Life at UTokyo: A Guide to Komaba Campus

by YiPin Wu, University of Tokyo, Japan

If you’ve ever wanted to study at the University of Tokyo, let me take you on a tour of Komaba Campus — the main hub for exchange students. Nestled just two stops from Shibuya on the Keio Inokashira Line (about 20 minutes on foot), it’s also within walking distance of Nakameguro — known for its cafés and cherry blossoms — and Shimokitazawa, famous for vintage shops and curry. It’s hard to believe this calm, tree-lined campus exists in the heart of central Tokyo.

Campus Life

In my first semester, I had six classes a week — the minimum recommended. One thing that really surprised me was that there’s no fixed major for exchange students. You can pick courses freely from different faculties across the university, including medicine, economics, and arts and sciences. For me, that meant exploring areas I’d never considered before, which was one of the most rewarding parts of the whole experience. The workload is steady rather than overwhelming, so I had plenty of time to explore the city and socialise — joining events like the lunch gatherings organised by the TGIF society on campus was a great way to start.

The Cafeteria — A Genuine Highlight

As a foodie, the cafeteria (shokudo) was my favourite part of the university. There are several dining spots dotted across campus, each with a slightly different menu. The main shokudo is a large, canteen-style hall that gets busy fast between 12 and 1pm — if you want a seat, either go early or wait until after the rush. The atmosphere is lively and communal in a way that feels very different from grabbing a meal deal at Tesco (my go-to back in Manchester, not going to lie).

The food itself is the real draw. A typical meal (teishoku) comes with a main dish — grilled fish, chicken katsu, tofu stew — alongside rice, miso soup, and a small side dish, all for somewhere between ¥500 and ¥700 (roughly £3 to £4). The quality is genuinely good, and menus rotate seasonally so you rarely get bored. If you’re ever on exchange at UTokyo, don’t make the mistake of skipping the shokudo to go off campus for lunch. Your wallet and your stomach will thank you.

Clubs & Social Life — The “Circle” Culture

At Komaba, student clubs are called circles (サークル), and joining one is practically a rite of passage. There are hundreds — martial arts, baseball, jazz bands, tea ceremony — and it’s a brilliant way to make friends who share your interests and to experience local culture in a way that no classroom can teach you. Trust me, once you find your circle, you’ll understand how fun it is. There’s no real pub culture on campus either. Instead, students gather at fast food spots, family restaurants, or izakayas(Japanese gastropubs) just off campus — a social rhythm that’s different from Manchester, but one you’ll settle into very quickly.

The Komaba Festival

Every November, the campus hosts the Komaba Festival — one of the biggest student-run events in Japan. Visitors pour in for performances, food stalls, and exhibitions, all organised entirely by students. It’s chaotic, lovely, and fun. So don’t miss it!