重要文化財自由学園明日館

Information

2025.03.05 Request Please Read Before Your Visit

Jiyu Gakuen Myonichikan is a nationally designated Important Cultural Property, carefully preserved to be passed down to future generations. It is open to the public to allow many people to visit, appreciate, and understand the significance of this historic building. We kindly ask for your cooperation in observing the following guidelines to help protect the building and ensure a pleasant visit for all.
─
No outside food or beverages are allowed. (Drinks for hydration, such as bottled water or drinks in tightly sealed containers, are permitted.)
─
Open flames are strictly prohibited. Smoking is not allowed anywhere inside the building or on the premises, including the garden. Please note that street smoking is also prohibited by local ordinance in Toshima City.
─
Regarding photography:
*Please refrain from taking photos of unrelated people or objects not connected to the building itself (this includes printed materials, acrylic stands, plush toys, and other character goods).
*Video recording is not permitted.
*The use of tripods and selfie sticks is not allowed.
*Even for personal visits, photography intended for commercial purposes, such as photography classes or publication in books, is strictly prohibited.
*If posting images on social media, please be mindful of the privacy of other visitors.
─
Please do not enter the lawn area.
─
If visiting with small children, please hold their hands and keep them under close supervision. The building contains many glass windows and steps, which may pose safety risks.
─
Please refrain from arriving by car. (Except for vehicles with prior reservations for facility use.)
─
If visitors are found engaging in any prohibited activities, staff members will approach and remind them of these rules.
─

Myonichikan

Jiyu Gakuen Myonichikan was built in 1921 (Taisho year 10) as a school building for Jiyu Gakuen, which was founded by the couple Hani Motoko (wife) and Yoshikazu (husband), and was designed by the great American architect Frank Lloyd Wright. It was Endo Shin who recommended Wright to Hani and his wife for the architectural design of Myonichikan. Endo was working as an assistant to Wright, who was in Japan for designing the Imperial Hotel. Endo was a friend of the couple, and he introduced them to Wright. Wright, who resonated with the couple's educational philosophy, designed Jiyu Gakuen based on their wish to "fill it with excellent thoughts within a simple school exterior."

Koudou｜Auditorium

The auditorium on the south side of the site was designed by Arata Endo and completed in 1927. As the number of students increased, the hall in the central building became too small, so at the suggestion of the parents of the fifth graduating class, the auditorium was completed on the site of what was then a tennis court. In September 1989, large-scale renovation work was carried out, including repairs to the eaves, entrance, drainage, and fittings, and in May 1997, it was registered as an Important Cultural Property in Japan along with the other three buildings.

Architecture and History

Myonichikan survived the Great Kanto Earthquake and the air raids of World War II, but over 80 years it had deteriorated noticeably, leading to debate over whether to preserve it or demolish it. 
Its historical and artistic value was later recognized and it was designated an Important Cultural Property in 1997, and after three years of preservation and repair work, it remains as it is today.

Visits and Tours

You are free to browse the building on tour days. On tour days, a guided tour by Myonichikan staff is held twice a day, from 2pm on tour days and at 11am and 2pm on holiday tour days.
The guide will not only explain about the building, but also talk about Frank Lloyd Wright and Arata Endo.
We also hold night tours, and there is a cafe in the hall, so please visit us on tour days.

Photographing and Filming the Facilities

Myonichikan is intended to preserve the building in a “dynamic manner.” Based on the idea of "a school can reach out to society," we avoid the static use of the facilities and rent out for a variety of uses. 
In addition to renting out each room for class reunions, seminars, concerts, social gatherings, etc., it can also be used for a variety of purposes, such as filming for TV commercials and magazines.

施設貸出

Myonichikan Wedding

The front is a spacious lawn yard. Windows are designed with beautiful geometric patterns. This unique place has been loved, and will be loved for generations to come. 
Have your own wedding at our building, filled with warmth and sunlight. May it continue to illuminate the life you two will share together.

Myonichikan Dayori

“Myonichikan Dayori” is a seasonal column written by the staff who manage and care for Myonichikan. From daily observations of the building to the subtle changes of the seasons, the staff share unique insights that only those who are here every day can notice.