Shizutani School

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

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 th...

Stunning architecture in serenity

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 wi...

Well worth a stop

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.

First Public School in the World

I was expecting a short visit to see a curiosity, but instead got drawn into the past at Shizutani School. The volunteer guide was not only knowledgeable, but also amusing, sharing stories and explain...

山間の地に開かれた庶民のための学校 今も美しさを放つ講堂内は驚きの空間

岡山藩主 池田光政が、家臣津田永忠に命じて設立した庶民のための教育施設。初めて訪ねましたが、完成後、３００年経過しても、美しさを放つ講堂内や、周囲を取り囲む石塀など、３０年の歳月と建築技術の粋を尽くして完成させた施設の荘厳さが伝わってきます。是非、訪ねておくべき史跡、お勧めします。