A century-old abandoned school in Japan undergoes a dramatic transformation 🌟 Xiru Jiaxiang School

In recent years, Japan's declining birth rate has led to a decrease in the number of elementary school-age children, resulting in a growing number of abandoned schools, including in Okinawa. In Ōgimi Village, a village in northern Okinawa known for its longevity, there once stood a small elementary school, "Kirika Elementary School," surrounded by nature. Established in 1888, it had approximately 5,200 graduates. Due to population decline, it was closed in 2016 after merging with another elementary school in Ōgimi Village. In 2022, this abandoned school was transformed, incorporating boarding school, craft facilities, and a sauna, bringing joy back to the school. Want to experience life in a Japanese elementary school? Don't miss it!

Xiru Jiaxiang School

Kijokasho School

Ms. Akiko Yamagami, the principal of Kijuka Sho School, was inspired by a fundraising campaign for the revitalization of abandoned sites and resolved to contribute to preserving the school's environment. Kijuka Sho School has completely preserved the original appearance of its two school buildings, including the school bulletin board, blackboard, and the stone tablet with the school song, reflecting the emphasis on the present moment in Japanese elementary school life. Through the revitalization and regeneration of the abandoned school, it has promoted local exchange. Ms. Yamagami changed the character "小" (xiao, meaning small) in the original school name "Kijuka Elementary School" to "翔" (xiang, meaning soaring) (the two characters are pronounced the same in Japanese), symbolizing continued flight and progress after rebirth.

Over the years, numerous shops and facilities have relocated to Xiru Jiaxiang School, including craft shops, saunas, and cafeterias, and many cultural and artistic experiences have been held. Ms. Yamagami specially wrote short stories for the shops, all featuring monsters from Okinawan folk tales, blending Okinawan mythology with the school's atmosphere. Okinawan fables are the core concept of this regeneration of the abandoned school. Besides adding a retro feel to Xiru Jiaxiang School, its location within nature allows visitors to feel more immersed, instantly bringing the legendary monsters to life. These simple monsters are all working hard to attract those who come to visit.

Introduction to some store facilities

Yamahara Craft Shop

Yambaru Craftworks

The Yamahara Craft Shop was originally located in the staff quarters of an elementary school. It brings together and sells the works of artisans from the northern part of Okinawa Island (the Yamahara region). Okinawa's unique natural environment creates a variety of one-of-a-kind crafts. The goal of the Yamahara Craft Shop is to create a place where people who love Yamahara can interact with the artwork.

The shop regularly hosts workshops and experience sessions. A unique feature of Yamahara Craft Shop is its use of natural materials. Because many almond trees are planted around the school, they use almond leaves to make coasters with visitors. Besides almond coasters, they also offer jewelry making with almond rope, pottery classes, and more.

山ブックス

Yamabooks

Yamabux, converted from a school storage room, operates a "co-op bookstore" and a "used bookstore." The co-op bookstore is where different people rent sections of the bookshelves and display or sell their favorite books (similar to a grid shop). The used book corner sells a variety of Okinawan books and picture books, as well as business books. Yamabux also frequently hosts events, attracting large crowds. Highly recommended for those who understand Japanese.

ark

HAKOBUNE

Ark is a shop that offers hands-on experience and sales of hand-woven hammocks. All hammocks here are 100% hand-woven, with unique patterns and designs. Besides experiencing the comfort of the hammocks firsthand, you can also purchase them on-site or book a hammock-weaving workshop. The workshop offers six options, ranging from a 2-hour hammock weaving tutorial to a 10-hour double-bed weaving tutorial. Come and create your own unique hammock!

Forest Sauna BUNA SAUNA

This sauna is a unique feature of Xiru Jiaxiang School. Originally a dilapidated incinerator, it has been transformed into a forest sauna. It's a standard Finnish sauna, decorated with native Okinawan plants. The sauna temperature is approximately 65-75 degrees Celsius, a low-temperature sauna, making it suitable even for first-timers. The sauna and adjacent shower rooms are filled with natural plant aromas, promoting relaxation. These spices and plant decorations are sourced from plants naturally growing near the school, including almond leaves, lemon leaves, and bergamot leaves. Even the water used to heat the stones in the sauna is made by steaming almond leaves for an hour.

Mr. Yukino Shigeo, the person in charge, tried a sauna after a tiring day at work. He found it instantly refreshing and invigorating, which led him to fall in love with saunas and decide to open one. A designer by profession, he paid meticulous attention to the location, structure, and lighting of the sauna rooms. The entire building is constructed of wood, exuding a natural ambiance. The sauna and shower rooms are dimly lit, relying solely on natural light, while the windows offer views of nature, and the sounds of cicadas create a forest-like atmosphere, resulting in a truly relaxing and rejuvenating experience.

After a sauna session, you can slowly savor moon peach tea while lounging on a beach chair and soaking up the sun, truly experiencing the relaxed pace of life in Okinawa. With its distinctive and unique design, the restaurant has already garnered considerable praise in just one year since opening.

カフェクロニクル

Cafe Chronicle

The café is located in what was originally a home economics classroom, evoking memories of school days. The menu mainly offers cheese sandwiches and soups made with plenty of seasonal Okinawan vegetables, making it suitable even for vegetarians. Coffee and tea are also provided by local Okinawan vendors. The tableware and presentation are those used in Japanese schools for lunch, even the chopsticks are traditional Okinawan chopsticks, allowing you to experience lunchtime at a Japanese elementary school.

Accommodation facilities BUNAGAYA

Want to spend the night in a classroom with family and friends? Then don't miss BUNAGAYA! This guesthouse, converted from a classroom, may not be as luxurious as a hotel, but it will bring back countless memories of your youth. According to Ms. Yamagami's story, this is the dwelling place of Bunagaya, the mountain spirits of Okinawa, who will warmly welcome guests. BUNAGAYA is expected to open in the first half of 2025, and I can't wait to stay here for a night and experience the atmosphere of a Japanese elementary school!

Xiru Jiaxiang School

📍〒905-1302 887 Yomeijo, Ogimi Village, Kunigami District, Okinawa Prefecture

*Some facilities require advance reservations.

It was also featured on a Japanese TV program!

【Ryukyu Broadcasting】RBC NEWS
The various facilities of Xiru Jiaxiang School

QAB Ryukyu Asahi Broadcasting
Forest Sauna BUNA SAUNA, Ark HAKOBUNE

Reference: Xiru Jiaxiang School Official Website