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All Japan Tokyo Jiyu Gakuen Girls' School Myonichikan

Jiyu Gakuen Girls' School Myonichikan

The buildings are among the few Frank Lloyd Wright structures still standing in Japan.

Tokyo, Japan

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tiernoodle
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Chapel.   tiernoodle / Atlas Obscura User
Chapel interior and cafe.   tiernoodle / Atlas Obscura User
The chapel.   Fred Cherrygarden / Atlas Obscura User
Another look at the classroom.   Fred Cherrygarden / Atlas Obscura User
An Exodus-inspired mural made by students.   Fred Cherrygarden / Atlas Obscura User
Frank Lloyd Wright marionette.   tiernoodle / Atlas Obscura User
Original dining hall.   tiernoodle / Atlas Obscura User
Classroom.   tiernoodle / Atlas Obscura User
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This unexpected architectural gem hides in plain sight in a quiet Tokyo neighborhood. Jiyu Gakuen Myonichikan is an unmistakable Frank Lloyd Wright creation. The complex is among the few Wright structures still standing in Japan.

The building complex, built with the specific intent of being a Christian girls' school, was completed in 1921. The U-shaped campus includes a central chapel, classrooms, and an auditorium.

The school relocated in the 1930s, and the campus eventually fell into decline. The structures were finally restored between 1999 and 2001. Today, the buildings frequently serve as rental spaces for weddings and other events.

The main feature of the campus is the chapel, which looks out onto a large lawn. It’s now a cafe with short tables and custom chairs matching the style of the rest of the building. Up a narrow staircase adjoining the original dining hall is a Frank Lloyd Wright mini-museum, complete with an uncanny—if slightly unsettling—Frank Lloyd Wright marionette.

The neighborhood of Ikebukuro was largely decimated in the air raids during World War II, but much of the complex has been left as it was. Some people believe that the American fighters avoided attacking Wright's creation and the church-affiliated Rikkyo University. However, it's unlikely and the survival of Myonichikan is considered a miracle today.

Some doorways are intentionally shorter than normal to emphasize that they were built for small girls, rather than adults. Save for the cafe, the furniture and fixtures are all original or exacting reproductions.

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Frank Lloyd Wright Schools Architecture

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About a five minute walk from Ikebukuro Station. The building is open every day from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. (5 p.m. on Saturday-Sunday), except Mondays. Entry is 400 yen for adults.

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tiernoodle

Edited By

Fred Cherrygarden

  • Fred Cherrygarden

Published

July 30, 2019

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Jiyu Gakuen Girls' School Myonichikan
2-chōme-31-31-6 Nishiikebukuro
Toshima City
Tokyo
Japan
35.726431, 139.70742
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