History and Academic Excellence
Since its establishment in 1996, ICPBS has focused exclusively on postgraduate education in Buddhist studies. The institution is renowned for its five-year integrated master’s and doctoral program, which heavily emphasizes personalized mentorship, access to rare manuscripts, and rigorous academic training. The small number of annual admissions fosters a close-knit scholarly community and individualized attention.
Visiting Hours and Accessibility
- Open Monday to Friday, 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
- Closed Weekends and public holidays
- Note Access to certain facilities (library, lecture halls) requires advance arrangement or specific academic purpose. Visitors are encouraged to contact ICPBS in advance via the official website or administrative office.
Tickets and Guided Tours
- Admission Free; no ticket required for general campus entry
- Guided Tours Regular public tours are not available due to the institution’s academic focus. However, guided visits may be arranged during special events or upon request.
- Events Lectures and seminars occasionally open to the public; announcements are posted on the ICPBS website and social media.
Directions
- Address 2-8-9 Kasuga, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo 112-0003, Japan
- By Subway Kasuga Station (Toei Mita and Oedo lines) or Korakuen Station (Marunouchi and Namboku lines), both within a five-minute walk
- By Bus Multiple routes serve the area
- Parking Limited; public transportation is recommended
Campus Highlights and Photo Spots
- Main Buildings Modern facilities juxtaposed with traditional architectural features
- Gardens Tranquil spaces ideal for reflection and photography, especially during cherry blossom season
- Historic Ginkgo Tree A living relic from the Tokugawa era
- Library Extensive collection of Buddhist texts (access by special arrangement)
Nearby Attractions
Enhance your visit by exploring neighboring sites:
- Koishikawa Korakuen Garden One of Tokyo’s oldest Japanese gardens
- Kanda Myojin Shrine Historic Shinto shrine
- Other Temples and Museums Various within Bunkyo-ku, offering a deep dive into Japanese religious and cultural heritage
Facilities and Student Life
ICPBS offers dormitory accommodations for students and a supportive scholarly environment. Facilities include lecture halls, administration offices, and an auditorium used for academic and cultural events, some of which may be open to registered visitors.
Internationalization and Visitor Support
- Language Instruction is in Japanese, but ICPBS provides English-language support and resources for international visitors and students
- Visitor Support Advance inquiries are recommended, especially for language assistance or special needs
ICPBS Library: Access and Research
Visiting Hours and Access
- Open Monday to Friday, 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM (10:00 AM – 4:45 PM during university holidays)
- Closed Weekends, national holidays, university founding day (May 18), year-end/New Year holidays, inventory days
- Advance Booking Required for all non-affiliated visitors; call 03-5981-5277
- Entry Requirements Bring a completed “Material Use Request Form” and valid ID
Usage Guidelines
- On-site Use Only Borrowing not available to external visitors
- Copying Prepaid copy cards required (40 yen/BW, 80 yen/color page); restrictions may apply to rare items
Collection Highlights
- 140,000+ volumes on Buddhist philosophy, history, languages (Sanskrit, Pali, Tibetan, Chinese, Japanese)
- Rare manuscripts (special access protocols)
- Digital and print academic journals
Facilities
- Quiet study spaces
- Research support staff
- Accessibility accommodations (notify in advance if needed)
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: What are the ICPBS visiting hours?
A: Weekdays, 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM; library hours 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM. Prior arrangement may be required for certain areas.
Q: Is there an entry fee?
A: No, campus and library admission are free.
Q: Are guided tours available?
A: Not regularly, but may be arranged in advance or during special events.
Q: Can visitors access the library?
A: With advance booking and proper identification; materials are for on-site use only.
Q: Is the campus accessible?
A: Yes, ramps and elevators are available.
Q: How do I get there?
A: The closest subway stations are Kasuga and Korakuen; public transport is advised.
Q: Is English support available?
A: Some staff provide assistance in English; check in advance for specific needs.
Summary and Final Tips
The International College for Postgraduate Buddhist Studies is a premier destination for those seeking to engage with Buddhist scholarship and Japanese culture. Its serene, historically significant campus, comprehensive library, and academic excellence make it a unique place for both researchers and culturally minded visitors. Advance planning and adherence to visitor protocols are essential, especially for access to specialized facilities. Proximity to Tokyo’s major cultural sites further enhances the visitor experience.
For the latest information, event updates, and to arrange your visit, always refer to the ICPBS Official Website.
