Okayama: Learn Like a Samurai at Japan’s Oldest Public School

Shizutani School is one of Japan’s oldest public schools, established in 1670 by the Okayama domain under Lord Ikeda Mitsumasa. Unlike many schools of the time, it was open not only to samurai but also to commoners, reflecting a forward-thinking approach to education. Set in a peaceful natural environment, the site features the National Treasure lecture hall, Confucian shrine, and other preserved buildings that convey the atmosphere of Edo-period learning. More than a historical site, Shizutani School represents a philosophy of education that emphasizes moral development, discipline, and lifelong learning—values that continue to influence Japanese society today.