Kyoto Municipal Museum of School History

A Cultural Journey Through Japan’s Educational Past

Discover a lesser-known facet of Kyoto’s heritage with a visit to the Kyoto Municipal Museum of School History. This unique museum offers a glimpse into the origins of modern education in Japan, with a special focus on the Bangumi Elementary Schools—established in 1869 with support from local residents determined to educate future generations.

Located approximately 20 minutes on foot from the hotel, the museum sits along Matsubara-dori Street, a historic route linking Kiyomizu-dera Temple and Mibu, an area rich with ties to the famed Shinsengumi.

Visitors are greeted by a stately koraimon-style gate dating back to 1901. Inside, the museum’s exhibits explore the evolution of Kyoto’s educational system and its deep ties to community life. Teaching tools, hand-crafted materials, and donated artworks reveal the legacy of generations who passed through these pioneering institutions.

Step into wooden desks reminiscent of childhood classrooms, watch nostalgic short films that bring past decades to life, and view treasures such as an early Japanese-made reed organ, a grand piano said to have cost more than ten homes when purchased, and beloved Alumite lunch trays that stir memories for many.

This museum welcomes guests of all ages and offers an engaging way to experience Kyoto beyond its temples and gardens—through the stories, traditions, and aspirations of its people.