Tokyo Women'S Medical University

Tokyo Women’s Medical University Visiting Guide: Hours, Tickets, and Nearby Attractions

Date: 14/06/2025

Introduction: History and Significance

Tokyo Women’s Medical University (TWMU), located in Shinjuku, Tokyo, is a historic and pioneering institution dedicated to advancing women in medicine and healthcare. Founded in 1900 by Dr. Yayoi Yoshioka during the Meiji era, TWMU broke social barriers by offering women access to medical education when such opportunities were rare in Japan. Over more than a century, TWMU has evolved from a women-only medical school into a comprehensive university that integrates medical, nursing, and research programs, contributing to both national and global healthcare advancements (TWMU official history).

TWMU remains committed to its founding mission: empowering female medical professionals through rigorous academics, compassion, and social responsibility. Today, it stands as a nationally and internationally recognized center of excellence, advocating gender equality in medicine while producing outstanding graduates and innovative research (TWMU School of Medicine).

Contents Overview

Introduction and History
Institutional Development (1900–Present)
Educational Philosophy and Innovations
Research and Collaborative Initiatives
Visiting TWMU: Hours, Tickets, and Access
Campus Layout, Facilities, and Visitor Amenities
Nearby Attractions and Travel Tips
Significance and Impact
Recent Developments and Challenges
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Summary and Visitor Tips
Official Sources

Institutional Development

Founding and Early Years (1900–1952)

Dr. Yayoi Yoshioka founded the Tokyo Women’s Medical School in 1900 to address the exclusion of women from medical education in Japan (TWMU official history). Her vision was to nurture female physicians skilled both academically and in character, guided by the principle of “sincerity and compassion.” Early curricula emphasized academic rigor and professional ethics, setting a benchmark for gender equality in Japanese higher education (TWMU philosophy).

Transition to College and University (1952–Present)

In 1952, the school became Tokyo Women’s Medical College (TWMC), aligning with new national standards and expanding academic offerings. The 1998 renaming to Tokyo Women’s Medical University (TWMU) marked the institution’s transition to a comprehensive university, launching the School of Nursing and expanding research capacities (Wikipedia). Undergraduate programs remain women-only, while graduate and research programs are co-educational (TWMU overview).

TWMU operates one of Japan’s largest hospital complexes, contributing to clinical education and advanced medical care (TWMU Hospital).

Educational Philosophy and Innovations

TWMU’s philosophy—rooted in Dr. Yoshioka’s motto, “Sincerity and Compassion”—permeates its academics, research, and clinical practice (TWMU philosophy). The university’s learner-centered curriculum emphasizes ethical practice, team-based learning, and practical clinical training (TWMU School of Medicine). TWMU has been recognized with awards such as “Good Practice in Higher Education” and “Center of Excellence” for regenerative medicine research (TWMU achievements), and its School of Medicine received JACME accreditation in 2020 (JACME accreditation).

Research and Collaborative Initiatives

TWMU leads in regenerative medicine and biomedical engineering. A key example is the Tokyo Women’s Medical University–Waseda University Joint Institution for Advanced Biomedical Sciences (TWIns), established in 2008 to foster interdisciplinary research (TWIns overview). TWIns has achieved national recognition, including the 1st METI Minister’s Award in 2017 (TWIns awards).

Visiting Tokyo Women’s Medical University

Campus Location and Layout

Address: 8-1 Kawada-cho, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo 162-8666
Access: Short walk from Wakamatsu-Kawada Station (Toei Oedo Line) or Akebonobashi Station (Toei Shinjuku Line)
Setting: Urban, convenient to cultural sites and public transportation

Visiting Hours and Tickets

Campus: Open Monday–Friday, 9:00 AM–5:00 PM (business days)
Hospital: Visiting hours generally 1:00 PM–8:00 PM (check TWMU Hospital Visiting Hours for updates)
Tours: Guided campus tours are offered by appointment for prospective students and academic visitors (TWMU contact). No ticket is required for general campus visits; some special exhibitions or lectures may require advance reservation.

Facilities and Visitor Amenities

Main Hospital Complex: Over 50 clinical departments, modern research centers, and simulation labs
Dining: Several cafeterias and rest areas for students, staff, and visitors
Accessibility: Elevators, barrier-free pathways, bilingual signage
Parking: Limited; public transport is recommended

Language Support

English signage is available. For medical appointments, arranging an interpreter is advised.

Nearby Attractions and Travel Tips

Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden: A scenic blend of Japanese and Western garden styles
Rikugien Garden: A historic landscape garden nearby
Cultural Sites: Aikikai Hombu Dojo, Gekkei-ji Temple, and vibrant traditional neighborhoods
Travel Tips: Use public transportation for convenience; bring a phrasebook or translation app; dress modestly and observe hospital etiquette

Significance and Impact

TWMU has played a transformative role in advancing gender equality in science and medicine. Its alumni contribute worldwide as clinicians, educators, and researchers (TWMU President’s message). The university’s philosophy of ethical practice and compassion remains central, supporting women’s advancement and community engagement.

Recent Developments and Challenges

TWMU has faced governance and funding challenges, including a significant funding reduction in 2025 linked to construction and donation management issues (Wikipedia). Despite these obstacles, the university continues to prioritize educational and clinical excellence, reform, and transparency.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: Are undergraduate programs open to men?
A: Undergraduate programs remain women-only, but graduate schools and research centers are co-educational.

Q: Can visitors take campus tours?
A: Yes, by appointment or during special public events. See the official website for details.

Q: How do I access the university?
A: By subway via Wakamatsu-Kawada or Akebonobashi stations. The campus is well-signposted.

Q: Are there entrance fees or tickets?
A: No fees or tickets for general visits; some events may require reservation.

Q: What are the hospital’s visiting hours?
A: Typically 1:00 PM–8:00 PM, but verify on the official site.

Q: Are there attractions nearby?
A: Yes—Shinjuku Gyoen, Rikugien Garden, and several cultural and historical sites.

Summary: Key Visitor Tips

Check the official website for up-to-date visiting hours and protocols.
Use public transportation for ease of access.
Plan ahead for campus tours; casual tourism is limited.
Observe etiquette: dress modestly, maintain quiet, and respect privacy.
Explore nearby gardens and cultural attractions for a richer experience.

TWMU’s enduring legacy of empowering women, advancing medical science, and serving the community makes it a rewarding destination for those interested in medicine, gender equality, and Japanese history.

Sources and Official Links

Enhance your visit by exploring both TWMU and Shinjuku’s nearby cultural treasures. For the latest updates, follow TWMU’s official channels and consider using the Audiala app for guides and virtual tours.