Located in Tokyo, Teikyo University is a large private institution combining educational traditions with contemporary academic facilities. Its campuses include Hachioji, Itabashi, Fukuoka, Utsunomiya, and Sagamiko-machi. Visitors can explore Hachioji’s landscaped grounds and historic architecture, the 22-story Soratio Square, and the Teikyo University Museum. The Teikyo Monument is another site covered in this guide.
The university has approximately 24,000 students and is known for a practical curriculum and international orientation. Its alumni include Olympic gold medalist Ryoko Tani and professional wrestler Togi Makabe.
History
Teikyo began in 1931 as Teikyo Commercial High School in Tokyo, providing practical education for a rapidly modernizing Japan. After overcoming wartime adversity, it was chartered as a university in 1966, launching faculties in Liberal Arts and Economics. The main campus was established in Hachioji, alongside administrative offices in Itabashi.
The university has since expanded to ten faculties, including Medicine, Law, Education, and Pharma-Science. The Itabashi campus is home to the School of Medicine and Teikyo University Hospital. The university is part of the multinational Teikyo Group, which operates campuses in the UK, Germany, and the USA. The Teikyo–Harvard Program reflects its international work in research and public health.
The Hachioji Campus, established in the mid-20th century, has grown into a large complex combining modern facilities with preserved historic architecture. The Teikyo University Museum opened in 2015 to preserve and present the university’s history and achievements.
What to see
Hachioji Campus
Hachioji combines natural landscapes with traditional and contemporary architecture. Highlights include a preserved original university hall, landscaped gardens, the Media Library Center, a martial arts center, and Soratio Square. The campus also includes distinctive educational spaces such as a mock courtroom, media studio, childcare training center, and aviation hangar.
The grounds offer seasonal scenery, including cherry blossoms in spring and foliage in autumn. The museum’s exhibits cover the university’s history, academic milestones, and contributions to society.
Soratio Square
Completed in 2015, Soratio Square is a 22-story building on the Hachioji Campus. Its name combines “soar” and “ratio,” reflecting Teikyo’s mission to elevate learning through innovative spaces. Its position atop Tama Hills provides panoramic views.
The building’s highlights include:
- Soratio Kitchen A cafeteria on the sixth floor serving Japanese and international cuisine, with views of Tama Hills.
- University Museum Exhibits on Teikyo’s history and contributions.
- Curiosity Hall An auditorium for lectures and cultural events, open to the public during special programs.
- Elevated terraces Photographic views of Tokyo and Tama.
Teikyo Monument
Erected in the early 20th century, the Teikyo Monument represents the region’s educational and cultural legacy. Its stone carvings and inscriptions recount local history and the area’s impact on modern society.
Practical visiting information
Hachioji Campus and museum
The campus is open Monday–Friday, 9:00 AM–5:00 PM. Weekend access is limited to special events or guided tours; it is generally closed on weekends except for those events or tours. Campus grounds are free to enter, though some buildings or exhibitions may require booking or a small fee.
The Teikyo University Museum at Hachioji is open Tuesday–Saturday, 10:00 AM–5:00 PM, and closed Sundays, Mondays, and national holidays. General museum admission is free; some special exhibitions may require tickets.
Soratio Square
Opening hours are Monday–Friday, 8:30 AM–8:00 PM, and Saturday, 9:00 AM–5:00 PM. It is closed Sundays and national holidays. Confirm hours before visiting, especially during holidays or events.
Public areas, including the museum and Soratio Kitchen cafeteria, are free to enter. Special events or restricted zones may require registration or tickets through the university portal. The cafeteria is open to visitors.
Teikyo Monument
The monument is open daily, 9:00 AM–5:00 PM, with last entry at 4:30 PM. Admission is free. Guided tours are offered on weekends and public holidays; advance booking is recommended.
Parking is limited, and public transport is advised. The site provides barrier-free access, multilingual brochures, audio guides, nearby restrooms, and seating.
Tours, events, and accessibility
Guided tours of the university are available by appointment through the visitor center; book in advance via the official website. Scheduled Hachioji tours offer information about campus history and architecture. English tours are usually not provided for campus tours, but may be arranged by prior request. Monument tours in English are available on weekends and holidays with advance booking.
Open campus events, cultural festivals, workshops, exhibitions, interactive sessions, and music performances take place periodically or throughout the year. Advance registration is suggested for open campus events and tours, especially during peak periods; book early for popular monument events during peak seasons.
Main university facilities include elevators, ramps, and barrier-free access. Soratio Square is fully barrier-free, with accessible restrooms and staff available to assist. Free Wi-Fi, multilingual information desks, and guides are available at Soratio Square.
Getting there
Hachioji Campus is accessible from JR Hachioji Station and Keio Hachioji Station. It can also be reached via the JR Chuo Line to Hachioji Station, with shuttle buses to campus. Clear signage leads from Hachioji Station to Soratio Square.
Itabashi Campus is near Itabashi Station on the JR Saikyo Line. The monument is within a 10-minute walk of either Itabashi Station on the JR Saikyo Line or Nishi-Sugamo Station on the Tokyo Metro Mita Line. The university’s campuses are connected by train and bus, and Hachioji is reachable from central Tokyo by train and bus.
Tips
Spring, particularly cherry blossom season, and autumn, when foliage is at its best, are recommended times to visit. The Hachioji Campus, martial arts center, landscaped gardens, and Media Library Center offer photographic opportunities. Photography is permitted in most public areas, but follow posted restrictions; campus photography is allowed outdoors, with indoor restrictions to be respected. Photography at the monument is allowed, but avoid flash and tripods.
Check the university website for campus events and current visiting information. The campus map and virtual tours on the official site can help with planning. Tourist information is also available at Tokyo’s major stations.
Nearby places
Near Soratio Square, visitors can explore Tama Hills nature trails, local shrines, and Hachioji’s city center for shopping and dining.
Other nearby historical and cultural sites include:
- Hachioji Castle Ruins A samurai-era site with hiking and views.
- Tama Cemetery Known for traditional landscaping and historic graves.
- Hachioji Yume Art Museum Showcasing regional art and culture.
After visiting the Teikyo Monument, visitors can explore museums, gardens, and cafes in Itabashi and Hachioji. Tama Hills also offers hiking.
FAQ
Are there entrance fees?
The Teikyo University Museum and the Teikyo Monument are free. Soratio Square’s public areas are free, and Hachioji Campus grounds are free to enter. Special events, exhibitions, some buildings, or restricted areas may require tickets, booking, registration, or a small fee.
Is Hachioji Campus open on weekends?
Weekend access is limited to special events or guided tours; the campus is generally closed on weekends except for these. The museum is open Tuesday–Saturday and closed Sundays, Mondays, and national holidays. Soratio Square is open Saturdays from 9:00 AM–5:00 PM, but is closed Sundays and national holidays.
What are Soratio Square’s hours?
Monday–Friday, 8:30 AM–8:00 PM; Saturday, 9:00 AM–5:00 PM. It is closed Sundays and national holidays.
Are guided tours available?
University tours are available by appointment through the visitor center, and tours are also offered during open campus events. Advance booking is required for appointments. English campus tours are usually in Japanese but may be arranged with prior request. Monument tours are offered on weekends and public holidays, with English tours available by advance booking.
Is the campus accessible, and can I take photographs?
Main facilities have elevators, ramps, and barrier-free access; Soratio Square is fully accessible. Photography is permitted in most public areas, subject to posted restrictions. Outdoor campus photography is allowed, while indoor restrictions should be respected. At the monument, photography is allowed; avoid flash and tripods.
When is the best time to visit?
Spring for cherry blossoms and autumn for foliage are recommended. Check the calendar for campus events.