The University of Tokyo (Hongo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo)
Overview (history, characteristics, attractions)
The University of Tokyo (commonly known as Todai) is Japan's leading national university, founded in 1877, and its Hongo Campus has been its central base since its founding. Dotted with historical buildings such as the Akamon Gate, which remains from the Edo period, and the Yasuda Auditorium, an iconic piece of architecture from the Showa period, it is a place where you can experience modern Japan's academic and architectural history. There is an abundance of greenery both on and off campus, with beautiful rows of cherry blossoms in the spring and ginkgo trees in the fall, giving the university both a tranquil academic city atmosphere and tourist attractions. There are also facilities open to the public, such as the University Museum and the affiliated Koishikawa Botanical Garden, where you can enjoy a stroll while experiencing academia.
Highlights
- Akamon Gate: The main gate of the Edo period wealthy merchant and feudal lord's residence was relocated and is now an important cultural property. It is a symbol of the campus and a popular photo spot.
- Yasuda Auditorium: An impressive auditorium building made of brick and stone. The exterior can be viewed and it is also used as a stage for campus events.
- Graduate School of Arts and Sciences, The University of Tokyo, The University Museum: Exhibits university research results and historical materials. Special exhibitions and permanent exhibitions are also held (opening hours and admission fees must be confirmed).
- Koishikawa Botanical Garden (affiliated): A historic botanical garden that has existed since the Edo period. You can enjoy a variety of plants and seasonal scenery (separate admission fee required).
- Campus Walk: We recommend taking a stroll around the campus, taking in the old school buildings, monuments, sculptures, and other art. The cherry blossom trees in spring and the yellow leaves in autumn are especially popular.
Access (nearest station, transportation, etc.)
- Nearest station:
- Tokyo Metro Marunouchi Line/Toei Oedo Line "Hongo-sanchome" Station: Approximately 5-10 minutes on foot
- Tokyo Metro Namboku Line "Todai-mae" Station: Approximately 3-8 minutes on foot (convenient for accessing the north side of the Hongo Campus)
- Tokyo Metro Chiyoda Line "Nezu" Station: Approximately 10-15 minutes on foot (including the direction to Nezu Shrine and Yanesen)
- Approximate distance from major stations:
- From Tokyo Station: Take the Marunouchi Line to Hongo-sanchome Station (see transfer information), approximately 15-20 minutes
- From Ueno/Okachimachi: Access possible on foot or from Nezu Station/Yushima
- By car: Public access and parking on campus is restricted. Please use paid parking lots in the surrounding area.
Estimated stay (estimated time required)
- Quick exterior view only: 30 minutes to 1 hour (photographing Akamon Gate and Yasuda Auditorium, etc.)
- Tour including museum exhibits and botanical garden: 2-3 hours (if you take your time to see both the museum and Koishikawa Botanical Garden)
- Half-day to full-day tours including nearby temples, shrines, and city walks (combined with Nezu Shrine, Yanesen area, Korakuen, etc.)
Nearby spots
- Koishikawa Korakuen Garden and Korakuen Garden (near Tokyo Dome): Japanese gardens, amusement parks, and commercial facilities are nearby.
- Nezu Shrine and Yanaka Ginza (Yanesen area): A stroll through the old downtown area and gourmet food
- Tokyo Dome City (amusement park and shopping)
- Yushima Tenmangu Shrine (famous as the god of learning)
- Ueno Park and Ueno Museums (Art Museum, Zoo, etc.) – accessible by foot or train
Things to be aware of (crowds, manners, seasonal precautions, etc.)
- The campus is an active educational and research facility. Please refrain from talking loudly or entering restricted areas so as not to disrupt classes or research activities.
- Many of the interiors of buildings are not open to the public. Please only enter facilities that are open to the public, such as museums and botanical gardens.
- Regarding photography: While photography outdoors is generally permitted, please be considerate if the faces of students, faculty, staff, or visitors are to be included in the photo. Permission may be required to take photos in lecture rooms or near laboratories.
- Crowds: The campus is extremely crowded during the entrance and graduation ceremony season (March and April). There are also many people taking photos during cherry blossom season.
- Opening hours and admission fees: University Museum and Koishikawa Botanical Gardens have opening hours, closing days, and admission fees, so please check their official websites in advance.
- Drinking alcohol and garbage: Partying or drinking alcohol in large groups on the premises may be prohibited or considered bad manners. Please take your garbage home with you or dispose of it in designated areas.
- Crime prevention and safety: Some areas are poorly lit at night, so please avoid visiting late at night and be mindful of your safety.
It's a good idea to check the official website and the opening times of each facility before visiting. The Hongo Campus, where you can enjoy an intellectual atmosphere and historical scenery, is a recommended spot where you can see a different side of Tokyo just by strolling around.
