What other travelers are saying about Sakura Juntendo Memorial Hall
I took an off-the-beaten-path trip here! If you like medical history, visiting this location is a good change of pace. It's not that large of an area, but the Meji Era building design and garden are very relaxing.
We visited the "Former Sakura Juntendo (Sakura Juntendo Memorial Hall)" in Sakura City, Chiba Prefecture.
Founded by Sato Taizen at the end of the Edo period, this is Japan's oldest Dutch medical school and a must-see for history buffs!
Inside the building, surgical tools and medical books from the time are on display, and the passionate, enterprising atmosphere is overwhelming. The tranquil Japanese architecture is beautiful, and the garden view from the window is a relaxing experience.
This is a tourist spot we highly recommend to fans of the world of the TV drama "JIN."
There are also samurai residences nearby, making it the perfect place for a historical stroll.
This is a Chiba Prefecture designated historic site.
Founded in 1843 by Western medicine doctor Sato Taizen as a Western medicine school and clinic, Juntendo was established in Sakura in 1843. Part of the building has been preserved as the Sakura Juntendo Memorial Hall.
The Juntendo Clinic, a direct descendant of Taizen, is located right next door. (I believe it was the 7th or 8th generation.)
Together with Ogata Koan's Tekijuku to the west, this historic site contributed greatly to the development of modern medicine in Japan.
It is said that Sato Taizen established his school here at the invitation of the Sakura Domain, and that the deep understanding of Western studies of the domain's lord, Hotta Masayoshi, who also served as a senior councilor, likely supported his activities.
Ryotaro Shiba's novel "Butterfly Dream" depicts Sato Taizen and the other members of the Sato family, as well as the turmoil and medical world at the end of the Edo period.
This novel centers around the Sato family and is written with many historical facts in mind, making it a perfect way to understand the historical context of the time. If you're interested in Sato Yasutsune or his family, this is a must-read...
(Although, I read it when I was younger, so I've forgotten a lot of it.)
Nearby are the Sakura Samurai Residences and the Former Hotta Residence, both designated as cultural properties by the national and prefectural governments, and a combined admission ticket is available for all three.
All three museums are closed on Mondays, except on Tuesdays if Mondays fall on a national holiday. Elementary and junior high school students are admitted free on weekends and holidays.
I visited during a special viewing on National Foundation Day. This is the Sakura base of Sato Taizen, who laid the foundation for Dutch studies, which led to the saying "Nagasaki in the West, Sakura in the East" (his residence at the time was on the other side of the road).
The exhibits look like carpentry tools, apparently Western tools remade to suit Japanese specifications. The exhibits also recall the struggles of medical development, such as the fact that surgeries were performed without anesthesia.
Visiting this site, which would later become the home of Juntendo University and the Saiseikai, allowed me to once again appreciate the beauty of my hometown.
2024/4/25 It was interesting to learn about Juntendo's history. I could clearly see the strong feelings that went into establishing medicine. It was about a 15-minute walk from the former Hotta residence.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes. The three-in-one ticket at ¥540 for adults provides same-day access to the memorial hall, samurai houses, and former Hotta residence. These attractions are within walking distance of each other in Sakura's historic district.
A typical visit to the memorial hall takes 30 to 45 minutes. If you're using the three-in-one ticket to visit all three historic sites, plan for approximately 2 to 3 hours total.
Inquiries can only be answered in Japanese at city facilities. However, some exhibits may have basic English explanations. Visitors requiring English assistance should bring someone who speaks Japanese or use translation apps.
The memorial hall focuses on its permanent collection of medical texts, surgical instruments, and materials related to Sato Taizen's school. Visitors interested in broader Japanese history can purchase the three-in-one ticket and explore multiple historic properties in Sakura City.
