Kata Bunko: A Memorabilia of Showa Era

Kata Bunko (潟分校） is a former branch of Obonai Elementary School in Tazawako Area.

Kata Bunko

"Open Today"

Kata Bunko is located about 4km south of Lake Tazawa. Takko-No-Ki(田子の木） and Osawa(大沢） areas were once dubbed as “Solitary islands on land,” because of its remote location from nearby villages. A Proposal of an elementary school was long awaited by villagers there and celebrated when finally carried out in 1882. Since then, the school had been a home to hundreds of pupils until it was closed down in 1974, due to the decrease of student population.

After its closure, the site was being used for a community center at one point; however, in recent years, the decrepit building was even suggested to be torn down.

Mr. Kazushi Sato, CEO of Tsurunoyu Onsen, had provided an endowment for the restoration; for he insisted that the building would serve as an important role in preserving cultural and historical scenery. After two years of reconstruction, Kata Bunko was finally revived with photos and school supplies collected from former students. As Mr. Sato believed, this building certainly has been a valuable memorabilia for us to remember the Showa era.

A hallway leads to a gym.

Open for any recreational activities

A classroom for 3rd and 4th graders.

Wonder if Organs are being used nowadays..

Feels so great that makes you want to stay in class!

Schools supllies collected from foremer students.

They are very fragile--- please handle with care!

The Story of Alibaba in an English textbook

Works of local elementary students

Photos of the old days..

Did they sneak comic books under desks? Nowadays they are cellphones..

200 yen for entrance fee. You can leave your domestic address here so they can send you seasonal greeting cards.

Today the building hosts Kata Bunka Center (Kata Cultural Center) and shelters artifacts from which we could learn the unique tradition of fishery and agriculture at the lake. It is open to the public throughout the year, except for some days in winter (possibly closed due to the snow condition). The gym and field are also available for any recreational activities.

Cherry blossoms in the field

Entrance Fee: 200 yen per person (Collected for the maintenance)

ACCESS:
Bus     From JR Tazawako Station; take Isshu-Sen (Circuit Line) bound to Lake Tazawa; get off “Takko-No-Ki” or “Osawa” Stop. It is about 10 minutes walk.

Taxi    20 minutes from JR Tazawako Station.

CONTACT:
Address   〒014-1203  秋田県仙北市田沢湖潟字一の渡２２６　
                 226 Ichi-no-watari, Tazawako, Semboku-shi, Akita, 014-1203
TEL/FAX   0187-43-0766