Travel in Nagano
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. See angel and dragon carvings on the facade, then walk its wooden corridors. Explore both the exterior and interior of this old school building.
Former Kaichi School: fees, hours and access Official sources Official sources
Visitor information
Admission
General admission is 700 yen at the counter or 600 for an electronic single-facility ticket. The general rate applies to visitors of high-school age and older. Elementary/junior-high students aged 6–15 pay 300; children below elementary-school age enter free. The electronic castle–school combined ticket costs 1,600 general admission and is valid for two days. Choose a castle-entry time when buying.
Opening hours
09:00–17:00, last admission 16:30. Closures vary by season; compare the guidance below with the official calendar for your date.
What to see at Former Kaichi School
Angel and dragon carvings, and wooden corridors
See angel and dragon carvings on the facade and wooden corridors inside. Explore exterior decorations and interior spaces to appreciate Western-style design with traditional materials.
How to get to Former Kaichi School
Walk about 25 minutes from Matsumoto Station to the school at 2-4-12 Kaichi. From 10 October 2026, use the northwest entrance and ticket office, following on-site signs.
Former Kaichi School: fees, hours and access Former Kaichi School: facility and temporary notices Former Kaichi School: construction completion and 10 October northwest entrance change
Before you visit
Northwest entrance from 10 October 2026
With grounds-path construction complete, the entrance and ticket office move to the northwest side from 10 October 2026. Follow on-site signs to the new entrance.
Former Kaichi School: construction completion and 10 October northwest entrance change
Indoor shoes and stairs
Change into indoor shoes at the entrance. Stairs connect the first and second floors; consider your group’s ability to use stairs before choosing an interior visit.
Former Kaichi School: fees, hours and access Former Kaichi School: facility and temporary notices
Seasonal Tuesday closures
Closed the third Tuesday March–November and every Tuesday December–February, or the next day when Tuesday is a public holiday, plus 29 December–3 January. Compare your travel date against the official closure calendar.
Former Kaichi School: fees, hours and access Former Kaichi School: facility and temporary notices Former Kaichi School: April 2026–March 2027 closure calendar
Questions about Former Kaichi School
Does a Former Kaichi School interior visit require stairs?
Yes. Stairs connect the first and second floors. If stairs would be difficult, check official facility information before deciding on the interior and consider facade views too.
Former Kaichi School: fees, hours and access Former Kaichi School: facility and temporary notices
Official sources
- Former Kaichi School: fees, hours and access ·
- Official sources ·
- Official sources ·
- Castle combined-ticket conditions ·
- Former Kaichi School: construction completion and 10 October northwest entrance change ·
- Former Kaichi School: April 2026–March 2027 closure calendar ·
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