Travel in Nagano · 長野県
Former Kaichi School
Former Kaichi School · 旧開智学校校舎
Former Kaichi School combines Western-style school architecture with traditional Japanese materials. Look at the angel and dragon carvings on the facade, then step inside to walk the wooden corridors. You can explore both the exterior and interior of this historic school.
Former Kaichi School admission, hours, and access Sources Sources
Visitor information
Admission
General admission costs ¥700 at the counter or ¥600 for an electronic single-facility ticket. The general rate applies from high-school age. Elementary and junior high school students ages 6–15 pay ¥300; children below elementary school age enter free. The electronic combined ticket for Matsumoto Castle and Former Kaichi School costs ¥1,600 for general admission and is valid for two days. Select a castle entry time when buying it.
Opening hours
Open 9 a.m.–5 p.m., with admission until 4:30 p.m. Closures vary by season. Compare the closure information below with the official calendar for your visit date.
What to see at Former Kaichi School · 旧開智学校校舎
Angel and dragon carvings, then wooden corridors
The facade has angel and dragon carvings; inside, you can see wooden corridors. Explore the front decoration and interior to appreciate the combination of a Western-style exterior and traditional materials.
How to get to Former Kaichi School · 旧開智学校校舎
Walk about 25 minutes from Matsumoto Station to Former Kaichi School at 開智2-4-12. From October 10, 2026, use the northwest entrance and ticket office. Follow the signs on site.
Former Kaichi School admission, hours, and access Former Kaichi School facilities and temporary notices Former Kaichi School construction completion and October 10 northwest entrance change
Visit tips
Use the northwest entrance from October 10, 2026
Following completion of the site-path work, the entrance and ticket office move to the northwest side of the site from October 10, 2026. Follow the signs to the new entrance.
Former Kaichi School construction completion and October 10 northwest entrance change
Indoor slippers and stairs
Change into indoor slippers at the entrance. Stairs connect the first and second floors. Consider whether everyone in your party can use the stairs when deciding on an indoor visit.
Former Kaichi School admission, hours, and access Former Kaichi School facilities and temporary notices
Tuesday closures vary by season
The school closes on the third Tuesday of each month March–November and every Tuesday December–February. If Tuesday is a public holiday, closure moves to the following day. It also closes December 29–January 3. Compare your travel dates with the official closure calendar.
Former Kaichi School admission, hours, and access Former Kaichi School facilities and temporary notices Former Kaichi School closure calendar: April 2026–March 2027
Questions about Former Kaichi School · 旧開智学校校舎
Does an indoor visit to Former Kaichi School involve stairs?
Yes. Stairs connect the first and second floors. If stairs would be difficult, check the official facility guide before deciding on an indoor visit, and consider viewing the facade as well.
Former Kaichi School admission, hours, and access Former Kaichi School facilities and temporary notices
Sources
- Former Kaichi School admission, hours, and access ·
- Sources ·
- Sources ·
- Castle combined-ticket conditions ·
- Former Kaichi School construction completion and October 10 northwest entrance change ·
- Former Kaichi School closure calendar: April 2026–March 2027 ·
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