Let's learn, create, and adventure together.
Utsuho no Mori Gakuen Elementary School is an inquiry-based "glocal" elementary school dedicated to nurturing leaders who connect with the world, their local community, and nature to shape the future together.
As a candidate school for the IB Primary Years Programme (PYP), the school prioritizes inquiry-based learning and places great importance on children taking ownership of their own education.
The setting for learning is the Kumano Kodo, a World Heritage site.
Utsuho no Mori Gakuen Elementary School is located in Nakahechi-cho, Tanabe City, Wakayama Prefecture—home to the Kumano Kodo, a sacred Japanese pilgrimage route with a history spanning over a thousand years. Like the pilgrimage route to Santiago de Compostela in Spain, this path is a registered World Heritage Site that attracts many visitors from abroad. The school is situated just 35 minutes from the coast in an area blessed with a mild climate and abundant local produce; nearby attractions include the famous Shirahama Onsen hot springs, Shirarahama Beach, and Adventure World.
This location serves as an international learning environment where children from Japan and around the world can learn together.
Well-being Community School
Utsuho-no-Mori Gakuen Elementary School defines itself as a "well-being community school."
We believe that prioritizing the well-being of everyone involved in the learning process—not only the children of Utsuho-no-Mori but also teachers and families—forms the foundation of both learning and the school community.
