A Western-style building offering a glimpse into the lives of foreign teachers during the Meiji era.
The Former Tohoku Gijuku Foreign Teacher's Residence is a Western-style building constructed in 1900 (Meiji 33). It served as the home for foreign teachers invited to Tohoku Gijuku, Hirosaki's first private school. While life in Japan must have presented many challenges for these teachers, this house likely offered a precious place to connect with Japanese culture while also finding solace in a reminder of home. Now open to the public, the residence provides a captivating look into the lives of those who lived there. Original furniture and furnishings remain, allowing visitors to vividly imagine daily life. Historical photos and documents further enrich the experience, offering a deeper understanding of the foreign teachers' lives. The Former Tohoku Gijuku Foreign Teacher's Residence offers a unique and valuable opportunity to experience a piece of Meiji-era history. Make sure to visit when you are in Hirosaki!