A student dormitory in Hongo, where learning crosses borders
A place where Japanese students and students from across Asia build friendships through self-governed community living. Private rooms at ¥37,000 a month, three minutes on foot from the main gate of the University of Tokyo.
Charm
COMMUNITY
Every two weeks, all residents meet to discuss house rules and how the dormitory is run. Residents themselves plan and organise the shared meals, study sessions and trips — the kind of activity that only a self-governed dormitory makes possible.
See life and events
LOCATION
Three minutes on foot from the main gate of the University of Tokyo, and within reach of Hongo-sanchome, Todaimae, Kasuga and Nezu stations. The area is quiet, yet Shinjuku, Ikebukuro, Ueno and Tokyo Station are all easy to get to.
See access
FACILITY
Each private room comes with a bed, desk, chair, air conditioning and Wi-Fi. The kitchen, washbasins, showers and washing machines are shared. Because the furniture and basics are already in place, it is a reassuring first home for anyone living alone for the first time.
See facilitiesHISTORY
Shinsei Gakuryo began as a dormitory founded in the Taisho era at the wish of Professor Shinkichi Uesugi, who taught constitutional law at the University of Tokyo. It was later revived by Professor Goichi Hozumi as Shiken-ryo, and renamed Shinsei Gakuryo. Many of its former residents have gone on to notable careers across Asia and Japan.
Daily Life
Events are planned and run by the residents themselves. The house meeting held every two weeks is an important occasion, and attending it is one of the eligibility requirements.
Every two weeks, all residents take part in a house meeting. They discuss house rules and the running of the dormitory, and decisions are made by consensus wherever possible. It is an important time in which every resident takes part in shaping the life they share.
Once a month, residents gather to cook and eat together. Each person brings a dish from their home country or region, and everyone shares the table. It is a warm occasion, and a way to learn about one another's cultures and customs through food.
Study sessions take up social and global issues, sometimes with an invited speaker and sometimes on a theme the residents choose themselves. Students from different countries and backgrounds exchange views, and encounter perspectives unlike their own.
Once a year, around March, residents travel together. Away from daily dormitory life, they share meals and lodging and get to know one another better. Past trips have gone to Hokkaido, Izu and Shikoku.
Facilities
Furniture and everyday equipment are already in place, so even if you have never lived on your own, you can move in the day you arrive in Japan.
Bed (pillow and duvet to be provided by the resident), desk, chair, drawers, lighting, air conditioning, curtains, hanging rack, emergency supplies and internet (Wi-Fi).
Kitchen, microwave, refrigerator, electric kettle, toaster, cookware and tableware, washbasins, showers, toilets, washing machine, shoe box and printer. Bicycle parking is also available.
Viewings are welcome at any time. If you would like to visit, please see How to apply below and get in touch.
Access
Three minutes on foot from the main gate of the University of Tokyo, and within walking distance of four stations and a bus stop.
6-6-10 Hongo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo 113-0033
Eligibility
You are eligible if all six of the following apply to you.
International students from across Asia and Japanese students. (Under the Shinsei Gakuryo rules, we admit no more than three students from the same country or region as a general principle.)
Students enrolled at a university, graduate school, junior college or vocational school in Japan (excluding students in Japanese-language departments, research students, credited auditors and auditors).
Someone who respects the dormitory's history and culture, values dialogue, and will take an active part in running it.
Someone who will take a broad view of their role in self-governed living and carry out their responsibilities.
A student who can, as a general rule, communicate in Japanese.
A student who can attend the house meeting held every two weeks without fail.
How to Apply
Get in touch
Contact us through the form. A member of staff will email you about availability and viewing dates.
Visit
See the dormitory for yourself, look at the shared facilities and get a feel for communal life. You can raise any questions during the visit.
Submit your documents
If you wish to apply, prepare the required documents, combine them into a single PDF and send it by email.
Interview
Interviews are held in person as a rule, to see whether you are a good fit for Shinsei Gakuryo.
Enquiries and viewings are welcome at any time. After you send the form, a member of staff will let you know the current availability. If we are full, we will contact you when a place opens up.
Please combine the four documents into a single PDF and send it by email. Name the file "2027_additional-intake_YourName".
Contact
You are welcome to enquire about a viewing alone. Please feel free to contact us through the form.
Enquire about a visit or a placeAnother option: our international student dormitories (Asia Bunka Kaikan, Somei Heights and Oji Dormitory)
Choose from single rooms to rooms for four. Asia Bunka Kaikan is in the same building as ABK COLLEGE, so there is no commute.
View the international student dormitories page