| University Name | Global Ranking | Notable Programs | Additional Details |
|---|---|---|---|
| University of Tokyo | 2810 | Law, Medicine, Engineering, Arts and Sciences11 | Founded in 1877, the University of Tokyo is Japan’s first modern university. It is located in Bunkyō, Tokyo, and features historic landmarks such as the Akamon (Red Gate) and Sanshiro Pond.12 |
| Kyoto University | 5013 | Medicine, Materials Science, Environmental Studies, Astronomy14 | Founded in 1897, Kyoto University is the second oldest university in Japan. It has three main campuses: Yoshida, Uji, and Katsura, and is known for its strong research capabilities and a library network with over 7.49 million books.15 |
| Tohoku University | 10716 | Engineering, Materials Science, Physics17 | Tohoku University is located in Sendai, Japan, and was established in 1907. It is known for its open-door policy, being the first Japanese university to accept female students. The university’s campuses are situated on the historical grounds of Sendai Castle, surrounded by beautiful natural scenery.18 |
| Osaka University | 8619 | Engineering, Medicine, Biological Sciences, Natural Sciences20 | Founded in 1931, Osaka University is located in Osaka, Japan. It evolved from earlier institutions like Tekijuku and has become one of Japan’s leading universities.21 |
| Tokyo Institute of Technology | 8422 | Engineering, Technology, Natural Sciences, Global Scientists and Engineers Program (GSEP)23 | Established in 1881, Tokyo Institute of Technology is a leading national university for science and technology in Japan. It has three campuses located in Tokyo and Yokohama, focusing on practical education and research. The university has a rich history, having survived the Great Kanto Earthquake and evolving into a top institution for engineering and technology education.24 |
| Nagoya University | 15225 | Automotive Engineering, Chemistry, Physics, Medicine26 | Established in 1939, Nagoya University is located in Chikusa-ku, Nagoya. It is known for its strong research output and has produced several Nobel laureates.27 |
| Kyushu University | 35028 | Engineering, Medicine, Humanities, Social Sciences29 | Founded in 1911, Kyushu University is located in Fukuoka, Japan. It is one of Japan’s leading research universities with multiple campuses and a strong emphasis on innovation and interdisciplinary studies. The university has around 19,000 students and offers a wide range of programs across various fields.30 |
| Hokkaido University | 17331 | Agriculture, Engineering, Medicine, Environmental Science32 | Founded in 1876 as Sapporo Agricultural College, Hokkaido University is located in Sapporo, Japan. It features a beautiful campus with a mix of historical and modern architecture, and it is known for its commitment to international education and research.32 |
| University of Tsukuba | 37733 | Engineering, Medicine, Environmental Sciences34 | Founded in 1973, located in Tsukuba Science City, which hosts many research institutions. The campus covers 258 hectares, making it one of the largest in Japan.34 |
| Keio University | 18835 | Law, Economics, Business, Medicine, Science and Technology36 | Established in 1858 by Yukichi Fukuzawa as Japan’s first private institution of higher learning, located in Minato, Tokyo.37 |
Top Universities in Japan
