Student town centered around Waseda University
There is also Daimyo gardens nearby
Within the university, there is also the Haruki Murakami Library
Since the Tokyo Senmon Gakko, the predecessor of Waseda University, arrived at this land of expansive rice fields in 1882, it has developed into a student town. Waseda University, one of Japan’s leading private universities, ranks second in producing Prime Ministers among alma maters, following Tokyo University. It has also cultivated numerous talents in journalism. Many literary figures, including globally acclaimed author Haruki Murakami, are alumni of this university.
Embracing freedom and diversity as its allure, the university campus offers open access to attractions like the Theatre Museum and a library exhibiting donations from Murakami, which visitors can freely explore.
Surrounding the university, you can find remnants of the Edo period in the tranquil gardens such as Kansen-en Garden and Hosokawa Garden, serving as leisure spots for the locals.
The statue of Shigenobu Okuma, the founder of the university and a former Prime Minister, with the Okuma Auditorium completed in 1927 bearing his name in the background.
Okuma Garden: Originally a feudal lord’s garden, it now resides within the university campus and serves as a relaxing spot for students.
Tsubouchi Memorial Theatre Museum: Theater museum established in 1928 to commemorate Tsubouchi Shoyo, who taught at Waseda University and translated the complete works of Shakespeare.
Haruki Murakami Library: Opened in 2021, this facility houses and exhibits materials related to writing, including novels, essays, and other items donated or deposited by Haruki Murakami. It also contains an extensive collection of his works translated abroad, along with tens of thousands of records. Visitors can immerse themselves in the ‘Murakami World’ while exploring the premises.
Hoshokawa Garden: The garden belonged to the feudal lord, Hosokawa, who governed Kumamoto Prefecture. Situated north of the university, it takes advantage of the undulating terrain of the Mejirodai Plateau, descending towards the Kanda River, creating a diverse and picturesque landscape.
Kansen-en Garden: Located on the western side of the university, this garden also belonged to a feudal lord’s residence in the past.