Fifth High School Memorial Museum
A beautifully preserved 1889 red-brick building offering an immersive glimpse into Meiji-era education with original classrooms.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Pleasant weather for exploring
Fifth High School Memorial Museum
Best Time
Pleasant weather for exploring
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A beautifully preserved 1889 red-brick building offering an immersive glimpse into Meiji-era education with original classrooms.
"It's perfect for a little sightseeing or a stroll, and the cool air inside was refreshing."
🏛️ Explore the Classrooms
Sit at the original desks and chairs for a unique historical experience. :camerawithflash:
🚶♀️ Perfect for a Stroll
Enjoy a peaceful walk through the grounds and building, ideal for a quiet sightseeing break. :walking:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Meiji-Era Classrooms
Restored classroom areas
Sit at original desks and chairs, immersing yourself in the atmosphere of early 20th-century education.
Observation Room
Observation room
Admire the impressive and beautiful blue chairs in this unique space, offering a moment of quiet reflection.
Historic Blackboards
Display areas
See authentic blackboards from the Meiji era, a tangible link to the past and its educational methods.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Step Back in Time
A Touch of Nostalgia
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🏛️ Explore the Classrooms
Sit at the original desks and chairs for a unique historical experience. :camerawithflash:
🚶♀️ Perfect for a Stroll
Enjoy a peaceful walk through the grounds and building, ideal for a quiet sightseeing break. :walking:
🧊 Beat the Heat
The cool air inside the museum is a welcome respite on hot days. :snowflake:
📜 Discover Historical Figures
Learn about notable alumni like Lafcadio Hearn and Natsume Soseki. :scroll:
Tips
from all over the internet
🏛️ Explore the Classrooms
Sit at the original desks and chairs for a unique historical experience. :camerawithflash:
🚶♀️ Perfect for a Stroll
Enjoy a peaceful walk through the grounds and building, ideal for a quiet sightseeing break. :walking:
🧊 Beat the Heat
The cool air inside the museum is a welcome respite on hot days. :snowflake:
📜 Discover Historical Figures
Learn about notable alumni like Lafcadio Hearn and Natsume Soseki. :scroll:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors praise the Fifth High School Memorial Museum for its beautifully preserved red-brick architecture and its immersive historical classrooms. Many appreciate the unique opportunity to sit at original desks and chairs, finding the cool interior a refreshing escape. The museum offers a peaceful and educational glimpse into Meiji-era education and the legacy of its notable alumni.
"The Memorial Museum of the Fifth High School, located on Kumamoto University’s Kurokami North Campus, is a beautifully preserved red-brick building dating back to 1889. Originally constructed as a classroom building for the Fifth Higher Middle School, it now serves as a museum showcasing the rich history of Japan’s Meiji-era education system."
Arif Nur Muhammad Ansori
"I found out about its existence inside the Kumamoto Museum. I hope that the beautiful brick school building will be maintained in the future."
西和宏
"It's perfect for a little sightseeing or a stroll. I went inside on a slightly hot spring day, but the cool air was refreshing.
You can actually sit on the desks and chairs in the classrooms, which have been restored to their original state as Fifth High School students, so you can take a break there too. The observation room, with its impressive, beautiful blue chairs, was also lovely."
寺本新乃
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The museum is located on Kumamoto University's Kurokami North Campus. Public transportation options to the university campus are available, and from there, it's a short walk to the museum building. Check local transit for the best routes to Kumamoto University.
Parking availability may be limited on the university campus. It's advisable to check Kumamoto University's visitor parking information or consider using public transport to reach the museum.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Specific opening hours can vary, so it's recommended to check the official Kumamoto University website or local listings for the most up-to-date information before your visit.
Admission to the Fifth High School Memorial Museum is generally free, allowing visitors to explore the historical building and its exhibits without charge.
Information on guided tours is not widely available. However, the museum's exhibits and restored spaces offer a self-guided experience that many visitors find engaging.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
You can explore beautifully preserved classrooms, sit at original desks and chairs, view Meiji-era blackboards, and learn about notable alumni like Natsume Soseki and Lafcadio Hearn.
As a historic building, accessibility might be limited. It's best to contact the museum or Kumamoto University directly for specific details regarding accessibility features.
Photography is generally permitted for personal use, but it's always a good idea to check for any specific signage or ask staff if you're unsure about restrictions.
A visit to the Fifth High School Memorial Museum can take anywhere from 30 minutes to an hour, depending on your interest in exploring the exhibits and soaking in the historical atmosphere.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
The museum itself does not typically have dining facilities. However, the Kumamoto University campus or surrounding areas likely offer various cafes and restaurants for visitors.
While you can likely bring water, it's best to consume food and drinks outside of the museum's exhibit areas to help preserve the historical integrity of the building.
📸 📸 Photography
The restored classrooms with their original desks and chairs, the unique observation room with blue chairs, and the exterior red-brick architecture are all highly photogenic.
Generally, personal photography is allowed, but avoid flash photography that could damage exhibits. Always be mindful of other visitors and the historical nature of the site.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
It's a great opportunity for a peaceful outing that combines a bit of history with a chance to stretch their legs. The cool interior is a welcome relief on warmer days, making it a comfortable visit. While not a typical 'kid-focused' attraction, its interactive elements and historical context can make for an educational and memorable experience for curious young minds.
🏛️ History Enthusiasts
The opportunity to sit in the original classrooms and see the authentic blackboards provides an unparalleled immersive experience. Learning about the distinguished alumni like Natsume Soseki and Lafcadio Hearn further enriches the visit, connecting the physical space to the intellectual and cultural achievements it fostered. It's a chance to appreciate the foundations of modern Japanese education.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
A Glimpse into Meiji Education
Inside, you'll find restored classrooms where you can actually sit at the original desks and chairs, providing a unique, hands-on experience. Imagine yourself as a student from that era, contemplating lessons on the Meiji era blackboards that are still on display. The museum also highlights the significant figures who were once associated with the Fifth High School, including renowned writers and educators.
Beyond the classrooms, the museum features other notable spaces like the observation room, characterized by its striking blue chairs. This area offers a moment of quiet contemplation and appreciation for the building's design and historical significance. The museum is not just a collection of artifacts; it's an immersive journey into the past, offering a peaceful and educational experience for all who visit.
Notable Alumni and Their Legacy
Natsume Soseki's connection to the school is particularly interesting; he was famously recruited with a generous offer, highlighting the school's prestige during its time. Another prominent figure is Kano Jigoro, the founder of Judo, who also studied here. The museum serves as a tribute to these individuals and their contributions, allowing visitors to connect with the intellectual heritage of the institution.
Learning about these distinguished alumni adds another layer of depth to a visit. It transforms the museum from a simple historical building into a place that nurtured some of Japan's most significant thinkers and cultural icons. Their stories are woven into the fabric of the Fifth High School's legacy.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit