Former Shizutani School

Former Shizutani School (Kyū Shizutani Gakkō) was founded in 1670 by Ikeda Mitsumasa, lord of the Okayama Domain, as a school for common people, and is considered the world’s oldest existing school attended by commoners. It consists of multiple buildings, most of which are designated Important Cultural Properties, and the lecture hall is designated a National Treasure. At the time of its founding, it was extraordinary for commoners to attend school, and it is remarkable that such a fine complex was created with the idea of educating the general public. Thanks to institutions like Shizutani School, modern Japanese may enjoy education as something ordinary today. The Bizen-yaki roof tiles and the hand-built stone wall stretching 770 m blend beautifully with the surrounding nature, creating an atmosphere that makes you want to linger. In autumn, the maple leaves surrounding the architecture are especially beautiful and attract many visitors. A well-equipped parking lot can accommodate both private cars and sightseeing buses, making access easy. There is also soy sauce soft-serve sold nearby—worth checking out.