The Old Senkyo Jinjo Shogakko Elementary School, Maniwa

The Old Senkyo Jinjo Shogakko Elementary School stands as a remarkable testament to Japan's Meiji-era educational architecture in Maniwa, Okayama Prefecture. Built in 1907 during the Meiji 40 period, this Renaissance-style wooden school building served as a functioning elementary school until 1990. The structure was designated a National Important Cultural Property in 1999, recognizing its significance as a representative example of early 20th-century school construction in Japan.

The building's architectural features distinguish it from typical Japanese structures of the period. The perfectly symmetrical design features a distinctive chalk exterior, while the interior showcases a coffered ceiling and a circular staircase. Located along the historic Izumo Highway in the Nabeya district, the school represents the Western influence on Japanese public building design during the modernization period.

Visitors can explore the preserved classrooms and experience the atmosphere of early 20th-century Japanese education. The school offers visitors the opportunity to try on period school uniforms, providing an immersive glimpse into student life from over a century ago. The building has gained additional recognition as a popular filming location for Japanese television dramas, adding contemporary cultural relevance to its historical significance.

The school is located approximately 10 minutes on foot from JR Kuze Station or about 5 minutes by car from the Yonago Expressway Kuze Interchange. Parking facilities accommodate 50 regular vehicles and 3 buses. The site is closed on Wednesdays, the day after public holidays, and from December 27th to January 4th. Admission is free, making it an accessible destination for travelers interested in Japan's educational heritage and Meiji-era Western architecture.