Erasmus Experience in Tokyo, Japan by Andries

Why did you choose to go to Tokyo, Japan?

They have a great culture and from my travel through Japan I decided I like Tokyo best due to the efficiency in architecture and public transport. Also, I was able to participate in a project research institute (IMSUT).

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How long is the scholarship? How much money do you receive to help you with living costs?

10 months scholarship of 3400 in total from 2 different Dutch organisations.

What is the student lifestyle like in Tokyo?

Classes should be around 4 hours a day plus additional self-study of about 2 hours a day. Plenty of additional events going on and around campus. Now I am doing research so I'm working from 10. 00-18. 00 5 days a week and sometimes even more hours.

Would you recommend the city and the University of Tokyo to other students?

The city is great and the university is high rated, but demanding and quite competitive.

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What is the food like?

Food is awesome. I'm a big fan of the curry rice and the tempura. Sushi is great, but I just prefer warm meals most of the time. University provides cheap food in comparison to restaurants and stores.

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Did it cost you to find your accommodation in Tokyo?

I have moved in with a friend and split the bills with her. The easiest way is to move into the dorms belonging to the university. Probably you won't find cheaper housing and they have internet, furniture, and kitchenware available. A good place cost a month rent minimum and some house owners won't rent to foreigners.

How much does it cost to live in Tokyo?

Living is possible for 800-1000 euro a month. Rent for dorms should be around 500 and the food is quite expensive. Considering school fees, public transport and some fun I think it's best to assume it will cost around 1200 euro a month. Now I cut some costs in rent with sharing a small apartment. Shared housing might be an option to reduce living cost but goes at the cost of privacy.

Is the language easy to get to grips with? Are there language courses available at the University?

In the University of Tokyo and my research institute I can manage without using Japanese so my Japanese has not improved much. As far as I know there are Japanese courses at different levels available.

What's the easiest or most economical way to travel in Tokyo?

Bike. It takes me less time than public transport due to transfers and so far it hasn't rained much. Costs of bike are not that high and easily earned back by saving money on public transport. If you do use public transport every day you can get student discount for the route you use every day.

Where would you recommend to go on a night out in Tokyo?

Shibuya, Roppongi, Shinjuku. Not that familiar with the names of the clubs yet.

And for eating? Can you recommend some good restaurants in Tokyo?

Haven't found any extraordinary restaurants, but that is probably because I take the costs in consideration.

What good cultural sites are there to visit?

Asakusa is very touristic with lots of stores and cafe's and pagoda's and temples.

Akihabara for anime/cosplay and technology fans (most games and hardware is Japanese only though). I recommend to try a Maid cafe at least once.

Quieter places: National Garden, Emperors Gardens, Meiji Jingu, Mt. Fuji (2 hours by bus), Mt. Takao (1 hour by train), Yoyogi park.

Odaiba has hot springs, beach, museums, science center, parks harbour and more and should be enough to entertain one for at least 2 full days.

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Is there any other advice that you could give to students going to Tokyo in the future?

Just try to speak little Japanese is greatly appreciated by the people.

Stay relaxed in public transport and don't yell, it's crowded, but it's extremely efficient and almost never delayed.