Special Historic Site Former Shizutani School

Historical Monument

4.5

Former Shizutani School is a Historic Structure designated as a Special Historic Site. It was built in 1670 by the local feudal lord, Ikeda Mitsumasa, and it is the oldest remaining public school building in the world. In addition to the lecture hall, which has been designated a National Treasure, and in 2015, Japan Heritage designed it as No. 1 in the category Group of Remnants of Early Modern Japan’s Educational Heritage.

Spot details

Special Historic Site Former Shizutani School

Address: Okayama Bizen Shizutani 784
Area: Around Bizen and Ushimado Area
Phone: 0869671436
Hours: 9:00-17:00
Closed: 12/29-12/31
Fees: [Adult] 400yen [65 and over] 200yen [Small, Junior high school students] 100yen
Parking Lot: Available
Credit Card: Not available
Smoking: Available
Wi-Fi: Available
English Menu: Available
Note: Temporary suspension of business:Closed until May 31, 2020 (Information as of May 26, 2020)
* Information may be changed, so please be sure to check the official information.
Can be enjoyed even on a rainy day: Yes
Average budget: [Lunch] 1-1,000yen
Estimated stay time: 60-120 minutes
Wheelchair accessible: Available
Infant friendly: Available
Pet friendly: No (guide dogs can enter)

Information Sources: NAVITIME JAPAN

Review

It was a much more impressive ninety minutes’ visit than we had expected.

Reviewedï¼2019.06.15

The school is located in Bizen City which is in the eastern part of Okayama Prefecture. During the Edo era the Ikeda Family was the feudal lord of Bizen. Shizutani Gakkou was established in 1670 in...
Stunning architecture in serenity

Reviewedï¼2018.04.19

After the April crowds in Kyoto, it was a breath of fresh air to visit beautifully maintained Shizutani school with few other visitors. The gate keeper was friendly and provided an English pamphlet...
Well worth a stop

Reviewedï¼2017.05.06

On our way from Hattoji international villa to Okayama, we stopped here. Very interesting and quiet spot - would be lovely to take a picnic and on a sunny day.