Nagano travel

Former Kaichi School

Former Kaichi School · 旧開智学校校舎

Former Kaichi School is a Western-style school built with traditional Japanese materials. Look at angels and dragons on the facade, then walk the wooden corridors inside to explore both exterior and interior architecture.

Former Kaichi School: fees, operations and access 2026-10-08Official sources 2026-10-09Official sources 2026-10-09

Visitor information

Address

長野県松本市開智2-4-12

2-4-12 Kaichi, Matsumoto City, Nagano, 390-0876, Japan

View on the map

Address source 2026-10-09Address source 2026-10-09

Admission

Regular admission is JPY 700 at the counter or JPY 600 for an individual e-ticket, applying to senior high school age and above. Primary and junior high school children aged 6–15 pay JPY 300; younger children enter free. The regular castle and Former Kaichi School combined e-ticket costs JPY 1,600 and is valid for two days. A castle entry time is required at purchase.

Admission source 2026-10-09

Opening hours

The school is open from 9 am to 5 pm, with entry until 4:30 pm. Closures vary seasonally; check the guidance below and official calendar for your date.

Opening-hours source 2026-10-09Opening-hours source 2026-10-09

What to see at Former Kaichi School

Angel and dragon carvings and wooden corridors

Look at angels and dragons on the school facade, then wooden corridors inside. Explore an exterior and interior combining Western-style design with traditional materials.

Former Kaichi School: architectural features 2026-10-09

How to get to Former Kaichi School

Walk about 25 minutes from Matsumoto Station to Former Kaichi School, at 2-4-12 Kaichi. From 10 October 2026, use the north-west entrance and ticket office, following on-site signs.

Former Kaichi School: fees, operations and access 2026-10-08Former Kaichi School: facility and temporary notices 2026-10-08Former Kaichi School: construction completion and 10 October north-west entrance change 2026-10-09

Get directions

Before you visit

Use the north-west entrance from 10 October 2026

Following completion of site passage work, the entrance and ticket office move to the north-west corner from 10 October 2026. Follow on-site signs to the new entrance.

Former Kaichi School: construction completion and 10 October north-west entrance change 2026-10-09

Indoor slippers and stairs

Change into indoor slippers at the entrance. Stairs connect Levels 1 and 2; consider whether your group can use them before choosing interior viewing.

Former Kaichi School: fees, operations and access 2026-10-08Former Kaichi School: facility and temporary notices 2026-10-08

Seasonal Tuesday closures

The school is closed on the third Tuesday from March to November and every Tuesday from December to February, or the next day if Tuesday is a public holiday. It is also closed from 29 December to 3 January. Compare your date with the official closure calendar.

Former Kaichi School: fees, operations and access 2026-10-08Former Kaichi School: facility and temporary notices 2026-10-08Former Kaichi School: April 2026–March 2027 closure calendar 2026-10-09

Questions about Former Kaichi School

Are stairs required inside Former Kaichi School?

Yes. Stairs connect Levels 1 and 2. If these are difficult, check official facility guidance before choosing interior viewing and consider viewing the facade.