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Ashikaga School Site

栃木県

4.1

Tourist Information of This Area

general.prefecture.

The "Bando School," considered to be the oldest school in Japan.

Although the exact year of its establishment is unclear, the Ashikaga School is considered to be the oldest school in Japan. It is famous for being introduced to the world by Christian missionary Francis Xavier and is a spot where you can learn about the origins of education in Japan.

Features & How to Enjoy

Classic History

Highlights

Point 1

Representative Spot of Japanese Gardens!

The garden at Ashikaga School is a dry landscape garden and is known as a representative spot of Japanese gardens. The garden features variously sized stones arranged in a unique landscape with a perfect combination of stones, sand, and moss. In addition, many plants, including a large ginkgo tree at the center, are planted in the garden, offering beautiful scenery throughout the seasons. As one of the representative spots of Japanese garden culture, many people still visit it today. When visiting the site of Ashikaga School, why not take a look at the Japanese garden as well?

Point 2

Magical Atmosphere at Ashikaga School Illumination!

The Ashikaga School holds a lighting event where the garden, buildings, and Japanese umbrellas are illuminated fantastically every year in November. The Ashikaga School ruins are a historic building that contributed greatly to the development of modern education in Japan, and the garden is also very beautiful as a Japanese garden, creating a fantastic atmosphere when illuminated. The Ashikaga School ruins illumination is not only loved by locals, but also by many tourists from inside and outside the prefecture, making it a popular event that attracts many visitors!

Point 3

The Rumored Holy Land of "Demon Slayer": Ashikaga School Ruins!

The Ashikaga School is gaining attention as a holy land due to its resemblance to the Sanyashiki family's house from "Demon Slayer". The Ashikaga School Ruins is a historic building built by Kanto Kanrei Uesugi Norimune, and within its vast grounds, there are old buildings and beautiful gardens that remain. The Ashikaga School Ruins is a place worth visiting not only for "Demon Slayer" fans but also for history enthusiasts.

Point 4

A Historic Temple Located Right Near the Ashikaga School Ruins!

画像引用：旅探

Founded by Ashikaga Yoshikane, Banna-ji Temple is said to have been built in the late Kamakura period and was constructed on the site of the Ashikaga clan's residence, so there are many buildings on the premises that are related to the Ashikaga clan. Within the temple grounds, there are many highlights, such as a 650-year-old large ginkgo tree, a national treasure main hall with a solemn atmosphere, as well as a many other buildings such as a Tahoto pagoda, Issai-kyo Hall, and a tower gate. It's located right near the Ashikaga School ruins, so we recommend visiting both spots together as a tourist destination!

Point 5

Beautiful Flower Park with Wisteria Flowers

Ashikaga Flower Park and Ashikaga School are both located in the city of Ashikaga. Ashikaga Flower Park is a vast park where you can enjoy various flowers throughout the seasons, and is famous for its wisteria flowers, which are said to be a sacred place for Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba fans, as well as its illumination events. Both Ashikaga School and Ashikaga Flower Park are representative tourist spots of Ashikaga City, and attract many tourists. The two facilities are about a 15-minute drive apart, so it's recommended to visit both Ashikaga School and Ashikaga Flower Park when enjoying tourism in Ashikaga City.

History

Japan's First School Founded by Uesugi Norimasa!

The Ashikaga School, founded in 1439 by Kantō Kanrei (deputy shogun) Uesugi Norimasa, was Japan's first school with the aim of nurturing individuals who had acquired knowledge and culture. The school was operated by the teacher and Zen monk Kaigen, who was personally selected by Uesugi Norimasa, and offered a variety of subjects such as classical literature and Confucianism. It was introduced overseas by Francis Xavier, and is also known for contributing to Japan's modernization by producing many talented individuals. Today, you can learn about its history and achievements at the Ashikaga School Museum in Ashikaga City.

Basic Information

	Address	2338 Shouheicho, Ashikaga-shi, Tochigi 326-0813, Japan
	Business Hours	9:00～16:30
	TEL	0284-41-2655
	Web Site	http://www.city.ashikaga.tochigi.jp/site/ashikagagakko/

Average Review

4.1

5 Reviews

日本最古の学校として国指定史跡となり、まさに足利を代表する遺産である足利学校。正直修学旅行的な若い年代で来ても面白さは無いと思いますが、ある程度年令を重ね、学問の大切さや生涯学習とは何かというものが分かりかけてきたときに伺うと実に面白いと思います。この様な環境で学んだ昔の人に思いを馳せるとともに、学ぶということを再認識させて貰える場所が足利学校だと思いますし、これからも後世に残すべき史跡であると思います。

なかなか綺麗な建物でした。庭もよかった。駐車場は無料でした。足利学校のすぐの所と道路渡りおみやげ物屋がある所の2か所は少なくともありました。結構、駐車場がいっぱいになるので車で行く場合、時間を気にした方が良いかもしれません。また、孔子とか論語とかあまり知らなかったのですが、少し内容が分かると良いこと言ってるなと感じました。中学生の子供が論語に興味持ったというので、論語の本（150円）を買って上げました。どのくらい読むかなぁ。

「日本最古の学校」として日本遺産になる史跡。初めて訪問しましたが、歴史に触れ、日本で「学ぶこと」が尊重されてきたことを実感します。初めて、16分間のビデオで全体像をつかんで見学するといいと思います。入場券が「足利学校入学証」というのもユニークで、よい記念になります。

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