Kihara School (Former Yamamoto Junior High School)

Overview

Kihara School, located in Iida City, Nagano Prefecture, is a wooden schoolhouse built in 1949. It was once a place where local children learned and spent their youth. Following its closure due to changing times, it has been carefully preserved by local residents. Now designated as a Registered Tangible Cultural Property of Japan, it is cherished by many as a valuable historical building. The school building strongly retains the atmosphere of the time, enveloping visitors in a nostalgic ambiance. Walking through the classrooms and hallways evokes images of a bygone school, creating a feeling of stepping back in time. In spring, the cherry blossoms in front of the school bloom profusely, creating a breathtaking scene. The sight of cherry blossoms in full bloom is like a scene from a movie. Many photography enthusiasts and tourists visit to capture the beautiful collaboration of cherry blossoms and the school building. Kihara School has also been used as a filming location for movies such as "Hahabee" (2007). Visiting the locations featured in the film allows for a deeper appreciation of the movie's atmosphere. Kihara School is more than just a historical building; it's a place filled with the memories of the local people. Why not spend some heartwarming time feeling the history while exploring the nostalgic scenery and the filming locations?