Universities in Japan
Explore top-rated universities and colleges in Japan. Discover rankings, campus details, and key information about top Japanese higher education institutions to help you choose the best place to study.
Japan is home to 971 universities and colleges listed in our directory, spread across 251 cities. Of these, 246 are public and 721 are private institutions. The highest-ranked institution is Kyoto University (world rank #149). The oldest dates back to 1592. Use the filters to compare them by ranking, campus setting, and control type.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many universities are there in Japan?
Our directory lists 971 universities and colleges in Japan across 251 cities. You can filter them by control type, campus setting, and more.
Which is the top-ranked university in Japan?
Based on world ranking, Kyoto University is the highest-ranked institution in Japan in our directory (world rank #149).
Are there public and private universities in Japan?
Yes. Japan has 246 public and 721 private institutions in our directory. Public universities are typically state-funded, while private institutions are independently run.
How do I choose the right university in Japan?
Compare institutions by world and country ranking, location, campus setting (urban, suburban, or rural), and control type. Open any university profile for detailed admission information, programs, and fees.
What is the difference between an urban and a rural campus?
An urban campus sits in or near a city, putting internships, public transport, and cultural life within easy reach, though living costs are often higher. A rural or suburban campus offers a quieter, community-focused environment with more space and typically lower costs. Use the Campus Type filter to match the setting to your lifestyle.
Top Universities in Japan
Kyoto University
Kyoto, Kyōto, Japan
Osaka University
Suita, Ōsaka, Japan
Tohoku University
Sendai, Miyagi, Japan
Kyushu University
Fukuoka, Fukuoka, Japan
Keio University
Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
Hokkaido University
Sapporo, Hokkaidō, Japan
Nagoya University
Nagoya, Aichi, Japan
University of Tsukuba
Tsukuba, Ibaraki, Japan
Waseda University
Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
Hiroshima University
Higashi-Hiroshima, Hiroshima, Japan
Kobe University
Kobe, Hyōgo, Japan
Juntendo University
Bunkyō-ku, Tokyo, Japan
Chiba University
Chiba, Chiba, Japan
Okinawa Institute of Science and Technology Graduate University
Onna-son, Okinawa, Japan
Yokohama City University
Yokohama, Kanagawa, Japan
Kumamoto University
Kumamoto, Kumamoto, Japan
Kindai University
Higashiosaka-shi, Osaka, Japan
Okayama University
Okayama, Okayama, Japan
Kanazawa University
Kanazawa, Ishikawa, Japan
Osaka Metropolitan University
Osaka, Ōsaka, Japan
