Question 1

How do I get there by train?

Accepted Answer

About 10 minutes' walk from Ashikaga Station on the JR Ryomo Line, or about 15 minutes' walk from Ashikagashi Station on the Tobu Isesaki Line. If you would like a guided commentary, book with the Ashikaga City Tourism Association at least 10 days in advance.

Question 2

Are guided tours available?

Accepted Answer

Ashikaga City guides give clear explanations of the school's history and cultural properties. Booking is required at least 10 days before your intended date, through the Ashikaga City Tourism Association.

Question 3

Can I bring a pet?

Accepted Answer

Pets are not permitted, in order to protect the cultural properties. We ask for your understanding and cooperation.

Question 4

Are there other sights nearby?

Accepted Answer

Bannaji, a Shingon temple with a main hall that is a National Treasure, stands right next to the Ashikaga School. Ashikaga Flower Park (about 30 minutes by car) and the Ashikaga clan residence site are also popular in Ashikaga.

Question 5

What are the opening hours and closed days?

Accepted Answer

9:00-17:00 from April to September (reception until 16:30) and 9:00-16:30 from October to March (reception until 16:00). Closed every Monday (the following weekday if that Monday is a public holiday) and over the New Year period (29 December to 3 January).

Question 6

How long should I allow?

Accepted Answer

Allow about 30-40 minutes to see the site. A guide will give you a fuller understanding of its history and cultural properties. Combining a visit with the neighbouring Bannaji temple is also recommended.

Question 7

Is it a Japan Heritage site?

Accepted Answer

Yes. It was certified as Japan Heritage on 24 April 2015 as part of the Early Modern Educational Heritage of Japan. The Ashikaga School site was also designated a national historic site in 1921.

Question 8

How much is admission?

Accepted Answer

General visitors 480 yen, high school students 240 yen, and elementary and junior high school students from outside the city 120 yen. Groups of 20 or more receive a discount, and pre-school children enter free. Discounts are also available for visitors with disabilities; please see the Ashikaga City official website for details.

Question 9

What is the Ashikaga School?

Accepted Answer

It is a nationally designated historic site known as the oldest school in Japan. Its founding is disputed, with theories placing it in the Nara, Heian or Kamakura period, but it flourished from the Muromachi period onwards and is said to have had more than 3,000 students in the early 16th century. The school gate, the Confucius hall and the hojo study hall, restored to their Edo period appearance, are open to the public.

Question 10

What is the connection with Francis Xavier?

Accepted Answer

In 1549 the Jesuit missionary Francis Xavier described the Ashikaga School abroad as the greatest and most famous university in Bando in all Japan, which spread its name around the world.

Question 11

Is there parking?

Accepted Answer

There is parking near the Ashikaga School. The multi-purpose car park (8 spaces) is free and gives priority to visitors with disabilities, older visitors and pregnant women. There are also paid car parks nearby. The adjoining Taiheikikan (Ashikaga City Tourism Association) has a souvenir shop, a rest area and a tourist information desk.

Question 12

How do I get there?

Accepted Answer

About 10 minutes' walk from Ashikaga Station on the JR Ryomo Line, or about 15 minutes' walk from Ashikagashi Station on the Tobu Isesaki Line.

Question 13

What is the address?

Accepted Answer

2338 Shohei-cho, Ashikaga City, Tochigi Prefecture

Question 14

How much is admission?

Accepted Answer

General 480 yen, high school students 240 yen, elementary and junior high school students from outside the city 120 yen (discounts for groups of 20 or more). Pre-school children free.

Question 15

When is it closed?

Accepted Answer

Every Monday (the following weekday if that Monday is a public holiday) and 29 December to 3 January.

Question 16

What are the opening hours?

Accepted Answer

April to September 9:00-17:00 (reception until 16:30); October to March 9:00-16:30 (reception until 16:00).

Question 17

Is there parking?

Accepted Answer

Parking is available. Please check the official information for details.

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