A high school utilizing a closed elementary school has been completed in Odai Town, Mie Prefecture, and an opening ceremony was held.

The school that opened is “Mie Odai Ozora High School.”

The “Ozora High School Group,” which operates learning hubs nationwide centered on Yakushima Island in Kagoshima Prefecture, built the high school by repurposing the site of a closed elementary school.

At the time of opening, there are a total of 26 students in the first and second grades.

The entire Odai Town area is registered as a UNESCO Eco-Park.

The high school plans to implement learning through the rich natural environment and interactions with local residents.

Odai Town

Odai Town is a historic post town located in Mie Prefecture, Japan, that flourished during the Edo period as a key station along the Ise Kaido road, which connected travelers to the Ise Grand Shrine. Today, it is best known for its well-preserved traditional architecture, including the former Honjin (inn for feudal lords) and rows of old merchant houses. The town also offers scenic views of the nearby Odai Dam and the Mizoguchi area, blending cultural heritage with natural beauty.

Mie Prefecture

Mie Prefecture is a region in Japan known for its rich cultural heritage and natural beauty, including the sacred Ise Grand Shrine, one of Shinto’s most important sites. Historically, Mie was a key location during the Edo period as it housed the Tōkaidō road’s major post stations and was home to the powerful Kōka ninja clans. Today, it also attracts visitors for its pearl farming in Ise Bay and the historic castle town of Iga.

Yakushima Island

Yakushima Island, located off the southern coast of Kyushu, Japan, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site renowned for its ancient cedar forests, including the iconic Jōmon Sugi tree estimated to be over 2,000 years old. The island’s unique ecosystem, shaped by heavy rainfall and steep mountainous terrain, has been spiritually significant for centuries and inspired Studio Ghibli’s film *Princess Mononoke*. Its history includes periods of logging during the Edo and Meiji eras, before conservation efforts in the 20th century helped preserve its pristine natural beauty.

Kagoshima Prefecture

Kagoshima Prefecture, located on the southern tip of Kyushu, Japan, is known for its dramatic volcanic landscape dominated by Sakurajima, an active volcano. Historically, it was the center of the powerful Satsuma Domain, which played a key role in the modernization of Japan during the Meiji Restoration. The region is also famous for its unique cultural heritage, including samurai history and traditional crafts like Satsuma pottery.

UNESCO Eco-Park

The UNESCO Eco-Park is a protected area recognized for its ecological significance and commitment to sustainable development. While the specific history of individual parks varies, they are often established to conserve biodiversity, promote environmental education, and support local communities in harmony with nature. These parks serve as living laboratories for studying ecosystems and fostering global cooperation in environmental preservation.

Odai Town

Odai Town is a historic post town located in Mie Prefecture, Japan, that flourished along the Ise Road (Ise Kaido) during the Edo period. It served as a key resting stop for pilgrims traveling to the Ise Grand Shrine, and today it preserves traditional architecture and a nostalgic atmosphere. The town’s well-maintained streets and cultural heritage offer visitors a glimpse into Japan’s feudal-era travel and pilgrimage culture.

Ise Grand Shrine

Ise Grand Shrine, located in Mie Prefecture, Japan, is one of the country’s most sacred Shinto sites, dedicated to the sun goddess Amaterasu. Its history dates back over 2,000 years, with the main shrine buildings being ritually rebuilt every 20 years in a tradition called Shikinen Sengū, ensuring the preservation of ancient architectural techniques. The shrine complex consists of two main shrines, Naikū and Gekū, and is a symbol of Japan’s spiritual and cultural heritage.

Ise Kaido

The Ise Kaido was a historic highway in Japan that connected the city of Ise, home to the sacred Ise Grand Shrine, with the former capital of Nara and other regions. During the Edo period (1603–1868), it served as a major pilgrimage route for worshippers traveling to the shrine, fostering cultural and economic exchange along its path. Today, sections of the road are preserved as cultural landmarks, offering a glimpse into Japan’s feudal-era travel and religious traditions.

Odai Dam

Odai Dam is a historical dam located in Tamil Nadu, India, built during the 18th century by the Pandya dynasty. It was constructed to store water for irrigation and is known for its impressive stone masonry, reflecting the advanced engineering skills of the era. Today, the dam stands as a testament to the region’s ancient water management systems and cultural heritage.

Mie Prefecture

Mie Prefecture, located on Japan’s Kii Peninsula, is historically significant as the home of Ise Grand Shrine, one of Shinto’s most sacred sites, which has been rebuilt every 20 years for over a millennium. It also preserves the legacy of the Iga ninja, with the Iga-ryu Ninja Museum showcasing the history of these feudal-era spies. Additionally, the prefecture features the scenic Ise-Shima National Park and the ancient pilgrimage route of the Kumano Kodo.

Yakushima Island

Yakushima Island, located in southern Japan, is a UNESCO World Heritage site renowned for its ancient cedar forests, including the iconic Jōmon Sugi, which is estimated to be over 2,000 years old. The island has a rich history of spiritual significance in Shinto and Buddhist traditions, and its unique ecosystem inspired the setting of Studio Ghibli’s film *Princess Mononoke*. Today, it attracts visitors for its pristine nature, hiking trails, and rare wildlife like the Yakushima macaque.

Kagoshima Prefecture

Kagoshima Prefecture, located at the southern tip of Kyushu, Japan, is known for its dramatic volcanic landscape dominated by the active Sakurajima volcano. Historically, it was the heart of the Satsuma Domain, a powerful feudal clan that played a key role in the Meiji Restoration and the modernization of Japan. The region is also famous for its hot springs, subtropical climate, and unique cultural heritage, including the traditional Satsuma pottery.

UNESCO Eco-Park

The UNESCO Eco-Park, often associated with UNESCO’s Man and the Biosphere Programme, is a protected area that promotes sustainable development and biodiversity conservation. Its history typically involves collaboration between local communities and international organizations to restore ecosystems and preserve cultural heritage. The park serves as a living laboratory for ecological research and environmental education.