🗺️ Suwajima Marine Memorial Museum粟島海洋記念館

Since the Edo period (1603-1867), Awashima prospered as a port where the Kitamaebune (northern shipping vessels) would dock during their journeys. In 1897, during the Meiji period (1868-1912), Japan's first maritime training school was established on Awashima. Over the long years from its founding until its closure in 1985, the school trained many excellent sailors. After the school closed, the building was opened to the public as the "Awashima Maritime Museum," showcasing various precious materials related to ships. The two-story wooden school building was constructed in Taisho 9 (1920), and the classrooms and staff rooms still retain their original appearance. In this nostalgic building, there are many fantastic spots for photography. Inside the school building, there are long corridors and glass windows with handrails, and the auditorium on the second floor is impressively large. You can try taking distinctive photos of the corridor from a lower angle. The color of the window frames matches the outer walls, both displaying the characteristic blue-green color of the school. Taking a portrait with the window frame would also be a great idea. The museum has many exhibits worth seeing, allowing visitors to understand the historical trajectory from the Kitamaebune transportation culture to the development of modern maritime shipping. The campus displays various old maritime items, such as anchors, and local residents can share old stories about this ancient school with you. Engaging with the locals while exploring is also a delightful aspect of traveling on the island. *Due to the aging of the building, entry to the school is currently prohibited. Although renovations are planned after the conclusion of the "Setouchi Triennale" in the fall of 2022, the schedule for the construction has not yet been determined, so these facilities are temporarily closed.

The former site of Japan's first maritime training school is now open to the public as a museum. The main building, constructed in 1920, features many photo opportunities. It showcases a wealth of valuable materials that provide insights into the historical trajectory of Japan's maritime development.