Tokyo Surrounding Guide: Waseda

Waseda is an area that is often overlooked by non-locals or those studying on campus. But that’s not the case as there are peaceful gardens, unusual architecture and numerous cafes and restaurants to visit. Here is our guide to the Waseda area.

What to do in Waseda

Waseda University main campus

On campus, you’ll find museums open to the public dedicated to the university’s history and some of its most famous alumni and professors.

For example, the Tsubouchi Memorial Theater Museum at Waseda University is named after Tsubouchi Shoyo, who is famous for translating the works of William Shakespeare into Japanese. This is a place dedicated to the history of theater in Japan and abroad.

There are also many beautiful work and study spaces, such as the Murakami Haruki Library, which celebrates his work on the campus of his alma mater.

Green spaces and unusual architecture

Although it’s close to busy built-up areas like downtown Shinjuku, you can easily escape to the greenery of Waseda. The streets are lined with shrubs and trees that bloom multiple times throughout the year.

Visit Higo Hosokawa Garden, a traditional Japanese garden across the river, Okuma Garden on campus, or Ana Hachimangu Shrine near Waseda Station.

Opposite the shrine is Toyama Park, adjacent to the university’s Toyama campus, where students and residents often go for physical exercise. If you want to take some greenery home, check out the garden center, Green Shop Oto no Ha and the adjacent Vegetable Club cafe.

Okuma Auditorium hosts many events open to the public focusing on Japanese culture and history, and its shape is synonymous with the university. As such, its iconic clock tower can be found on much of the university’s merchandise.

In addition to the auditorium, you can admire some unique architecture in other areas of Waseda, such as the striking modernist steel cathedral designed by Kenzo Tange. Opposite the garden center, the ruins of St. Mary’s Cathedral even include a replica of the Grotto of Lourdes.

Closer to the station is the avant-garde and beautifully decorated El Dorado building, designed by Von Jour Caux, known as the “Japanese Gaudí”.

Cafes and food venues

There is no shortage of cafes to try in Waseda. Head to Uni.Shop and Cafe 125 across from Okuma Gardens to feel one with nature.

Coffee lovers must try Bikas Coffee by the river, where fresh coffee beans are ground right before your eyes. Meanwhile, Shiru Cafe on Main Street is popular with students.

If Waseda’s European atmosphere has you craving pizza, try Pizzeria Takata Bokusya, which uses a real stone pizza oven.

For those feeling more traditional, choose from one of the many Japanese food Restaurant on Okuma Avenue. If possible, avoid going between 12pm and 1pm to avoid hordes of students looking to grab a hot meal before their next class.

There are also many Indian restaurants on this street, such as Panas, perfect for a delicious quick meal. Vegetarians can also try the Great Lakes. The burgers and ice cream are a British favorite and are completely plant-based, a must-try.

Heading to Waseda

Waseda is just a short walk from the lively Takadanobaba area, and you can take the 77 bus to downtown Shinjuku. It also owns the Sakura Tram Station on the Toden Arakawa Line.

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