Create meetup in Tokyochevron_right
Select a place on the map to change the location.
I want to meet
Verified required?
want to meet at fmd_good Common Place
wants to sport at fmd_goodCommon Place
wants to a walk at fmd_goodCommon Place
wants to drink coffee at fmd_goodBean & Folio
wants to eat breakfast at fmd_goodHole in One
explore Tokyo Guides
bar_chart Trends in Tokyo
Sophia University: How difficult are the classes?
I plan on attending Sophia University next semester for my study abroad program. I've been researching the school and Japanese universities in general, and I've seen sort of a consensus that… Hi all,
I plan on attending Sophia University next semester for my study abroad program. I've been researching the school and Japanese universities in general, and I've seen sort of a consensus that the classes are much easier and more relaxed than US college courses.
For more context: I'm currently an Accounting-Finance major in a semi-prestigious (think Purdue) college. I plan on taking a lot of gen-Ed classes (Literature, History, basic management, basic marketing, theology) during my time at Sophia.
Would it be overly difficult to do 19 credit hours of these types of courses? I'd like to fulfill as many requirements as possible if they're truly as easy as the internet has told me (My university makes them a lot harder than they need to be, so if I can get it done in a curriculum that allows for more leniency, I'd love to take advantage of it)
Thanks for any advice/input
ngl the theology classes at sophia are the wild card here. i took "introduction to christianity" thinking it'd be a breeze and ended up writing a 10 page paper on thomas aquinas. the jesuit profs are no joke, they actually want you to engage with the material not just skim it. the history and lit gen eds are usually fine though, a lot of them are just lecture + a final essay. 19 credits is doable but you'll be eating convenience store onigiri between classes at yotsuya station a lot, the campus cafeteria gets packed during lunch rush and the lines are brutal. i'd trim it to 17 and spend those extra hours exploring kichijoji or something, that area has way better food options
the big thing nobody's really said is that 19 credits at sophia means you're basically locked into a schedule with no gaps. the yotsuya campus is small but the buildings are spread out so you'll be walking between classes a lot. i did 18 my first semester and regretted it cause i couldn't really explore the city on weekdays. the gen eds are light but the theology ones at sophia have that jesuit rigor, especially if you get a priest who teaches in english. fwiw i'd drop to 16 and use the extra time to hit up koenji or shimokitazawa after class, those are way more fun than grinding credits you could just take online back home
19 credits is a lot at any japanese uni tbh, the system here expects more in-class hours than back home so ur actually sitting in class like 25+ hours a week with the commute. the gen eds at sophia are genuinely chill compared to purdue but the theology ones can be sneaky, some of the jesuit profs take the "academic" part seriously even for exchange students. also the yotsuya campus library closes early sometimes which is annoying if u planned to study there after class, so factor that in
Things to Do in Tokyo (2026)
Start your Tokyo journey at the Tokyo Tower (4-2-8 Shibakoen, Minato), which offers panoramic views from its 150-meter observation deck for 1,200 yen. For a more modern perspec… 🗼 Iconic Landmarks
Start your Tokyo journey at the Tokyo Tower (4-2-8 Shibakoen, Minato), which offers panoramic views from its 150-meter observation deck for 1,200 yen. For a more modern perspective, head to the Shibuya Sky observation deck (2-24-12 Shibuya, Shibuya) for 2,000 yen, open until 10 PM. Both spots are less crowded on weekday mornings.
⛩️ Cultural Temples and Shrines
Visit Senso-ji Temple in Asakusa (2-18-9 Kaminarimon, Taito), Tokyo's oldest temple, open daily from 6 AM to 5 PM. For a quieter experience, explore the Meiji Jingu Shrine (1-1 Yoyogikamizonocho, Shibuya), set in a large forested area and free to enter. Arrive early to avoid crowds, especially on weekends.
🍜 Must-Try Food Experiences
Sample authentic ramen at Ichiran Shibuya (1-22-7 Jinnan, Shibuya), where individual booths let you focus on the tonkotsu broth, starting at 1,290 yen. For a unique twist, try conveyor-belt sushi at Uobei Shibuya (1-19-3 Jinnan, Shibuya), with plates from 100 yen. Reservations are not needed, but expect short queues.
🏯 Hidden Neighborhoods
Explore Yanaka, a district that survived WWII bombings, with narrow lanes and traditional shops like Yanaka Ginza shopping street (3-11-1 Yanaka, Taito). For a bohemian vibe, wander Shimokitazawa (Kitazawa, Setagaya), known for vintage stores and indie cafes. Both areas are best explored on foot in the afternoon.
🚇 Getting Around
Use the Tokyo Metro and Toei Subway networks, with a 24-hour pass costing 800 yen for unlimited rides on most lines. The Suica or Pasmo IC cards are rechargeable and work on trains, buses, and even vending machines. Avoid rush hour (7:30-9 AM and 5-7 PM) to travel comfortably.
🌃 Best Evening Spots
Watch the sunset from the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building (2-8-1 Nishi-Shinjuku, Shinjuku), where the free observation deck is open until 10 PM. For nightlife, head to Golden Gai in Shinjuku (1-1-6 Kabukicho, Shinjuku), a maze of tiny bars with a cover charge of around 500 yen. Reservations are recommended for popular bars.
🌸 Seasonal Highlights
Cherry blossom season in late March to early April draws crowds to Ueno Park (5-20 Uenokoen, Taito), with over 1,000 cherry trees. For autumn foliage, visit Rikugien Garden (6-16-3 Honkomagome, Bunkyo) in November, lit up at night for 1,000 yen. Check the Japan Meteorological Corporation's forecast for peak dates.
🎁 Unique Souvenirs
Buy traditional crafts at Kappabashi Kitchen Town (3-18-2 Nishiasakusa, Taito), famous for realistic plastic food samples and kitchenware. For quirky gifts, explore Don Quijote stores, like the one in Shibuya (1-16-5 Udagawacho, Shibuya), open 24 hours and offering everything from electronics to snacks. Prices are reasonable, and tax-free shopping is available for tourists.
honestly this is a solid list, you've hit the major spots. one thing i'd add is that the Tsukiji Outer Market is worth a morning even if the inner market moved to Toyosu. the stalls there for tamagoyaki and fresh uni on skewers are unbeatable, and it gets packed by 9am so go early.
for a cheap meal that slaps, try CoCo Ichibanya for curry rice. there's one near basically every station and you can customize the spice level and toppings. it's not fancy but it's a real Tokyo staple that tourists often overlook.
also if you're into temples, the walk from Senso-ji down Nakamise-dori is fun but the side streets in Asakusa have smaller shrines and old-school snack shops that are way less crowded. i stumbled on a tiny place selling matcha soft serve for 350 yen last time and it was better than the touristy ones.