Shirokane-no-oka Gakuen

Shirokane-no-oka Gakuen is a modern combined elementary and junior high school in Minato-ku that serves students from early to late teenage years. The building features thoughtful architectural elements including balconies and open areas that connect learning spaces throughout the facility.

The school was founded on April 1, 2015, resulting from the merger of three local institutions: Asahi Junior High School, Jin'ou Elementary School, and Sanko Elementary School. This consolidation enabled the creation of an innovative educational facility that reorganized the region's existing resources.

The school embodies Japan's approach to integrated education, where elementary and junior high students learn together within one building and benefit from shared facilities. This arrangement allows continuous development without changing schools and encourages interaction across grade levels.

The facility is situated in Shirokane in central Tokyo and is easily accessible by public transport. The building is designed to maximize natural light and provides different areas suited for various learning activities.

The school received the Good Design Award in 2017 for its architectural approach that eases transitions between different grade levels. This recognition acknowledged how the innovative spatial design connects pedagogical goals with practical functionality.