University of Tokyo – Clock Tower
August 8th, 2008 by TEIf the Japanese education system has engraved one image of learning in these islands onto the inner-minds of its populace, it is the impressive clock tower of the University of Tokyo – the nation’s single most prestigious institute of higher education and once schooling source of many of the nation’s leaders – past and present.
However, although most associate the University of Tokyo with the Hongo district of Bunkyo-ku in the north of the city, few realize that the campus that plays home to the actual clock tower and also the College of Arts and Sciences, is actually located in Meguro Ward; to be more precise in the same park as Japanese Modern Literature museum that stands just a stone’s throw away.
The brick built clock tower itself can be viewed from afar, and is just one part of an operational university that houses a total of around 30,000 Japanese and exchange students from around the world.
Often a backdrop of any news story relating to the university, the clock tower and buildings are themselves only occasionally open to the public, although various university festivals and events do see access permitted to the outside world from time to time.
Combine a visit to the Japanese Modern Literature Museum with a photo in front of this renowned clock tower and you will have a conversation starter with any Japanese man, woman, boy or girl you meet – anywhere in the world!
Access: Access is best achieved via Komaba Todai-mae Station on the Inokashira Line
Fee: none
