Bunkyo Gakuin Bunkyo Kindergarten building exterior

Bunkyo Gakuin University

Bunkyo Gakuin University Visiting Guide: Tokyo Historical Site Information

Date: 14/06/2025

Introduction: Bunkyo Gakuin University – History and Significance

Located in the culturally vibrant Bunkyo Ward of Tokyo, Bunkyo Gakuin University is a distinguished institution with a legacy rooted in the advancement of women’s education in Japan. Established in 1924 as Hongo Women’s Academy by Ishiko Shimada, the university has evolved over nearly 100 years into a modern coeducational institution that upholds the ideals of independence, coexistence, and intellectual growth (reedjapan.org; wikipedia). Today, Bunkyo Gakuin University is not only a center for academic excellence but also a living testament to Japan’s educational and societal progress.

This guide provides essential information for prospective visitors, including access details, visiting hours, ticketing, guided tours, and highlights of the university’s notable facilities such as the Ishiko Shimada Memorial Hall and tranquil campus gardens. It also explores the broader Bunkyo Ward, renowned for its historic sites, traditional gardens, and proximity to major Tokyo attractions, ensuring visitors enjoy a well-rounded, culturally immersive experience (bgu.ac.jp; tokyotourists.com; flipjapanguide.com).

Whether you are a history enthusiast, prospective student, or traveler eager to explore Tokyo’s educational heritage, this comprehensive guide will help you plan and enrich your visit to Bunkyo Gakuin University and its vibrant surroundings (japanrar.com).

Bunkyo Gakuin University Fujimino Campus building with modern architecture and clear blue sky

Bunkyo Gakuin University Girls' Junior and Senior High School building in Japan

Bunkyo Gakuin University Hongo Campus modern building and entrance

Historical Background and Evolution
Visiting Hours and Tickets
Campus Locations and Access
Hongo Campus
Fujimino Campus
Academic Structure and Notable Facilities
International Exchange and Student Life
Visitor Experience and Tips
Getting There and Campus Highlights
Nearby Attractions in Bunkyo Ward
Local Events and Festivals
Dining and Accommodation
Practical Tips
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Discover Bunkyo Ward: Visiting Hours, Tickets, and Must-See Tokyo Historical Sites
Academic and Cultural Landscape
Top Historical Sites and Visiting Information
Gardens and Green Spaces
Modern Attractions: Tokyo Dome City
Museums and Galleries
Exploring Bunkyo’s Famous Slopes
Dining, Shopping, and Student Life
Access and Transportation
Seasonal Events and Festivals
Practical Tips for Visitors
FAQ
Explore More and Stay Connected
Cultural and Academic Significance

Discover Bunkyo Gakuin University: A Must-Visit Historical and Cultural Site in Tokyo

Bunkyo Gakuin University stands as a symbol of Japan’s progressive educational reforms. Its transformation from a pioneering women’s academy to a coeducational university mirrors the evolution of Japanese society. The campus offers a blend of historical ambiance, modern academic life, and cultural experiences, making it a meaningful destination for visitors of all backgrounds.

Visiting Hours and Access

Campus Hours: Open to the public from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM on weekdays. Check the official website for updates related to academic schedules or special events.
Admission: Free to enter general campus areas. Some facilities or events may require prior registration or tickets.

How to Get There

By Train: The nearest station is Korakuen Station (Tokyo Metro Marunouchi and Namboku Lines), about a 10-minute walk from campus.
By Bus: Multiple local buses serve Bunkyo Ward; consult local transit maps for details.
Accessibility: The campus is wheelchair accessible, with ramps and elevators in major buildings.

Guided Tours and Events

Guided tours are available during open campus days in spring and autumn, providing insights into the university’s rich heritage and academic environment. Public lectures, exhibitions, and cultural events are hosted throughout the year—refer to the visitor information page for schedules and registration details.

Campus Highlights

Historic Architecture: Discover buildings that showcase the university’s evolution from its origins in women’s education.
Campus Gardens: Enjoy peaceful gardens ideal for photography and relaxation.
Student Art Exhibitions: View creative works from the university’s faculties, particularly Foreign Studies and Human Studies.

Nearby Attractions

Koishikawa Korakuen Garden: A celebrated Japanese garden and one of Tokyo’s oldest.
The University of Tokyo: Japan’s premier university, with a historic campus and museums.
Tokyo Dome City: Popular for entertainment, shopping, and dining.

Educational Philosophy

Bunkyo Gakuin University emphasizes independence, coexistence, and global engagement, fostering a vibrant community of students and international scholars. Visitors are welcome to engage with student clubs and community projects, deepening their understanding of Japanese academic and cultural life.

Visiting Bunkyo Gakuin University: Hours, Tickets, Campus Guide & Nearby Attractions

Historical Background and Evolution

Founded in 1924 as Hongo Women’s Academy, Bunkyo Gakuin University has continually expanded its mission and academic offerings. Key milestones include the establishment of the Bunkyo Gakuen Girls’ Junior High School (1947), Institute of Medical Technology for Women (1959), and the Women’s College (1964). In 1991, the university introduced Japan’s first Faculty of Business Administration at a women’s university, and in 2005, it became fully coeducational (reedjapan.org; bgu.ac.jp; wikipedia). The university celebrated its centennial in 2024, marking a century of academic excellence and community service.

Visiting Hours and Tickets

Campus Grounds: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM (Monday to Friday)
Ishiko Shimada Memorial Hall: Open to the public only during scheduled events (see university calendar)
Admission: No fee for general campus entry. Event tickets may be required for specific venues or lectures.

Campus Locations and Access

Hongo Campus

Address: 1-19-1 Mukogaoka, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo 113-8668
Access:
- Directly in front of Exit 2, Todaimae Station (Tokyo Metro Namboku Line)
- 10-minute walk from Hakusan Station (Toei Line) or Nezu Station (Chiyoda Line)
The academic neighborhood includes the University of Tokyo and other institutions, creating a lively intellectual setting (tokyo-tokyo.com).

Fujimino Campus

Location: Fujimino, Saitama (approx. 30 min. from central Tokyo)
Access: Tobu Tojo Line to Fujimino Station, then 7 minutes by school bus (bgu.ac.jp).

Academic Structure and Notable Facilities

Faculties: Business Administration, Foreign Studies, Human Studies, Health Science Technology (tokyo-tokyo.com).
Key Facilities:
- Ishiko Shimada Memorial Hall: 834-seat hall for ceremonies and cultural events (bgu.ac.jp)
- Library and Multimedia Center: Over 140,000 volumes, multi-language resources
- Chat Lounge: Language learning sessions in English, Chinese, French, Korean, and Spanish (wikipedia)
- International Programs Office: Oversees study abroad and exchange initiatives

International Exchange and Student Life

Bunkyo Gakuin University partners with global institutions, including Saint John’s University (USA), and universities in Malaysia, Canada, China, New Zealand, Australia, and the UK (wikipedia). The university welcomes international students, with dedicated dormitory facilities near the Hongo Campus. Student life is enriched by Bunkyo Ward’s literary and cultural heritage, numerous festivals, and proximity to Tokyo’s attractions (japanrar.com).

Visitor Experience and Tips

Getting There:
- Tokyo Metro Namboku Line to Todaimae Station, Exit 2 for Hongo Campus
- 10-minute walk from Hakusan or Nezu Stations
Campus Highlights:
- Attend public events at Memorial Hall (check calendar)
- Visit library/multimedia center during open days
- Observe or join language sessions in the Chat Lounge (contact ahead)
Nearby Attractions:
- Koishikawa Korakuen Gardens (flipjapanguide.com)
- Rikugien Garden (cherry blossoms, autumn colors)
- Nezu Shrine (azalea festival in spring) (tokyotourists.com)
- Tokyo Dome City (entertainment, shopping) (tokyotourists.com)
Local Events:
- Bunkyo Azalea Festival (spring, Nezu Shrine)
- Hydrangea Festival (June, Hakusan Shrine) (jw-webmagazine.com)
Dining and Accommodation:
- Range from traditional eateries to modern cafés and hotels near Tokyo Dome (tokyotourists.com)
Practical Tips:
- English is available in international program areas; basic Japanese is helpful
- Campus is compact and walkable (japanrar.com)
- Arrange tours/events in advance (bgu.ac.jp)
- For the latest updates, follow the official Twitter and YouTube channel

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: What are the campus visiting hours?
A: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM, Monday to Friday. Event access varies by schedule.

Q: Is there an entry fee?
A: No, campus entry is free. Some events require tickets.

Q: Can I join a guided tour?
A: Group tours can be arranged in advance; otherwise, tours are not regularly scheduled.

Q: What are nearby sites worth visiting?
A: Koishikawa Korakuen, Rikugien Garden, Nezu Shrine, Tokyo Dome City.

Discover Bunkyo Ward: Visiting Hours, Tickets, and Must-See Tokyo Historical Sites

Introduction

Bunkyo Ward, known as Tokyo’s “Capital of Culture,” is a vibrant district where tradition and modernity meet. Home to 15 universities and numerous historic sites, Bunkyo is an ideal base for exploring Tokyo’s intellectual and cultural heart (Wikivoyage).

Top Historical Sites and Visitor Information

Yushima Seido (Confucian Temple):
- 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM, free entry
- Noted for black lacquered architecture and role as an Edo-period learning center
Nezu Shrine:
- 6:00 AM – 7:00 PM (varies by season), free entry
- Famous for azalea festival (over 3,000 azaleas)
Gokokuji Temple:
- 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM, free entry/donation
- Dating to 1681, features a notable main hall and tranquil grounds
University of Tokyo Hongo Campus:
- Open daily, free entry
- Highlights include Yasuda Auditorium and Hachiko statues

Gardens and Green Spaces

Rikugien Garden:
- 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM (last entry 4:30 PM)
- Adults ¥300; best for cherry blossoms (April) and autumn foliage (November)
Koishikawa Korakuen Garden:
- 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM (last entry 4:30 PM)
- Adults ¥300; combines Chinese and Japanese landscaping

Modern Attractions: Tokyo Dome City

Tokyo Dome:
- Event-based hours, ticket prices vary
Amusement Park:
- 10:00 AM – 9:00 PM; tickets available onsite
Spa LaQua:
- 11:00 AM – 9:00 AM next day; entry ¥2,900–¥3,800
TeNQ Space Museum:
- 10:00 AM – 8:00 PM; adults ¥1,800, children ¥1,200

Tokyo Dome City is a two-minute walk from Suidobashi Station and close to Bunkyo Gakuin University (Japan Travel).

Museums and Galleries

Bunkyo Museum:
- 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM (closed Mondays), free
Printing Museum:
- 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM (closed Mondays), adults ¥500, students ¥300

Exploring Bunkyo’s Famous Slopes

Bunkyo’s 173 marked slopes, such as Kaiun-zaka (“Good Luck Slope”) and Yūrei-zaka (“Ghost Slope”), offer a unique urban hiking experience. Comfortable shoes are recommended.

Dining, Shopping, and Student Life

Bunkyo features affordable eateries, cozy cafés, and traditional tea houses. University canteens offer budget meals, while Tokyo Dome City and local markets provide a variety of shopping and dining options.

Access and Transportation

Key stations:

Hongo-sanchome (Marunouchi & Oedo Lines)
Todaimae (Namboku Line)
Suidobashi (JR Chuo & Toei Mita Lines)

Seasonal Events and Festivals

Bunkyo Azalea Festival (Nezu Shrine): April–May
Bunkyo Chrysanthemum Festival (Yushima Tenjin Shrine): November
Tokyo Grand Sumo Tournament (Ryogoku): May

Practical Tips

Wear comfortable shoes for slopes/gardens
Bring cash/IC cards (many shops don’t accept credit)
Download English maps from the Bunkyo Tourist Association
Keep noise low in residential areas

FAQ

Q: Are attractions free?
A: Many sites are free; gardens typically charge around ¥300.

Q: Best seasons to visit?
A: Spring (April–May) and autumn (October–November).

Q: Is Bunkyo Ward wheelchair accessible?
A: Most main sites are accessible; some slopes/historic areas may be challenging.

Q: How to get to Tokyo Dome City from Bunkyo Gakuin University?
A: Two-minute walk from Suidobashi Station.

Summary and Visitor Tips

Bunkyo Gakuin University embodies Japan’s educational advancement and societal transformation. Its campus is open to visitors during weekdays, with highlights including historic buildings, cultural events, and serene gardens (reedjapan.org; wikipedia). The surrounding Bunkyo Ward offers rich historical, cultural, and entertainment options, all easily accessible by public transit (tokyotourists.com; en.japantravel.com).