaissance style, restored and open as a museum and cultural center.
Is there an entrance fee for the Bunshokan?
There is usually no admission fee. Volunteer-led guided tours are available at certain times.
Is the Bunshokan far from Yamagata Station?
It's about a 20-minute walk or a 10-minute bus ride, at the end of the main avenue in the town center.
What is there to see inside the Bunshokan?
The reception hall, the governor's office, the assembly hall with a gallery, and the exhibits on the history of Yamagata.
Beyond the guide
