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 temple at fmd_goodLocal House
wants to eat something at fmd_goodForno Centrale
wants to drink something at fmd_goodThe Anchor
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
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.