Shintokukan, Han school of Takato domain
Shintokukan is a historic school in Ina established in 1860 to teach students literature and military skills through the han school system. The site features traditional wooden buildings arranged in two main sections, one dedicated to academic study and the other to martial training.
The school was founded in 1860 by the last lord of the Takato Domain as a han school to train samurai and other students. It received designation as a Historic Site in 1973, recognizing its importance to Japan's educational past.
The name Shintokukan means hall for the promotion of virtue, reflecting the values this school aimed to instill in students. Walking through the grounds, you can see how learning combined academic study with martial practice in a single educational setting.
The grounds are laid out simply with old wooden buildings and pathways that are easy to walk through and explore. Wear sturdy shoes as the terrain can be uneven, and check opening times beforehand since access is limited to certain periods.
The school originally operated from a retainer's house near Takato Castle before expanding to its current location, showing how even prestigious educational institutions began in modest spaces. This humble beginning reflects the practical constraints and resourcefulness of its founders during that era.
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