Location

Sendai

Sendai has a population of one million and is located 1.5 hours by bullet train from Tokyo. Combining the convenience of a modern city with abundant natural scenery, Sendai is often called “the City of Trees.” There are events throughout the year allowing one to enjoy each of the four seasons. The most nationally famous of these events is the Tanabata Festival, held in early August, in which decorations are displayed on long upright bamboo poles in the downtown area. Other events that attract large numbers of people include the Aoba Festival held in May, which features lively dancing, and the Pageant of Starlight held in December, in which the zelkova trees along a main boulevard are illuminated.

Tohoku University

Tohoku University was established in Sendai in 1907 as Tohoku Imperial University and is the third oldest former Imperial University after Tokyo and Kyoto. It has a long history of open and progressive policies. It was the first Imperial University to admit women and foreign students, and also pioneered opening the university to the community by offering public lectures. In 1911, Tohoku was the first university in Japan to have foreign students graduates. and became Japan’s first university to admit female students in 1913. The “Spirit of Open Doors” remains alive at Tohoku today as it welcomes the current student body of 18,019 students including 2,028 international students from 98 countries and areas.

Housing

Students will stay in single occupancy rooms in a hotel in central Sendai. The hotel will be easily accessible to TU by subway. The subway system will also allow students to easily access shopping, dining, and the city center. Students will be provided with transit passes to use during the program.

More specific information to prepare and pack for living and learning in Sendai will be shared during program pre-departure orientations.