Former Main Gate of Zentsuji Daiichi High School: A Taisho-Era Brick Monument in Kagawa
Standing quietly on the campus of Kagawa Prefectural Zentsuji Daiichi High School in Zentsuji City, the former main gate is a striking reminder of a bygone era. Built in 1922 during the Taisho period, this brick gate was erected to commemorate a significant moment in the school's history — when the campus of the former Private Zentsuji Girls' High School served as the headquarters for the Imperial Army Special Grand Maneuvers. Over a century later, the gate continues to stand as a dignified witness to the layers of history that have shaped this community.
Historical Background: From Girls' School to Cultural Property
The story of this gate is intertwined with the history of women's education in the Zentsuji area. The school was originally founded in 1906 as the Private Seishū Sewing School by Iso Furuichi Kane, offering educational opportunities for young women at a time when such institutions were still relatively rare in rural Japan. Over the following decades, the school evolved through several name changes — becoming the Private Zentsuji Vocational Girls' High School in 1911, and then the Private Zentsuji Girls' High School in 1920.
In 1922 (Taisho 11), the Imperial Army Special Grand Maneuvers were held in the region. These large-scale military exercises were among the most significant events of the era, involving tens of thousands of soldiers and often attended by members of the Imperial family. During the maneuvers, the headquarters of the supervising command (Tōkanbu) was established on the grounds of the girls' school. To mark this momentous occasion, the school constructed its impressive brick main gate — the very structure that survives to this day.
The school later came under prefectural management in 1944, became a co-educational institution in 1949, and was eventually renamed Kagawa Prefectural Zentsuji Daiichi High School. Through all these transformations, the original main gate has endured, quietly preserving a tangible link to the Taisho era.
Why It Was Designated a Registered Tangible Cultural Property
In March 2025, Japan's Council for Cultural Affairs recommended to the Minister of Education that the former main gate be registered as a national Registered Tangible Cultural Property (Building). The registration was officially completed in August 2025. The gate was recognized for several key qualities.
The structure consists of four brick pillars arranged symmetrically. The two central pillars, which frame the main entrance, stand approximately 3.5 meters tall, while the two flanking pillars on either side reach about 2.8 meters. Each pillar rests on a foundation of granite and features bricks laid up in a sturdy pattern, crowned with granite ornamental bands and capstones at the top. This combination of brick and granite creates a strikingly handsome and dignified appearance that was considered characteristic of Taisho-era institutional architecture.
The gate was also valued for its role in conveying the history of the region. Zentsuji City has deep connections to Japan's modern military history, having been home to the Imperial Army's 11th Division. The gate serves as a physical reminder of the relationship between the local community and these broader national events during the early 20th century.
Architectural Highlights and Points of Interest
Visitors with an appreciation for historical architecture will find much to admire in this gate. The brickwork itself is a testament to the construction techniques of the Taisho period. The reddish-brown bricks, carefully laid and still in excellent condition after more than a century, give the gate a warm, earthy character that contrasts beautifully with the cool grey of the granite elements.
The design follows a traditional four-pillar gate format, with the taller central pair creating a sense of grandeur for the main passage and the shorter flanking pillars marking secondary entrances on either side. The granite capstones crowning each pillar add a finishing touch of elegance, catching the light in a way that highlights the craftsmanship involved.
It is worth noting that the gate is no longer used as the school's main entrance — the current main gate is located elsewhere on the campus. This has allowed the former gate to be preserved in a relatively undisturbed state. Students from the school have participated in surveying and measuring the gate pillars over recent years, contributing to the research that supported its cultural property registration.
Zentsuji: A City Rich in Heritage
The former main gate is located in a city that offers a remarkable concentration of historical and cultural attractions. Zentsuji City is perhaps best known as the birthplace of Kōbō Daishi (Kūkai), the founder of Shingon Buddhism. The grand Zentsuji Temple (Temple No. 75 on the Shikoku 88 Temple Pilgrimage) is one of the three great sacred sites associated with Kōbō Daishi, alongside Kōyasan in Wakayama and Tōji in Kyoto. Its expansive grounds feature an impressive five-story pagoda, a designated Important Cultural Property, and ancient camphor trees believed to be over a thousand years old.
Zentsuji's military heritage is also prominently visible throughout the city. The Former Zentsuji Kaikōsha (Officers' Club), designated as a national Important Cultural Property, is a beautifully restored Western-style building dating from 1903. The Nogi Museum (Nogi-kan), housed in the former headquarters of the 11th Division, offers fascinating exhibits on the region's military history and is open to the public.
For those seeking culinary experiences, the area is renowned for its Sanuki udon noodles. Several beloved local udon shops, including Yamashita Udon and Nagata in Kanoka, are within easy reach of Zentsuji. The famous Kumaoka Confectionery, known for its extraordinarily hard traditional cracker called "Katapan," is also a popular stop near the temple grounds.
Visiting the Former Main Gate
The former main gate is situated on the campus of Zentsuji Daiichi High School, located at 1-1391 Bunkyō-chō, Zentsuji City, Kagawa Prefecture. The campus is a short walk south from JR Zentsuji Station on the JR Dosan Line — approximately 10 minutes on foot.
As the gate is on the grounds of an active high school, visitors are encouraged to view it respectfully from the outside or during times when the campus is accessible. There are no admission fees to view the gate from the public road. Combining a visit to the gate with a stroll through the surrounding historical district — including the nearby Zentsuji Temple, the Former Kaikōsha, and the Nogi Museum — makes for a rewarding half-day excursion exploring Zentsuji's rich heritage.
By car, Zentsuji is accessible via the Zentsuji Interchange on the Takamatsu Expressway. From Takamatsu Airport, the city is approximately one hour away by car.
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Q＆A
- What exactly is the former main gate, and why is it historically significant?
- The former main gate is a brick gate consisting of four pillars, built in 1922 on the campus of what was then the Private Zentsuji Girls' High School. It was constructed to commemorate the establishment of the supervising command headquarters for the Imperial Army Special Grand Maneuvers on the school grounds. The gate is valued as a well-preserved example of Taisho-era brick construction and as a tangible link to local and national history.
- Can I visit the gate freely?
- The gate is located on the campus of an active public high school. It can be viewed from the public road at any time without charge. If you wish to enter the campus for a closer look, it is advisable to visit during appropriate hours and to behave respectfully, as students may be present.
- How do I get to Zentsuji Daiichi High School?
- The school is about a 10-minute walk south from JR Zentsuji Station on the JR Dosan Line. From Takamatsu, take the JR limited express train to Zentsuji Station (approximately 40 minutes). By car, take the Zentsuji Interchange on the Takamatsu Expressway.
- What other cultural sites can I visit nearby?
- Zentsuji City is rich in heritage. Within walking distance or a short drive, you can visit the grand Zentsuji Temple (Shikoku Pilgrimage Temple No. 75), the Former Zentsuji Kaikōsha (Important Cultural Property), and the Nogi Museum. The Kotohira-gū Shrine (Konpira-san) in neighboring Kotohira is also easily accessible.
- Is there English signage or information available at the site?
- As the gate is on a public school campus, dedicated English-language interpretation may be limited. It is recommended to research the gate's history beforehand. The Zentsuji City Tourist Information Center, located near Zentsuji Temple, may be able to provide additional guidance in English.
Basic Information
| Name | Former Main Gate of Kagawa Prefectural Zentsuji Daiichi High School (Former Private Zentsuji Girls' High School) |
|---|---|
| Designation | Registered Tangible Cultural Property (Building) |
| Year Built | 1922 (Taisho 11) |
| Structure | Brick construction; four pillars with granite foundations and capstones; main gate width approximately 4.0 m, with flanking side gates |
| Address | 1-1391 Bunkyō-chō, Zentsuji City, Kagawa Prefecture |
| Owner | Kagawa Prefecture |
| Access | Approximately 10 minutes on foot south from JR Zentsuji Station (JR Dosan Line) |
| Admission | Free (viewable from public road) |
References
- 香川県立善通寺第一高等学校（旧私立善通寺高等女学校）旧正門 — 文化遺産オンライン
- https://bunka.nii.ac.jp/heritages/detail/623539
- 善通寺第一高校の旧正門を国の登録有形文化財に答申 — KSBニュース
- https://news.ksb.co.jp/article/15677690
- 香川県立善通寺第一高等学校 — Wikipedia
- https://ja.wikipedia.org/wiki/香川県立善通寺第一高等学校
- 旧善通寺偕行社 — Wikipedia
- https://ja.wikipedia.org/wiki/旧善通寺偕行社
- 総本山善通寺 — うどん県旅ネット
- https://www.my-kagawa.jp/point/332/
Last verified: 2026.03.24