Iwashina School located in Matsuzaki-cho, Kamo-gun, Shizuoka Pref. was an elementary school in the Meiji period (1868-1912). It is a nationally designated Important Cultural Property. Built in 1880, the school was the oldest elementary school in Izu area. The architectural styles used for temples and shrines with Namako-kabe (sea slug walls) are attractively combined with the Western-styled design including balconies.
After a two-year repair work, the school building was restored to the state of its original form in 1992. The scenes of the classes and the principal’s office are replicated by life-size dolls. Upstairs is Tsuru-no-ma (Crane Room), the transoms of which are decorated with the plaster relief of Senba-zuru (1,000 cranes) made by Chohachi Irie, a plaster artisan in the Meiji period.
From spring through summer, the contrast between the white sea slug walls and the green lawn is very beautiful. The old village office building was also reconstructed at the entrance of this school, where the canteen and the lounge are provided. The old school building of Iwashina School is a precious example of the near modern Japanese architecture.