Doshisha University

A historical stroll through Doshisha University, where tradition lives on

Doshisha University has its roots in the Doshisha English School, which was founded in the early Meiji period. The Imadegawa Campus is home to many historical buildings, including some designated as Important Cultural Properties of Japan. Why not take a tour of this historic campus?

The photo shows the Clark Memorial Hall (an important cultural property). The hall's name comes from the name of the donor, Mr. and Mrs. BW Clark's son who died young. It has been in use since 1893 (Meiji 26) and opened the following year. Even after a new theological school was built in 1963 (Showa 38), it continues to be used as a place for Christian education.

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  Chapel (Important Cultural Property)

  This Gothic chapel was designed by DC Green and completed in 19. It is the oldest surviving Protestant brick chapel in Japan and is designated as an Important Cultural Property.

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  Shoeikan

  Designed by DC Green with funding from the American Board, the building was completed in 1884 and its turret serves as both a bell tower and a clock tower. The clock was originally a pendulum mechanical type and was manufactured by the American company Seth Thomas Clock Co.

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  Harris Science Museum [Important Cultural Property]

  The former Harris School of Science and Chemistry was built with a donation from JN Harris. Currently, it serves as a gallery showcasing materials related to the founder, Jo Niijima, as well as the history of Kyoto and "the present state of Doshisha" through archaeological and ancient document materials excavated on campus, and also hosts special exhibitions several times a year.

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  Kanbaikan

  In addition to the large hall, the facility also houses the cafe restaurant "Hamac de Paradis Kanbaikan" and the French restaurant "Wil", which offers a panoramic view of Higashiyama. There is also a permanent exhibition of relics from a wide range of periods, from the Kamakura period to modern times, that were discovered during construction work and are open to the general public.

• Official website