Kyū Yuubikan (Former Yuubikan)

kyuu yubikan

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The Kyū Yuubikan, Japan's oldest surviving school building, offers a precious glimpse into Japan's history and culture.

Historic Sites

Tourist destination images of Kyū Yuubikan (Former Yuubikan)(1)

Tourist destination images of Kyū Yuubikan (Former Yuubikan)(2)

Tourist destination images of Kyū Yuubikan (Former Yuubikan)(3)

Tourist destination images of Kyū Yuubikan (Former Yuubikan)(4)

Tourist destination images of Kyū Yuubikan (Former Yuubikan)(5)

HighlightsJapan's oldest surviving school building
Thatched-roof shoin-style building
Beautiful strolling-style garden
Designated as a National Historic Site and Place of Scenic Beauty
Experience the history of the Sendai Domain

Basic Information

Address: 6, Kamikawa-haramachi, Iwadesan, Osaki City, Miyagi Prefecture, Japan Search for tourist attractions in Miyagi

Access: A short walk from Yuubikan Station on the JR Rikuuto East Line. About a 13-minute walk northwest from Iwadesan Station on the JR Rikuuto East Line. 15 minutes northwest on National Route 47 from the Furukawa IC on the Tohoku Expressway. Show route

Op.Hours: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM (Last entry 4:30 PM)

Cld.Days: Mondays (the following day if a Monday is a national holiday), Year-end and New Year holidays (December 29th - January 3rd)

Fee: Adults: ¥300, High school students: ¥200, Junior high school students and elementary school students: ¥150, 20% discount for groups of 20 or more

INFO: Photography is prohibited inside the building.

HP: http://www.city.osaki.miyagi.jp/site/kanko/kanko-shisetsu/1055.html

Overview

Kyū Yuubikan was built in 1691 (Genroku 4) as a school for the Date clan, the lords of Iwadesan Castle and a branch family of the Sendai Domain. The building itself is a relocation of a temporary residence from 1633 (Kan'ei 9) within the second ward of Iwadesan Castle, making it the oldest surviving school building in Japan and a valuable cultural asset. The thatched-roof, shoin-style building retains much of its original appearance, offering a tangible connection to the past. Inside, you'll find historical documents and exhibits. The surrounding strolling-style garden, designed by the tea master Shimizu Dosan, is designated a Place of Scenic Beauty. The garden features a pond, stone lanterns, trees, and more, offering beautiful scenery throughout the year. Kyū Yuubikan is a precious place to experience history and culture, learn about the history and culture of the Sendai Domain, and gain insight into education of that era. The surrounding area also boasts numerous historical sites, including the ruins of Iwadesan Castle and the Date family mausoleum, making it a haven for history buffs.