Jul 14, 2012 - 1 min read

Shizutani Japan's First School

Shizutani is Japan's first public school

By Kenji Chida

Community writer

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view of the school

Japanese koi swimming in pond at Shizutani school

Gateway to Shizutani School, Bizen City, Okayama (Photo: scarletgreen)

Looking over the grounds to Shizutani School, Bizen City, Okayama (Photo: scarletgreen )

Shizutani School, Bizen City, Okayama (Photo: scarletgreen )

Shizutani School is considered to be the oldest public school in Japan because it was the first school in the country to offer an education to students outside of the ruling classes. The school is located off the beaten path, up in the mountains of Bizen City. I’m sure there was some advantage to this location when the school was established but now the former school grounds that harken to the days of the samurai serve as a reminder of the peace and tranquility that was Shizutani School during a simpler time. The original building overlooks the school grounds and an impressive koi pond complete with an arched stone bridge.