This series seeks to reveal the “real” Science Tokyo from a student’s point of view based on reporting by Science Tokyo’s “PR Supporters.”
In this first installment, we’re taking you on a tour of the campuses. The official brochures may show off the most well-known spots, but there are more than a few hidden gems known only to Science Tokyo students.
Ookayama Campus
The “main street” leading up to the Main Building
Wooden deck in front of the Main Building
1st-year doctoral student, School of Environment and Society
This spot might rightfully be called the symbol of Ookayama Campus. It’s just such a wide-open space! There are benches, and when the weather is nice, it feels great to simply sit there and let your mind wander. The second photo was taken halfway down the stairs from the library. I think it’s a great photo spot because you can take in the whole area!
The one romantic spot on campus!? The view from Romance Hill
The slope to the North Area
2nd-year, School of Materials and Chemical Technology
Cross the bridge next to the library on Ookayama Campus and you’ll find yourself on Romance Hill. As you walk down the slope, you can look beyond the railway tracks and enjoy some beautiful skylines of the city. On a clear day, you may even catch a glimpse of Mt. Fuji. The view is wonderful at any time of day, but sunsets are something special. I’m still not entirely inclined to believe that this hill ever sparked a romance itself, but it’s certainly a lovely place to enjoy a romantic view.
A place that always brings me back
Taki Plaza just past the Main Gate
2nd-year, School of Environment and Society
I would mainly come to Taki Plaza during free periods, after class, or on weekends to study with friends. The second basement floor allows food and drinks, so I would usually eat lunch there. Unlike the library, you can talk while studying with your friends. You can also put several tables together to seat larger groups, like if you study with your unit, so the space always seems very active. I feel as though I spent most of my time as a first-year student on that second basement floor.
At the back of the room sits a public piano free for anyone to use. It’s fun to listen to someone play while having lunch, and I’ve also played it myself with friends. It’s nice to study against the backdrop of some beautiful piano music.
A rather unexpected place
First floor of West Building 9
1st-year doctoral student, School of Environment and Society
There is a music practice room with a piano on Ookayama Campus. (The room itself is kept locked, so you need to make a reservation in advance to use it.) There is also a public piano in Taki Plaza, but this room provides a completely different environment since you can play in private.
Sometimes academic conferences or symposia are held here, too. The venue is spacious and located close to the entrance, so it’s easy to get to when attending an event.
Take in Ookayama Campus from above
Library, second-floor exit
2nd-year, School of Environment and Society
All the landmarks of Ookayama Campus can be seen here — the Main Building, Taki Plaza, and the library! I took this photo in November, when the campus is gilded by the beautiful autumn foliage, and it was a lovely place to sit on a bench for a brief rest. It’s also a relatively unknown spot, so be sure to check it out! (The cherry blossoms are beautiful in the spring, too.)
Yokohama Campus
The two cats who brighten up Yokohama Campus
Around G3 Building
1st-year master’s student, School of Life Science and Technology
The G3 Building, located just beyond the tunnel on Yokohama Campus, is home to two cats: Junior and Go-kun. These two are simply adorable. Stop by while taking a walk between research sessions, and you’ll see them come out to greet you as if to say, “We’ve been waiting for you!” Seeing them always gives me a warm, fuzzy feeling and a little boost of energy.
Yushima Campus
Finding a little oasis of calm in the heart of the city
Rooftop of the parking garage (second floor of the M&D Tower)
2nd-year, Faculty of Medicine
Allow me to introduce the “Garden of Knowledge and Healing ,” located on the rooftop of the parking garage at Yushima Campus (the second floor of the M&D Tower). This garden has lots of plants and benches, making it the perfect place to unwind! I often stop by while taking a break from studying, or when hanging out with friends. If you visit Yushima Campus, be sure to stop by.
Konodai Campus
A place to study after class
Hippocrates Hall, 1F, Classroom 1
1st-year, Faculty of Dentistry
This is the largest classroom on Konodai Campus. Joint classes for students in multiple departments are held here.
During the first semester, it is kept open as a space for self-study until 8:00 in the evening. I find it difficult to concentrate on studying at home and end up falling asleep almost immediately, so I use this classroom to finish up any assignments I need to get done that day. When I have time left over, I also use this space to work on my tasks as a PR Supporter. Just outside the classroom, there is a silver sculpture of an animal. It looks particularly impressive when photographed at night.
-
Winner of the 2026 Science Tokyo Institute of Liberal Arts Award
Title: Shiro no inori (“The prayer of White ”)
Artist: Kotaro Suzuki
On display through March 2027
Related articles
The real Science Tokyo
This series seeks to reveal the “real” Science Tokyo from a student’s point of view based on reporting by Science Tokyo’s “PR Supporters.”
