A Christian Library before Tsuyama Castle
The Tsuyama Christian Library (津山基督教図書館) is a three-storey timber library with a clock tower of 1926 in Sange, Tsuyama City, Okayama Prefecture, and was registered as a Registered Tangible Cultural Property (structure) on October 9, 1998 (Agency for Cultural Affairs).
The Agency records a three-storey timber building with a copper roof and a building area of 230 square metres; registration number 33-0020.
A Library Founded by a Disciple of Uchimura Kanzo
The Tsuyama Christian Library stands on a corner in front of the Tsuyama Castle site; it was founded by a disciple of the Christian thinker Uchimura Kanzo (Agency for Cultural Affairs).
Its south entrance at the centre of the front, with Ionic pilasters and a gable, the clock tower on the east side and the reliefs on its walls are its distinctive features (Agency for Cultural Affairs). The Okayama Prefecture tourism site now presents it as a memorial hall to its founder.
Why It Was Registered
The Agency notes its pilastered entrance, its clock tower and its wall reliefs, and registered it as a model of design.
What to Look For
Look for the Ionic pilasters and gable of the entrance, the clock tower on the east side and the wall reliefs (Agency for Cultural Affairs).
Visiting
It is owned by a Tsuyama social education and culture foundation (Agency for Cultural Affairs). According to the Okayama Prefecture tourism site, it is about 10 minutes on foot from JR Tsuyama Station; visitors are asked to check opening hours and fees with the natural history museum next door.
Q&A
- When was the Tsuyama Christian Library built?
- In 1926 (Agency for Cultural Affairs).
- Who founded it?
- A disciple of the Christian thinker Uchimura Kanzo.
- What is distinctive about it?
- Its pilastered entrance, its clock tower and its wall reliefs.
- How do I get there?
- About 10 minutes on foot from JR Tsuyama Station (Okayama Prefecture).
- When was the Tsuyama Christian Library registered?
- On October 9, 1998 (Agency for Cultural Affairs).
Basic Information
| Name | Tsuyama Christian Library (津山基督教図書館) |
|---|---|
| Location | 98-1 Sange, Tsuyama City, Okayama Prefecture |
| Designation | Registered Tangible Cultural Property (Structure) |
| Year Designated | Registered 1998/10/09 (Heisei 10) |
| Quantity | 1 building |
| Dimensions | Timber, 3 storeys, copper roof, 230 m² |
| Owner | Tsuyama Social Education and Culture Foundation |
| Public Access | About 10 minutes on foot from JR Tsuyama Station |
References
- Tsuyama Christian Library (Database of National Cultural Properties, Agency for Cultural Affairs)
- https://kunishitei.bunka.go.jp/heritage/detail/101/00000896
- Former Tsuyama Christian Library (Okayama Kanko Web, Okayama Prefecture, Japanese)
- https://www.okayama-kanko.jp/spot/10511
Last verified: 2026.10.19