Kokugakuin University

Kokugakuin University was founded in 1882 as a research institution specializing in Japanese history, literature, and law. The curriculum at Kokugakuin is deeply rooted in tradition and Japanese culture, with an emphasis on enriching the way students learn and creating future leaders who will contribute to a harmonious society. With six faculties and 13 departments, Kokugakuin offers specialized programs in Japanese letters, Shinto studies, law, economics, human development, and tourism. The university is an excellent fit for those who are fluent in Japanese and have an interest in exploring these unique fields of study. Our graduate school comprises three research departments: the Graduate School of Letters, the Graduate School of Law, and the Graduate School of Economics. All are located on the Shibuya Campus and offer both master's and doctoral programs.

Kokugakuin connects students with unique career opportunities, including niche professions like shrine staff. The university has a wide network offering students access to resources and guidance to explore flexible career options and future roles. Students who graduated in 2023 had a 96% employment success rate.

Kokugakuin University has two campuses in Tokyo. One in the heart of Shibuya and the other in Tama Plaza. The Shibuya campus is home to the Faculties of Letters, Shinto Studies, Law, and Economics. Shibuya is a hub for pop culture, making it an exceptional place to study. Kokugakuin is one of only two universities in Japan where Shinto can be studied and the only one in an urban area. Tama Plaza, a 20-minute express train ride away, hosts the Faculties of Human Development, Tourism, and Community Development. Located on expensive and lush grounds, the convenient access between campuses ensures students the perfect balance of city life and a traditional Japanese experience.

A shrine has existed on Kokugakuin University’s Shibuya campus since the 1930s and is recognized as the only on-campus shrine in the world. Recently reconstructed, it remains a centerpiece of campus life, hosting over 20 ceremonies yearly. With two campuses, one in Shibuya, Tokyo’s vibrant cultural hub, and the other in Tama Plaza, Kokugakuin offers students the unmatched experience of immersion into Japan’s rich heritage and modern dynamism.