Tokyo is a place of contrasts, where tradition meets modernity, the ancient mixes with the contemporary and the past meets the present.
It has developed from a cultural centre steeped in tradition to a skyscraper city at the forefront of technological innovation. This rapid innovation extends to the higher education sector too, with the country investing heavily in bringing its universities in line with those around the world.
From building on-campus dormitories, providing courses in English and offering more support for international students, universities are taking concrete steps to become more attractive to international students.
If you are considering heading to Tokyo, then check out some of the best universities below based on data collected for the Times Higher Education Japan University Rankings.
1. Tokyo Institute of Technology
The Tokyo Institute of Technology is the largest institution of higher education in Japan dedicated to science and technology.
It has three campuses: Ōokayama Station campus, Tamachi campus and Suzukakedai campus. The main campus at Ōokayama houses the main library, which is Japan’s largest science and technology library. Some 1,200 students and staff visit the library each day.
Tokyo Tech provides full degree programmes at all levels. The global scientists and engineers programme is a transdisciplinary bachelor of engineering programme, while the international graduate programmes cater to those hoping to pursue more advanced science or engineering degrees in Japan.
2. The University of Tokyo
The University of Tokyo became the first national university in Japan when it was established in 1877.
The institution has many notable alumni including 17 prime ministers, 16 Nobel laureates, three Pritzker Prize laureates, three astronauts and one Fields Medalist.
Since 2012, the university has provided some programmes that are taught entirely in English and geared towards international students.
The university has five campuses in the districts of Hongō, Komaba, Kashiwa, Shirokane and Nakano. At the main Hongō campus, you can see excellent examples of traditional Japanese architecture including the Akamon (Red Gate) and the Yasuda Auditorium.
3. International Christian University
The International Christian University is a non-denominational private university located in Mitaka, Tokyo, Japan. It was founded in 1949.
It is a liberal arts college and has several partner institutions worldwide including the University of California system, Yonsei University, UCL and many others.
Classes are taught in both English or Japanese and the faculty must have a strong grasp of both languages. Approximately 30 per cent of the courses are offered in English. There are 31 undergraduate majors including anthropology, computer science, economics, international relations, linguistics, music, psychology and public policy among others
4. Keio University
Established in 1858, Keio University is considered to be Japan's oldest private university. It was founded by Yukichi Fukuzawa, a Japanese author and educator.
The university has six main campuses located in Tokyo and Kanagawa.
There are a range of degree programmes available to students at the university with 10 undergraduate faculties, 14 graduate schools and 30 research centres on offer.
And the rest...
Many other high-ranking universities can be found in Tokyo, including Tokyo University of Science.
The best universities in Tokyo 2022
Click each institution to view its full World University Rankings 2022 results
Read more: Best universities in Japan
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