What other travelers are saying about Mito Castle Sannomaru Mito Clan School Kodokan
Remarkably well preserved Edo building. Beautiful interior architecture and lovingly tended trees. Interesting history of early Meiji political history centered on the Mito Tokugawa clan.
Kodokan was the largest domain school in Japan, enrolling over 3,000 students. It taught both martial arts and academic subjects including Confucian classics, medicine, astronomy, mathematics, and Western sciences. The school served as the center of the Mito School of thought, which influenced the Meiji Restoration. This comprehensive curriculum distinguished it from other clan schools that typically focused on either military or scholarly training.
Yes. The main hall Shojinkan and the martial arts training hall are original structures from 1841. They retain their wooden architecture and period features including painted sliding doors. The site is designated as a Special National Historic Site.
Plan for one to two hours to see the buildings, exhibition rooms, and garden. Those interested in detailed study of the artifacts and architecture may need additional time.
Some English explanations are available on major displays. Much of the detailed information is in Japanese only. The architecture and artifacts can be appreciated visually without language comprehension. Translation apps or an English-speaking guide would enhance understanding.
Kairaku-en, one of Japan's Three Great Gardens with 3,000 plum trees, is within walking distance. The Mito Tokugawa Museum displays domain treasures including samurai armor and historical documents. Mito Castle ruins are also nearby. These sites can be visited in one day.
Wonderful place to view Japanese history, far from the crowds of busy places like Mito. Castle ruins across the street are worth a visit, as is the art tower and museum downtown and the the Hitachi flower fields north of town.
Great chance to see where the children of the elite were trained and indoctrinated into the society of the time. My kids especially enjoyed seeing the toilets.
Historical school, in what was then part of the castle grounds, and is now still an educational center. One of the foundations of the early Japanese education system.
Well preserved and lots of interesting bits to see.
Most descriptions have associated English translations, but some of the exhibits inside the building don’t have any translations.
