Near Kofu Station in Yamanashi stands a striking building with graceful lines and dark gray window shutters. It looks sort of colonial, and was in fact one of the earliest Western Style buildings to be built in Yamanashi. It is named for Shiro Fujimura, the second governor of Yamanashi, who encouraged Yamanashi people to imitate Western styles of architecture - a trend starting in the early Meiji Era. The building served as a school until 1957, then after a few years as a community center, it was moved to the present site near Kofu station to be preserved as a national cultural asset of importance. Admission is free, and there are some interesting objects on display.
- 1 min read
Fujimura Memorial Hall
An old school building dating back to 1875

By Cathy Cawood
Community writer

The building is set in a spacious paved area

The second floor features a colonial style balcony

Small-paned windows with dark gray shutters

Even on a gray, rainy day it was impressive

View from the balcony

A model of the wooden framework of the building stands below an impressionist painting

A scroll showing Takeda Shingen and his men

A hanko stamp pad (stamps are used instead of signatures in Japan)

Dragon motif on the cover of a small metal container

A collection of children's toys

Old wooden desks in neat rows

The old wooden staircase

This bowl of old-fashioned roses was sitting on the porch

I thought these differently sized chairs were cute
Leave a comment
0 comments in total
Book your trip
Find a nearby hotel
Explore some of the best nearby hotels and deals for the perfect place to stay in Japan.
Top Articles
-
1
Transit Guide: Tokyo Subway Ticket
Transportation -
2
I’m Donut?: Japan’s Viral Donut Sensation
Culture -
3
Lawson is Making Campervan Trips Even Easier
Accommodation -
4
An Enriching Getaway in Ome City
Tokyo - Sponsored -
5
25 Authentic Activities in Minobu
Yamanashi - Sponsored -
6
Aichi Awaits: Seven Authentic Experiences Beyond Nagoya
Aichi - Sponsored -
7
Tokyo Auto Salon 2026 Japan Car Tour: Cars, Culture & The Open Road
Chiba -
8
Osaka Noh Festa
Osaka - Sponsored -
9
Enjoy Toba: More Than Just a Seaside Retreat
Mie - Sponsored -
10
70 Nations, One Amazing Meal
Osaka - Sponsored
-
1
Guide to Bringing Medicines Into Japan
Planning -
2
The Ultimate Guide to Thrifting in Tokyo
Shopping -
3
Your Name: Real-Life Locations in Tokyo
Tokyo -
4
Gion Matsuri
Kyoto -
5
Shitamachi Tanabata Matsuri
Tokyo -
6
Japanese Urban Legends
Culture -
7
Iwatayama Monkey Park
Kyoto -
8
July Grand Sumo Tournament (Nagoya)
Aichi -
9
Daikoku Car Meet
Kanagawa -
10
Ghibli 3D Sculpture Exhibition
Tokyo