[2025 Tokyo Attraction] Travel Guide for Waseda University Central Library (Updated May)

After leaving Kiyosumi Shirakawa, I took two subway trains and arrived at the famous #WasedaUniversity, which is full of youth. I mainly wanted to visit the famous #HarukiMurakamiLibrary. The museum houses tens of thousands of books and records donated by Haruki Murakami, and was designed and renovated by the famous designer #Kengo Kuma. The most representative feature is the two-story wooden arched bookcase. I heard that when it first opened in 2021, it was extremely popular and you had to make an appointment to visit. Now the crowds have dropped a lot, but it is also much quieter. After all, it is a library. When I visited, a translation-related lecture was being held there, and the stairs in the arched area were cordoned off, so I had to take a quick look around. Otherwise, I could have taken a break at the #OrangeCatCafe inside the museum. Next to the library is the beautiful #Dr.Tsubouchi Memorial Theatre Museum, which was designed after the #Fortune Theatre in 16th century England. It is the only museum in Asia that specializes in the study of drama. It is quite special and the exhibition is free. Next to the museum stands a bust of Dr. #TsubouchiShoyo. It is said that if you shake hands with his outstretched hand, you will be admitted to Waseda University. It was almost noon when we finished visiting Waseda, so we went to the nearby Takadanobaba to eat ramen. We originally wanted to go to the famous restaurant #拉面山口 that has a long queue, but we accidentally went to the one in front of it #龙の羽時色. I checked the Google rating and it had a 4.3 rating. Maybe it was because it just opened at 11 o'clock and there was no one there? No need to queue, it's too hot outside. This is a ramen restaurant that specializes in amber and fish soup, and also serves kama-yaki zasui. It was once selected as the third best ramen of 2022 in the Takadanobaba and Waseda Ramen competition, which is quite impressive. I ordered ramen with fish soup, and I could clearly smell the seafood flavor similar to that of bonito and kelp. It was sprinkled with chopped onion, soft-boiled egg, barbecued pork, thick bamboo shoots, and black fungus. The spicy taste of onion just right resolved the fishy smell of the fish, while retaining the sweetness and freshness of the soup. The menu also states that there is a daily limited supply of "dragon scales", which are made by marinating pork back fat, chicken, and veal cartilage, then deep-frying them. Is it a bit like fried lard? It's a pity that I didn't order it to try. However, for me, the taste of fish was a bit too strong, so I didn’t finish the soup. I should have chosen the amber soup made with vegetables. After eating ramen, on the way back to Waseda Station, you will pass by #Anahachimangu Shrine. There are not many tourists, but many Japanese come to worship. It is a famous shrine for praying for prosperous business. Haruki Murakami Library Opening hours: 10:00-17:00 Address: Building 4, 1 Chome−6, Nishiwaseda, Shinjuku City, Tokyo, Japan 169-0051 Dragon Feather Time Color Opening hours: 1200-0200 Address: 3 Chome-13-2 Nishiwaseda, Shinjuku City, Tokyo 169-0051 Japan #日本探店 #东京景点 #东京美食

On a nice day, be sure to visit the Nezu Museum! It's a double-air event! Waseda University, not many tourists, great for a leisurely picnic! The Murakami Haruki Library is also comfortable and great for sitting and reading or looking around! Japanese strawberries are pretty good.. Tokyo Tower at night 🗼

Tucked away in the heart of Tokyo’s Shinjuku ward, Waseda University transforms into a quiet sakura sanctuary come spring. Whether you’re a student, a history buff, or just someone chasing cherry blossoms, this campus offers a surprisingly peaceful and picturesque escape from the city buzz. I started my walk at the iconic Okuma Auditorium, framed perfectly by blooming sakura trees. With its gothic tower peeking through delicate pink petals, it felt more like strolling through a European university town than central Tokyo. Students lounged on benches, books in hand, while petals gently rained down around them—it was like stepping into an anime scene. As I wandered deeper into campus, the paths lined with cherry trees led me to secret little corners: ivy-covered brick buildings, koi ponds, and quiet courtyards that felt a world away from Shinjuku Station. I even stumbled upon a few students practicing music under the blossoms—live acoustic soundtracks to a soft pink afternoon. One of the best parts? It’s open to the public, but still feels off-the-radar. No crowds, just peaceful beauty, academic charm, and plenty of photo-worthy moments. I ended my stroll at Tsubouchi Memorial Theatre Museum, where the historic architecture paired perfectly with the sakura backdrop. Waseda in spring is proof that Tokyo’s best walks aren’t always in the parks—they might just be on campus. #TripMoment #WasedaUniversity #TokyoSakuraSpots #SpringInJapan #CampusInBloom

I go to Tokyo a lot, but this time I finally took an afternoon to walk around Waseda University, the legendary “student-level” university. Although I am not a student, I have always had a longing for prestigious Japanese schools. I always felt that I would feel a serious and free-spirited atmosphere after walking in. As a result, I was not disappointed. Founded in 1882 and over 140 years old, Waseda University is one of the most renowned private universities in Japan with the most literary origins. Although the campus is not super large, every step is very comfortable to walk, many buildings retain the old style, some are Showa era red brick buildings, very cultural, taking pictures and taking pictures are very tasteful. Once inside, you will see the Okuma Auditorium, a Western-style building with a clock tower, which feels like you have traveled to Europe in a second. There is a small square at the bottom of the clock tower, where students are often seen chatting and practicing their instruments, the contrast of a youthful air mixed with traces of history is fascinating. There are also many grasslands and shade trees on campus. Many students will hang out to read or eat. The sense of life is really enviable. It was extremely serene all around and even though I was just a traveler, I felt so naturally integrated into their rhythm. One of the corners I quite like is next to Toyama Park, walking past a quiet trail flanked by green trees, with sunlight shining down in nice weather, taking pictures without filtering at all. Far from the hustle and bustle of the city, a walk here really calms the mind. In the campus, I also saw some posters and activity booths designed by the students themselves. It was very creative and felt that the life of Japanese college students is very rich. The funniest thing is that I almost thought I was not walking wrongly to some youth Japanese drama shooting scene, too immersive. Although I didn't deliberately visit the library (I can go again next time), just walking slowly around the campus, looking at the architecture, and feeling the academic atmosphere with its historical undertones, it already feels very worth a visit. Waseda is not just a place to study, for me it is a cultural space with warmth and stories. Address: 1-6-1 Waseda-cho, Shinjuku, Tokyo Access: Take the East-West Line and get off at "Wasada Station" and walk for about 3 minutes #Tokyo Attractions

Day 1: Embarking on a Literary Journey On the first day of my arrival in Tokyo, I headed straight to the renowned Haruki Murakami Library. Nestled in a quiet neighborhood, this library attracts countless literature enthusiasts with its unique design and rich collection. As I stepped inside, a faint woody aroma greeted me, and I was surrounded by neatly arranged bookshelves, as if I had entered a sea of words. I picked up a classic novel by Haruki Murakami and sat in the reading area by the window. The sunlight streamed through the glass onto the table, accompanied by the sound of turning pages, making the moment exceptionally serene. In the evening, I strolled through the alleys around the library, occasionally stopping at a street-side café to order a hot coffee, savoring the unique literary atmosphere of Tokyo. Day 2: Tracing the Footsteps of Inspiration Today's itinerary focused on exploring another side of the city, but I couldn't let go of my love for Haruki Murakami's works. I made a point to visit several locations related to his novels, feeling as if I could sense the footsteps of the characters. After lunch, I returned to the library, this time to visit its special exhibition, delving deeper into Haruki Murakami's creative process and sources of inspiration. The interactive area of the exhibition also provided a space for readers to leave their messages, and I couldn't help but write down my own feelings. As night fell, the streetlights outside the library illuminated the entire neighborhood, making it particularly enchanting. I walked slowly under the lights, ending these two days of literary journey with a heart full of inspiration and emotion.

As one of the most popular Japanese writers in Taiwan, the world created by Haruki Murakami and his daily life scenes all attract book lovers to explore. The Haruki Murakami Library located on the main campus of Waseda University in Tokyo is the most suitable starting point for the pilgrimage. The official name of the Haruki Murakami Library is "The Waseda International House of Literature". It was renovated by Japanese international architect Kengo Kuma. Murakami himself generously donated the handwritten manuscripts of his best-selling works, works translated into various languages, his private collection of books and 20,000 vinyl records for public display. Murakami said that he has no children to inherit these collections, so it is only reasonable to donate them to his alma mater. #GlobalTravel