Tsuruga Municipal Museum: A Historic Bank Building Reborn as a Cultural Landmark

In a quiet corner of Tsuruga, Fukui Prefecture, stands the stately Tsuruga Municipal Museum—an architectural gem that once served as the head office of the Ōwada Bank. Constructed in 1927 by local entrepreneur Shōshichi Ōwada, this former bank headquarters has been preserved and repurposed as a museum, offering visitors a rare opportunity to step inside a grand example of early 20th-century Japanese modern architecture.

Now designated as an Important Cultural Property of Japan, the building reflects the prosperity of Tsuruga Port during its heyday. Its lavish construction includes the first elevator ever installed in the Hokuriku region, a marble service counter, and elegant Western-style ornamentation throughout. One of the building’s most striking features is the massive bank vault door—towering and imposing, a physical reminder of the building’s former role in safeguarding regional commerce.

Step inside, and you’ll find yourself surrounded by original design elements: heavy banking counters, atmospheric lighting, and refined detailing that speaks to the era's sense of dignity and sophistication. A highlight is the guest salon, or kihin-shitsu, with its preserved retro interiors—rich woodwork, period furnishings, and an ambiance that evokes a bygone age of elite financial dealings.

The museum also hosts a range of exhibits related to Tsuruga’s local history and cultural heritage. Photography is generally allowed inside, making it an excellent spot for architecture lovers and history enthusiasts alike to capture a piece of early modern Japan.

Whether you're looking for a moment of quiet cultural reflection or a glimpse into the architectural elegance of the Taisho–Showa era, the Tsuruga Municipal Museum offers an enriching stop on any journey through Fukui.

And just next door, don't miss the Tsuruga Yama Museum, home to the city’s impressive festival floats. Together, the two venues offer a compelling portrait of Tsuruga’s history—both civic and celebratory.

➡ [Click here for our article on the Minato Tsuruga Yama Museum ]