Kanazawa is not too big or not too small.
Friendly people and a great combination of nature and culture
Why Kanazawa?
Kanazawa City is one of the largest cities in the Hokuriku region, with a population of over 460,000. It is rich in culture and history, originating as a castle town of the Kaga clan, the second most rice-abundant fief following the Edo shogunate. Various sites of historical heritage such as bukeyashiki (samurai houses) are well preserved. With a new Shinkansen line from Tokyo, the city attracts tourists both from inside Japan and overseas.
Kanazawa University
Kanazawa University is the leading university in the Hokuriku region of Japan. The University has three colleges (in Human and Social Sciences, Science and Engineering, and Medical, Pharmaceutical and Health Sciences), five graduate schools, and other organizations such as a Cancer Research Institute. There are more than 10,300 local students, and about 500 international students originating from 42 countries. The main campus in Kakuma is in a natural environment, surrounded by scenic mountains, and approximately 40 minutes away from the Kanazawa train station by public transport.
Kanazawa City is conveniently accessed by airplane and trains.
Access to Kanazawa City:
Airplane to Komatsu International Airport (40 minutes from Kanazawa City by car/bus): Flights from Haneda/Narita (Tokyo): Approximately 1 hour
Direct International Flights from Seoul, Shanghai and Taipei
JR Train: From Tokyo Station: Approximately 2.5 hours（via Hokuriku Shinkansen)
From Osaka Station: Approximately 2.5 hours From Nagoya Station: Approximately 3 hours
Access to the School of International Studies (Kakuma Campus)
From Kanazawa Station to Kakuma Campus (by Hokuriku Railroad Bus)
Bus #91, 93, 94 or 97(Route name is Kanazawa Daigaku(Kakuma) from Bus Terminal#6, Kanazawa Station Kenrokuen Gate (East Gate). Approximately 40 minutes.
Information for International Students
Accommodation
Kanazawa University provides on campus accommodation for international students in a modern facility ‘Sakigake’ built in 2012. Each student is accommodated in a private room which is connected to a common living area. Rooms include a bed, bedding, desk, chair, bookshelf, closet, and heating and air conditioning units. Common areas include a kitchen, dining area, and bathrooms. Sakigake Resident Advisors are Japanese students and happy to help with any problems.
Safety
Kanazawa University is nestled in the mountains east of downtown Kanazawa. The campus prides itself on student safety. Crime rates in the greater Kanazawa area are even lower than the average in Japan making the city a safe and welcoming place. Students can explore many cultural districts with both traditional and modern shops and restaurants at ease.
Tutor System
Kanazawa University provides student tutors for all international students studying in programs at the university. They are typically Japanese students and are available to help with any academic, administrative, and daily-life questions international students may have.
Integrated Japanese Language Program
The Integrated Japanese Language Program is a free Japanese language program offered to all international students affiliated with the university. The program provides classes at both the Kakuma and Takaramachi campuses. Classes range in level from beginning to advanced and also include special topic classes of reading, academic writing and business Japanese among others. International students are encouraged and welcome to take as many classes as their schedules allow.
Health Center
Kanazawa University Health Service Center provides a comprehensive health support for the physical, mental and emotional well-being of our students. The health center is staffed with English-speaking physicians and counselors who are available to meet with students to discuss any health problems. The Health Center provides students with an annual physical exam as well as organizes various health events throughout the academic year. Students can also get local information such as sports facilities in town.
