NaganoTravel

Kyu-Kaichi School (旧開智学校)

Flow of the course

Previous stop: Photograph the jet-black keep reflected in the water moat and climb the National Treasure keep to overlook the castle town

About 15 min from the previous stop

About 60 min here

About 75 min to the next stop

Next stop: Pay respects to the "Wish-Binding Deity" where all wishes are said to come true

About this spot

An elementary school building erected in the early Meiji period, built in the pseudo-Western architectural style and the first school building to be designated a National Treasure in Japan. The octagonal tower rising from the roof and the clouds and angels carved in the gabled entrance tell the story of Japanese-Western eclecticism. The design, where local master carpenters incorporated Western elements by trial and error, is charmingly unique, and the museum displays include Meiji-era textbooks and recreated classrooms that let you experience the history of Japanese education. Just a short walk from Matsumoto Castle, this allows you the luxury of visiting two National Treasures in one course.

Tips

About 10 minutes on foot north from Matsumoto Castle Park. Visitors remove their shoes and wear slippers inside. Note that the building is closed on certain days (e.g., Mondays). Even the exterior is photogenic; photograph the octagonal tower from the front across the lawn for the best shot.