Life in Japan

Where You'll be Studying

While in Japan, the group will be hosted by Kogakuin University, at the Hachioji campus. This particular campus is focused on teaching engineering and architecture to first and second year students.

Hachioji is known as a college town, boasting many large colleges and universities. It is a scenic area surrounded on three sides by mountains, forming the Hachioji Basin. It's about 40 minutes west of downtown Tokyo and is easily accessible by bus or train, providing an ideal location for student life and exploration.

This Kogakuin University video gives a preview of the Hachioji campus.

Continue to get a sense of student life in Hachioji on social media: #kogakuin_university, #Hachiojivisit

Accommodations

While at Kogakuin University, students will be accommodated in shared apartments contracted by the university. These are small Japanese-style lodgings with futons, a kitchenette and bathroom. Students will generally share an apartment with other students in the group. Housing accommodations are subject to change depending on availability (alternate arrangements provided).

Students can find many food choices right at the Hachioji campus, while the town of Hachioji offers many additional food options, including grocery stores and familiar chains such as Starbucks and Burger King. Pizza is widely available, or try a French-style pastry shop for delicious baked goods. While Japan has the reputation of being expensive, one can make the same inexpensive and everyday food choices that are enjoyed by the local population. Small noodle shops offer delicious and very reasonably priced dishes while others offer Tempura, Sushi and Bento-box lunches.

Activities

The program includes cultural activities and several organized field trips which may include: 

• Harajuku: Meiji Shinto-Jingu (Shrine), Yoyogi Park, Takeshita-Dori (Avenue) and Omotesando Street
• Shibuya
• Shinjuku: Shinjuku Koen, Photography galleries
• Asakusa: Senso-Ji (Shrine), Asakusa-Jinja (Temple) and strolling Nakamise-dori (Avenue)
• Ueno: Ueno-Koen, Tokyo National Museum and the Ameya-Yokocho
• Ebisu: Tokyo Metropolitan Museum of Photography, Dainen-Ji
• Roppongi: Roppongi Hills, Mori Art Museum
• Akihabara Electric Town
• Mt. Takao, Kamakura

Additional Optional Activities: Other field trips are optional and may require an additional fee. There will also be plenty of opportunity to do your own exploring using convenient public transport or tour specialists.