Yushima Seido　(湯島聖堂)

A Confucian temple constructed in the Edo Period. Rather than a site of worship, this was an institution for higher learning and it was originally called the Hayashi School of Confuscianism. In 1797, the Shogunate took control of the Hayashi School and transformed it into a state-run school where the bureaucrats of the Shogunate could be trained. At this time, the name of the school was changed to Shoheizaka Gakumonsho or Shoheiko, as Shohei was the birthplace of Confucius. In 1871 the building was closed due to the influences of the Meiji Restoration, however, this was short-lived as the Meiji government then established their first teacher’s training program there, which later turned into the nearby Tokyo University.

The main hall is open on Sundays, while the courtyard can be visited any day of the year, and admission is free.

This site demonstrates the interconnectedness of religion and education in the Japanese worldview, as well as the influence of Confucianism on the Japanese worldview during the Edo Period.








Yushima Seido Confucius Statue
For Social Studies Teachers the Confucian temple relates the following Grade 8 Social Studies Outcomes:

"8.1.2 appreciate how a society’s worldview can foster the choice to remain an isolated society
8.1.4 appreciate how a society’s worldview shapes individual citizenship and identity 
Knowledge and Understanding
Students will:
8.1.5 analyze the effects of cultural isolation during the Edo period by exploring and reflecting
upon the following questions and issues:
• How did isolation during the Edo period lead to changes in Japan? 
• How did the changes resulting from isolation affect Japan economically, politically and
socially during the Edo period? 
8.1.6 analyze the effects that rapid adaptation had on traditionally isolated Japan during the
Meiji period by exploring and reflecting upon the following questions and issues:
• How did the changes resulting from adaptation affect Japan economically, politically and
socially during the Meiji period? 
• In what ways did changes resulting from isolation in the Edo period compare to changes
resulting from adaptation in the Meiji period? 
• What challenges emerged for the Japanese in maintaining traditional cultural aspects of their
society while undergoing rapid change?"( From the Grade 8 Social Studies Program of Studies)