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All Japan Mito Mito Daiichi High School

Mito Daiichi High School

An old-fashioned school with interesting grounds and deep history, including the original Mito Castle gate.

Mito, Japan

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arlene bastion
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Yakuimon Gate.   arlene / Atlas Obscura User
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Old castle moat.   arlene / Atlas Obscura User
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Main entrance to the school.   arlene / Atlas Obscura User
Classroom, sans technology.   arlene / Atlas Obscura User
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About

Mito’s oldest high school is actually not that old—it dates back to 1986. Its grounds, however, are an interesting walk through the prefectural capital's educational heritage. It includes the historical Kodokan, Mito’s oldest clan school, and Shodokan, a museum. Mito Daiich is old-school architecture, with statues of dignitaries, sculptures, and old fashioned classrooms, adding a kick of nostalgia for visitors.

The school is entered through Yakuimon Gate, the only standing portion of Mito Castle, built in 1214. There is one other visible remnant, the castle moat, which is a deep and dried out dip in the ground—with no signs to indicate what it is. It can be spotted on the walk back from the education area to town.

The whole area is significant because Mito represents a key forerunner of the modern, holistic Japanese education system, starting with Kodokan and pioneering the movements that led to the Meiji Restoration. Mito Daiich and the other schools around are part of this proud tradition. 

Related Tags

Schools Education Architecture Nostalgia

Know Before You Go

You can walk there from the bus depot at the back of Mito Train Station or take a bus from the depot. There are heritage sign boards along the walk. To get to Mito itself, best take the Rose Liner Bus from Tokyo Station at the Yaesu exit. 

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Added By

arlene

Edited By

Fred Cherrygarden

  • Fred Cherrygarden

Published

July 2, 2020

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Mito Daiichi High School
3 Chome-10-1 Sannomaru
Mito, 310-0011
Japan
36.372517, 140.483309
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Nearby Places

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Explore the Destination Guide

Photo of Mito

Mito

Japan

Places 6

Nearby Places

Mito Low District Water Tower

Mito, Japan

miles away

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Explore the Destination Guide

Photo of Mito

Mito

Japan

Places 6

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