The Malios Observation Room, situated on the 20th floor of the Malios building, offers a unique vantage point to observe the city of Morioka. As a free, enclosed observation deck, it provides visitors with panoramic views, making it a popular spot for those looking to get a sense of the city's layout and surrounding landscapes.
Visitors consistently praise the room for its accessibility and the fact that it's completely free. Many reviewers highlight the nearly 360-degree views, which allow for a comprehensive perspective of Morioka. The convenience of its location, directly adjacent to Morioka Station, is frequently mentioned as a major plus, making it an easy stop for travelers. While the windows are noted to be heavily tinted, which can give photos a greenish hue, some visitors suggest that color correction can mitigate this issue.
For a pleasant visit, allocate about 30-60 minutes to fully enjoy the views. The observation room is open only during the daytime, so plan your visit accordingly if you wish to see the city in daylight. There are benches available for resting, and a restaurant serving a lunch buffet is also on the same floor. While there are vending machines, visitors should note that eating outside the designated restaurant area is generally not permitted. Binocular machines are available at various spots for closer inspection of the scenery.
Getting to the Malios Observation Room is straightforward due to its prime location. It is located at 2-9-1 Moriokaeki Nishitori, Malios 20F, directly next to JR Morioka Station. This makes it easily accessible by train for those arriving from other cities or by local buses that stop at the station. Simply exit Morioka Station and look for the Malios building; the observation room is on the 20th floor.
The primary complaint noted by visitors is the heavy tinting of the windows, which can affect photography. To mitigate this, photographers might consider adjusting their camera settings or planning to do post-processing for color correction. Additionally, the observation room is only open during the day, so those hoping for night views will be disappointed.
