Picture of the Week Former Kaichi School Matsumoto

The Former Kaichi School in Matsumoto City, Nagano, Japan is a Meiji era school that was founded in 1873. The school was used as a functional school for 90 years and is one of the oldest elementary schools in Japan. The building is a mix of Japanese and Western styles of architecture and was designated an important cultural property in 1961.

In 1965 the former school was opened as a museum of education. The museum inside the fantastic looking building showcases the history of some of the education material and architectural materials of the period. The education materials contain some old textbooks that were used during the Edo period as well as textbooks, diaries and certificates from the Meiji era.

The Former Kaichi School is located a short walking distance from Matsumoto castle and makes a great place to visit after seeing the castle. You can walk to both of them from JR Matsumoto Station in about 15-20 minutes.

Former Kaichi School
2-4-12 Kaichi Matsumoto City, Nagano 390-0876
Opening Hours: 8:30am to 5:00pm
Admission: Adults 300 yen
Children 150 yen

The main building built in a western style and fused with Japanese elements

Inside a Meiji era classroom

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