The former Kaichi School Building is one of Japan's oldest modern school buildings, and certainly one of the most beautifully designed. Built in 1876 by a local master carpenter, it displays elements of both Japanese and Western architecture, fused in a unique style that was popular at the time. Originally serving as an elementary school by the banks of the Metobagawa River in downtown Matsumoto, it was moved in the 1960's to its present location near Matsumoto Castle in order to preserve it from water damage and allow for it to be opened as a museum.
Recently reopened after a long period of renovations, visitors are now once more able to enter the inside of the building and walk its corridors and classrooms that once thronged with students. A number of educational tools and historical items are also on display, making for an interesting activity to be paired with Matsumoto Castle when exploring the history of the city. Below you can find information about the location of the school building, how to get to it, entry fees, and more.
Where is the Former Kaichi School Building?
The Former Kaichi School Building is located in Matsumoto City, the second largest city in Nagano Prefecture. It is only a 5 minute walk north of Matsumoto's most famous attraction, Matsumoto Castle, and can be easily visited together with the castle. The surrounding area is also home to several shops and cafes, and parking is available. To reach the area from Matsumoto Station, you may either walk for around 15 minutes or ride the clearly marked local buses.
What Makes the Former Kaichi School Building Special
The Former Kaichi School Building is one of Japan's oldest surviving school buildings, and completely open to the public. The exterior design elements speak to the era it was built, when Japan was rapidly modernizing and looked to the nations of Western Europe and America for inspiration on its path. With a beautiful Japanese style roof and white plaster walls done in the Japanese style, the core aspects of its construction are local. However, its most striking features are its pseudo-western style ornamentations, including its windows, central tower, and the addition of two angels holding up the sign that shows the name of the school.
This unique construction style is known as ’Giyofu', which means pseudo-western style, and although a number of examples exist it is a rarity nowadays. For fans of history, architecture, or just beauty in general, it is well worth it to take a detour to the Kaichi School when you are visiting Matsumoto Castle.
In the interior, visitors are free to wander the classrooms, which have been set up to look as though the students have only just been let out to return home. Displays of items are also to be found, and give a glimpse into the lives of some of Japan's first modern school students. It is also generally a fair bit less crowded than the more popular Matsumoto Castle, and so will provide a small respite from the crowds to the visitor who ventures a little further beyond the normal route.
Visiting the Former Kaichi School Building
Visiting Matsumoto is easily done from Tokyo, Nagoya, or Nagano, with direct train routes to and from all of the above cities. More specific information on how to reach the city can be found on our 'How to Get to Matsumoto' page. Once in Matsumoto, it is simple to reach the centrally located Kaichi School on foot or by public transport/private vehicle. At the time of the most recent update, the cost is 700 JPY for high schoolers and up, and 300 JPY for middle schoolers and below.
Alternatively, you can join or 1-Day walking tour from Matsumoto Station, listed above. Your guide will lead you to a number of locations around the city, including multiple museums, as well as include a tea experience! You will also be lead by the Kaichi School, with an explanation of its features and history by your local and experienced guide. Please note, you will not go in the school on this tour (there are too many great things to do and time does not allow for it!), but you will see and enjoy the beautiful exterior.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Is the Former Kaichi School free to enter?
A: No, the school is not free to enter. Those 15 years and older must pay 700 JPY, while anyone younger must pay 300 JPY.
Q: Can I visit the Former Kaichi School on a tour?
A: Yes! We offer a fun and interactive walking tour of Matsumoto during which the guide will bring you to see the school from the outside.
Q: Is the Former Kaichi School close to Matsumoto Castle?
A: Yes, it is only a short walk from the backside of the castle, which takes just 5 minutes.
Q: How old is the Former Kaichi School Building?
A: The school building is around 150 years old, having been completed in 1876.