Chido-kan (Sho-nai Han School)

Overview

Chido-kan was the feudal domain school of the Sho-nai clan during the Edo period, and it's the only surviving han-ko building in the Tohoku region. It originated as a school founded in 1805 (Bunka 2) by the seventh lord of the Sho-nai clan, Sakai Tada-nori. Initially located in what is now Higashi-machi, Tsuruoka City, it was relocated in 1816 (Bunka 13) by the eighth lord, Sakai Tada-ki, to the inner bailey of Tsurugaoka Castle. It closed in 1873 (Meiji 6) and was subsequently used for various purposes, including as the Tsuruoka Prefectural Office, Tsuruoka Police Station, and Asahi Dai-ichi and Dai-ni elementary schools. Designated a national historical site in 1951 (Showa 26), it has been open to the public since 1972 (Showa 47). Chido-kan was a crucial place for young men of the Sho-nai clan, not only to study academics but also to learn the spirit of Bushido. Many who studied at Chido-kan went on to hold important positions in the Sho-nai domain. Chido-kan offers a valuable glimpse into the educational practices of the Sho-nai clan during the Edo period and provides significant insight into the history of the clan. Be sure to visit!