Chidokan

In 1858, Chidokan was established in the outer citadel of Hiji Castle as a domain-run school by the order of the 15th lord of Hiji Domain, Toshinori Kinoshita. Including the gate, everything on the premises of this two-story building has been left as is. Nowadays, it is the only domain school still standing in Oita Prefecture. Not only were pupils taught academic subjects, they were also raised with decorum as well as respect for morals. During the rule of Toshimasa, the 16th lord of Hiji Domain, three subjects were added: arithmetic, military science, and Dutch language. When feudal domains were abolished in 1871, it continued to take on new roles such as Youkoku Girls' School, Hiji Town Hall, the Hiji Branch Office of Kitsuki District Court, and Hoashi Memorial Library. With the opening of Hiji Junior High School in 1951, it was dismantled and repaired, then moved to its current location inside the outer citadel. In April of 2015, renovation work was completed. In addition to overall repairs, the white wall was restored to its original state.