🗺️ Kōdōkan弘道館

Kōdōkan was established in the 12th year of the Tenpō era (1841) by Tokugawa Nariaki (1800–1860), the 9th lord of the Mito Domain, as a domain school and was the largest educational facility in Japan at that time. Tokugawa Nariaki strongly advocated for the cultivation of talented individuals as part of domain reform, opening the school in the San-no-Maru area of Mito Castle to provide education for domain samurai and their children. Students entered at the age of 15, with no graduation system, adhering to the principle of lifelong education. The school covered an area of approximately 10.5 hectares and included facilities such as the Bunkan (literary hall), Bukan (martial hall), and Igakukan (medical hall), teaching Confucianism, history, astronomy, mathematics, as well as martial arts like swordsmanship and spear techniques, and medical practices such as inoculation. Most of the buildings constructed at that time were destroyed during the internal conflicts and air raids in the first year of the Meiji era (1868), but the central building of Kōdōkan, known as the "Shōtei," where the lord presided over literary and martial examinations, along with the "Shijindō" behind it, and the "Seimon" which was only opened during the lord's visits or special events, have been preserved to this day. All have been designated as Important Cultural Properties of Japan. The grounds are home to approximately 800 plum trees of about 60 different varieties, making it a well-known plum blossom viewing spot alongside Kairakuen. Nariaki had a particular fondness for plum blossoms, which is why he planted plum trees within the Kōdōkan grounds. The plum blossoms bloom early in spring, attracting admiration, and their fruits can be made into preserved food during wartime. The early spring period also sees Kōdōkan and Kairakuen hosting the "Plum Blossom Festival."

The 15th Shogun Tokugawa Yoshinobu (1837–1913) studied at Kōdōkan during his childhood and spent his time in confinement there after the Taisei Hokan. It showcases many precious historical materials, including the 100 volumes of "Dai Nihon Shi" compiled by Tokugawa Mitsukuni. The shop offers a variety of products featuring the Tokugawa family crest, the Mitsuba Aoi, with a rich selection. The main gate of Kōdōkan stands opposite the Otemon gate at the site of Mito Castle. It is worth visiting both sites together. The "Plum Blossom Festival" is held annually from mid-February to late March during the plum blossom season.