Kyū Kaichi Gakkō: A precious building where you can glimpse into the advanced education of Meiji-era Japan, a time when it led the nation's educational advancements.
Overview
Built in 1876 (Meiji 9), Kyū Kaichi Gakkō is one of Japan's oldest school buildings and is designated an Important Cultural Property. Located in Matsumoto City, Nagano Prefecture, it offers a glimpse into the advanced educational practices of its time.
Kyū Kaichi Gakkō represents one of the modern schools born from the Meiji era's educational reforms. It embodies the fervor of the time to incorporate Western education while establishing uniquely Japanese educational methods.
The school building boasts a unique design blending Western and Japanese architectural styles, showcasing the high level of architectural skill of the era. Its octagonal tower, in particular, serves as a prominent symbol, visible from afar.
Inside the school building, you'll find exhibitions of period teaching materials and documents, providing insights into the educational practices of the time. Information on the achievements of the school's founder, Kobayashi Ichizo, and the daily lives of students is also presented.
Kyū Kaichi Gakkō is an invaluable historical resource for understanding the educational history of the Meiji era and is a must-see destination. It's a place not only to learn about the architectural techniques and educational methods of the period, but also to gain a deeper understanding of Japanese culture and society in the Meiji era. Come and experience the education of Meiji-era Japan firsthand!
Bus: One-minute walk from the "Kyū Kaichi Gakkō" stop on the Town Sneaker North Route.
Five-minute walk from the "Ariga-saki High School" stop on the Matsumoto City inner-city line from Matsumoto Station.
Walk: 25 minutes from JR Matsumoto Station.
Car: Approximately 15 minutes from the Matsumoto IC on the Nagano Expressway (approximately 20 parking spaces) Show route
Op.Hours
9:00 AM to 5:00 PM (Entrance until 4:30 PM)
Cld.Days
The third Monday of each month from March to November (the following day if the third Monday is a holiday)
Mondays from December to February (the following day if Monday is a holiday)
December 29th to January 3rd
Fee
Category
Individual
Adult (High school students and above)
¥400
Child (Junior high school students and below)
¥200
Group (20 or more people)
Adult (High school students and above)
¥300
Child (Junior high school students and below)
¥150
Discount Information
Free admission for persons with disabilities and one caregiver. Please contact us for other inquiries.
INFO
※The Kyukkai-chi School building is currently closed for seismic reinforcement work. Please see the link on the top page for details.
Visiting the Kyukkai-chi School Building
Only approximately 100 people per group can enter the Kyukkai-chi School building at one time. For larger groups, please divide yourselves into multiple groups. Entrance restrictions may be implemented depending on the circumstances.
You can explore both the first and second floors of the school building. However, as it retains its original appearance from its construction in 1876 (Meiji 9), access is via stairs only.
Smoking is prohibited on the entire premises and in the surrounding area of the Nagano Prefecture Takamatsu City Kyushiji Former Priest's Residence.
Eating and drinking are prohibited inside the school building. (Vending machines are available in the garden.)
Visitors are required to change into slippers inside the building. (Shoe boxes and slippers are available at the entrance.)
Flash photography and photography of the exhibits inside display cases are prohibited.
The use of small unmanned aerial vehicles (drones) is prohibited over the Kyukkai-chi School grounds as they may cause damage to cultural assets or injury to people due to falling.