Minami Iwate Exchange Plaza

Takano Choei Memorial Museum

Memorial hall for Takano Nagahide (1804-1850), a pioneer at the end of the Edo period. Located in a corner of Mizusawa Park, the museum exhibits portraits and letters. Among these, the ``Kakuhitsu Poetry'', which Choei wrote while in prison and appears to be blank at first glance, is a valuable document as it contains content that is thought to secretly express his intention to escape from prison. Many of the materials in the museum have been designated as national important cultural properties.

Hidaka Shrine

It is said to have been founded in the first year of Konin (710) in the early Heian period, and rebuilt in the first year of Shocho (1428). On the grounds is the Tachiarai River Monument, where Yawata Taro Yoshiie is said to have washed the sword with which he killed Abe Sadato. The main shrine is designated as a national important cultural property. It is also known as the shrine for the Hidaka Fire Prevention Festival.

Oshu City Fire Memorial Museum

A memorial hall that exhibits the history of Mizusawa City's fire department, Gohei Sasaki, and the history of fire departments. The museum is filled with exhibits that tell the story of history, such as firefighting equipment, Hanten and Matet, and the automobile pump ``Benz'' that was active in the early Showa period. It is located on the grounds of Hidaka Shrine, which is associated with the Hidaka Fire Prevention Festival, which was held to pray for fire prevention.