Create meetup in Tokyochevron_right
Select a place on the map to change the location.
I want to meet
Verified required?
wants to visit a museum at fmd_goodMaritime Museum
wants to go to fmd_goodThe Loft
wants to eat breakfast at fmd_goodSweet Lab
explore Tokyo Guides
bar_chart Trends in Tokyo
University of Tokyo chances..?
Hi! So I'm planning on applying here and moving to Japan, as I love how their liberal arts program looks! There is however a slight issue- which is my high school tran… University of Tokyo chances...?
Hi! So I'm planning on applying here and moving to Japan, as I love how their liberal arts program looks! There is however a slight issue- which is my high school transcript. I wasn't an amazing student between the 9-11th grade aside from the second term of my 11th (I was an IB student), and up till then my average was a 5 all around until the 12th where I raised it to a 6.
On my final IB exams I did score a 39 though, and I was on the student council, I was the head of the events committee for two years, I have work experience, I run a small online business and have had work with other small business and have boothed and vendored for events and pop ups, I waitressed, I do volunteer work, and I can get strong recommendation letters as well as present commendation certificates for hard work and improvement.
With those accomplishments do you think I would still present a strong application even with my previous poor grades?
todai is really competitive even for japanese students who went through their own system. the 39 is solid but honestly they look at the whole picture and your early grades might raise some eyebrows depending on the department
if you're applying for the PEAK program in english they're a bit more flexible with transcripts but still expect strong math and science if you're going for those tracks. have you checked if your specific faculty requires the eju or just ib scores
worst case you could look into waseda or keio's english programs too they're still great schools and a bit more forgiving with grade history. the liberal arts at waseda is actually really well regarded here
toudai is a different beast from us or uk unis. they care way more about your entrance exam scores than your high school transcript honestly. your 39 ib is solid but the real hurdle is the eju and their own written tests. i know a few people who got in with worse ib scores because they crushed the exams. your extracurriculars will help with the interview if you get that far though.
the liberal arts program (pforist) is super competitive btw. they only take like 30-40 international students a year. if you're serious i'd focus all your energy on prep for their specific test format rather than worrying about your past grades. your transcript might matter more for other japanese unis like waseda or keio but toudai is its own thing.
39 is actually a pretty good score for Todai, especially since the liberal arts program is still relatively new and they're not as strict about grades as the science programs. your extracurriculars are way more interesting than the typical applicant's too, so lean hard into that
Where to Stay in Tokyo (2026)
Shinjuku is perfect for first-timers who want nonstop energy, neon lights, and endless dining options. Budget travelers can stay near Shinjuku Station for easy acce… 🏙️ Shinjuku: The Heart of Tokyo
Shinjuku is perfect for first-timers who want nonstop energy, neon lights, and endless dining options. Budget travelers can stay near Shinjuku Station for easy access to the Yamanote Line, with hostels like Khaosan Tokyo Kabuki starting around $30 per night. For a splurge, the Park Hyatt Tokyo offers skyline views from $500 per night.
🌸 Shibuya: Trendy and Youthful
Shibuya is ideal for nightlife lovers and fashion-forward visitors, with the iconic Scramble Crossing right outside your door. Mid-range hotels like the Shibuya Excel Hotel Tokyu run $150-250 per night, while capsule hotels like Nine Hours Shibuya offer a budget option at $40. Families might prefer quieter streets just a 10-minute walk from the station.
🏯 Asakusa: Traditional and Budget-Friendly
Asakusa offers a glimpse of old Tokyo with Senso-ji Temple and Nakamise Street, perfect for culture seekers and families. Budget ryokans like Ryokan Asakusa Shigetsu start at $80 per night, including a traditional breakfast. The area is quieter at night, so night owls may want to stay closer to Ueno or Akihabara.
🌳 Ueno: Family-Friendly and Cultural
Ueno is excellent for families thanks to Ueno Park, the zoo, and several museums all within walking distance. Hotels like the Ueno Station Hostel Oriental I offer dorm beds from $25, while the Mitsui Garden Hotel Ueno costs around $120 per night. The area is well-connected by JR and metro lines, making day trips easy.
💻 Shibuya and Shinjuku for Digital Nomads
Digital nomads should look at Shibuya or Shinjuku for coworking spaces and reliable Wi-Fi. The Shibuya Stream building has a free coworking lounge, and nearby cafes like Fuglen Tokyo offer strong coffee and outlets. Monthly apartment rentals via services like Sakura House start around $1,000 in these areas.
🌆 Roppongi: Nightlife and Luxury
Roppongi is the go-to for upscale nightlife, with clubs like V2 Tokyo and high-end bars. Luxury hotels such as the Grand Hyatt Tokyo start at $400 per night, while business hotels like the Roppongi Plaza Hotel offer rooms from $100. The area is also close to art museums like Mori Art Museum.
🚃 Getting Around: Station Proximity Matters
Staying near a Yamanote Line station (Shinjuku, Shibuya, Tokyo, Ueno) saves time and money on transit. A 24-hour metro pass costs 800 yen and covers Tokyo Metro and Toei lines. Avoid staying too far from a station, as taxis are expensive (starting at 420 yen for the first kilometer).
💰 Price Tiers and Budget Tips
Budget travelers can find capsule hotels or hostels for $20-40 per night in areas like Asakusa or Ueno. Mid-range business hotels (Toyoko Inn, APA Hotels) average $80-120 per night. For luxury, expect $300-600 per night in central districts. Book early for cherry blossom season (late March to early April).
honestly the guide nailed it but i'd throw in nakameguro for anyone visiting in spring. the canal walk during cherry blossom season is insane, way less crowded than ueno or shinjuku gyoen. plus there's a killer onigiri spot called Onigiri Bongo that sells out by noon, and the area has a ton of tiny wine bars and vintage shops. rooms at the Claska hotel start around $120 and it's a quick hop to shibuya on the tokyu line
solid write-up, covers the big ones well. for my money, if you're a food nerd, staying near a good tsukemen or ramen spot is a legit strategy. i booked a hotel in takadanobaba once just cause i wanted to be walking distance from Taishoken, the tsukemen birthplace. that area is also full of student bars and cheap eats since Waseda Uni is there, rooms at the b:CONTE hotel run like $90 a night and it's two stops from Shinjuku on the Yamanote. way less tourist crush than Shibuya for late-night bowls
This is a solid breakdown, really covers the main bases well. One thing I'd add for anyone staying in Shinjuku is that the station itself can be overwhelming even for locals, so picking a hotel on the west side near the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building is a good hack. The views from the free observation deck there are just as good as the paid ones, and you avoid the chaos of the east exit. For cheap eats in that area, the basement floor of Takashimaya department store has incredible takeout bento boxes under 1,000 yen that beat most convenience store meals.