University of the Sacred Heart, Tokyo (Seishin) | Study in Japan Guide for International Students

Thinking about studying in Japan but want a small, liberal-arts environment right in central Tokyo? The University of the Sacred Heart, Tokyo (USH) blends a close-knit campus with a global Catholic heritage, strong humanities and social-science programs, and immediate access to the Hiroo neighborhood. Most classes are taught in Japanese, so the best-fit applicants are those at JLPT N2 or higher who want deep immersion and seminar-style learning. This guide covers fast facts (size, tuition, departments), what makes USH unique, support for international students, exchange options, local climate and lifestyle, and graduate outcomes—with links to official pages so you can confirm the details yourself.

Quick Facts — University of the Sacred Heart, Tokyo

A fast reference with the numbers international applicants ask most often. Sources are linked just under the table.

Type (National/Public/Private)	Private women’s university (undergraduate); Catholic. Graduate School is coeducational.
Total Students	≈ 2,420 (Undergraduate: 2,349; Graduate: 71) — as of May 1, 2025
Campuses	Hiroo (main campus, Shibuya, Tokyo)
Faculties/Schools	Faculty of Liberal Arts (8 Departments; 2 majors in Education): English Language, Communication & Cultures / Japanese Language & Literature / Philosophy / History / Human Relations / International Studies / Psychology / Education (Education / Primary Education)
学费	Undergraduate (1st year total): approx. ¥1,370,000. Graduate (1st year total): approx. ¥1,040,000.
Gender Ratio	Undergraduate: women only (100% female). Graduate: co-ed.
Intl‑Student %	≈ 2.4% overall (59 international students in 2024); Undergraduate ≈ 2.1% (50 students)
Students per Staff	≈ 33:1 (2,420 students / 74 full‑time faculty; 2025)

Sources: Undergraduate School (departments) / Tuition & Fees (EN) / Students (as of May 1, 2025) / Teaching Staff (2025) / International Students (2024, PDF)

Campus Maps

Maps and wayfinding will be added here (Hiroo campus, building numbers, nearby stations, and bus routes).

Main Campus – University of the Sacred Heart, Tokyo

Address: 4-3-1 Hiroo, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo 150-8938, Japan

Mission, History & Founding Story

The University of the Sacred Heart, Tokyo (USH) is rooted in the educational mission of the Society of the Sacred Heart, founded in Paris by St. Madeleine Sophie Barat (1779–1865). From the outset, the Society emphasized rigorous study, the formation of the whole person, and the advancement of women’s education—values that still animate USH today. In Japan, the first Sacred Heart school opened in 1908; postwar growth culminated in the current university structure with a coeducational Graduate School and an undergraduate Faculty of Liberal Arts that serves as USH’s academic core. For institutional background and values, see the university’s official pages on its history 和 educational principles.

USK’s educational principles center on creativity, critical thinking, sound judgment, and communication grounded in an ethic of care—the “Spirit of the Sacred Heart.” First-year students complete an integrated Basic Program before declaring a department in the second year, and all programs emphasize research skills and a capstone thesis. The university also fosters global awareness and service, encouraging students to connect scholarship with action for the common good. Program outlines and cross-department opportunities are summarized under Undergraduate School 和 Graduate School.

USH has expanded and modernized its campus and programs over decades. The Sacred Heart Global Plaza (Building No. 4) houses the Sacred Heart Institute for Sustainable Futures (SHISF), an interdisciplinary hub for sustainability and social engagement—part of a global Sacred Heart network covering ~150 schools in 30+ countries. This global network supports student exchange of ideas and people. Explore SHISF and related initiatives via the university’s Research 和 Global Mind pages.

Key Strengths & Unique Features

Global Liberal‑Arts Core with a Research Mindset

USH is a one‑faculty liberal‑arts university (Faculty of Liberal Arts) with eight departments across the humanities and social sciences. A defining feature is its first‑year Basic Program: students explore multiple fields, build academic writing and critical‑thinking skills, then declare a department in year two—minimizing “major mismatch” and encouraging purposeful choice. Seminar‑style classes and a graduation thesis foster original inquiry. Department lists and study plans are outlined here: Undergraduate School.

Location: Hiroo, Shibuya — Safe, Cosmopolitan, and Convenient

The campus is three minutes from Hiroo Station (Tokyo Metro Hibiya Line) in one of Tokyo’s most international neighborhoods—surrounded by embassies, cafes, and Arisugawa-no-miya Memorial Park. Roppongi, Ebisu, and Shibuya are close by. The Student Residence offers supervised housing; campus health and counseling services support well‑being. For directions in Japanese, see the access page.

Sacred Heart Institute for Sustainable Futures (SHISF) & a 150‑School Global Network

The Sacred Heart Global Plaza (Building No. 4) hosts SHISF—an interdisciplinary hub for sustainability projects and public programs that connect students with researchers and communities. This aligns with the worldwide Sacred Heart school network, offering perspective and purpose beyond Tokyo. Learn more under Research.

Flagship Departments (看板学部)

Department of International Studies

Anchored in area studies, international relations, and intercultural communication, this department prepares students for globally facing careers—NGOs, media, trade, tourism, and graduate study in international affairs. Coursework links to overseas opportunities through partner institutions in Asia, Europe, and North America (see “Partner Institutions” below). Department lists are on the Undergraduate School page.

Department of Psychology

USH’s psychology track covers developmental, clinical, and cognitive perspectives with lab‑based methods and strong ethics training. Many graduates move into education, HR, healthcare, or counseling; the Graduate School deepens pathways through Human Sciences (Psychology & Education) M.A./Ph.D. programs. See Graduate School (EN).

Student Support Ecosystem: International, Career, Health, and Housing

The International Center manages exchange and language readiness; the Career Guidance Center supports job search from early years; Health Services and the Student Counseling Office handle wellness; and the Student Residence offers structured housing. A convenient overview is here: Services (EN).

Student Life for Internationals

Clubs & Circles that Welcome Overseas Students

Like most Japanese universities, USH has a lively culture of circles (student-run clubs) from English communication (E.S.S.) to broadcasting (Seishin Radio Station), literature, culture, and service. Even during a one-semester exchange, circles are an easy way to make friends and practice Japanese. See the Japanese page for club activities: 課外活動.

Visa, Housing & Counseling — Dedicated Support Offices

For administrative and daily‑life questions, international students can contact the International Center; for careers, the Career Guidance Center; for wellness, Health Services and the Student Counseling Office; and for accommodation, the Student Residence team. Summary in English: Campus Life.

Language Exchange & Buddy‑Style Activities

While USH does not publicly advertise a formal “buddy program” in English, international students typically find low‑barrier language practice via E.S.S., international exchange events, and class group work. The university lists on‑campus international events here (JP): 学内の交流イベント.

Partner Institutions & Exchange Options (Focus on Going Abroad)

USH runs long‑term study‑abroad tracks (exchange and recommended study) plus short‑term programs. The university reports a growing network of partner institutions; a 2024 announcement brought the total to “22 partner schools in 10 countries/regions,” and a 2025 news item added the first ASEAN exchange (Assumption University in Thailand). See details: 2024 partner update 和 2025 ASEAN exchange news. For program structure, check the long‑term study abroad page (JP): 長期留学制度.

Exchange applicants should note that most USH classes are taught in Japanese, and the International Center typically expects JLPT N2 or equivalent. See the English overview of student services here: International Center (EN).

Local Climate & Lifestyle (Weather, Safety, Cost of Living)

Weather Patterns (Recent 5 Years)

Tokyo’s climate is temperate, with humid summers and mild, mostly dry winters. Based on Japan Meteorological Agency data for central Tokyo (Station 47662), recent typical monthly mean of daily maximum temperatures range from ~9–11°C in January to ~31–34°C in July–August; monthly mean of daily minimums are around ~1–3°C (January) to ~24–26°C (August). Expect a June–early July rainy season and occasional late‑summer typhoons. For current tables and charts, see JMA’s datasets: monthly max table 和 ClimatView charts.

Safety & Everyday Convenience

Tokyo benefits from dense transit, reliable services, and comparatively low violent‑crime rates among global megacities. For an official national overview, consult the National Police Agency’s English digest of its 2024 White Paper. For resident support, the Tokyo Metropolitan Government’s “For Residents” portal centralizes multilingual guidance. NPA White Paper (EN, PDF) / TMG For Residents.

Cost of Living Snapshot

Budgets vary by neighborhood and housing type. As a directional guide, a single person’s monthly total in Tokyo is often estimated around ¥300,000–¥330,000 including rent, while a family of four can exceed ¥900,000 depending on location and schools. See a recent third‑party tracker for breakdowns (always verify with current listings): Cost of Living in Tokyo.

International Student Statistics

Most recent disclosed counts (as of May 1): 2024 shows 50 international undergraduates, 7 international master’s students, and 2 international doctoral students (total 59). That’s roughly ~2.1% of the undergraduate body (50/2,349 in 2025) and ~2.4% overall (59/2,420). Cohorts typically include students from Asia, Europe, and North America. Source: International Students 2024 (PDF) and the latest student totals. Student numbers.

Career & Graduate Prospects

Placement Rates & Typical Employers

USH reports strong undergraduate outcomes. For the 2024 graduating class, official disclosures list 557 graduates, with 477 employed and 39 progressing to further study (as of May 1 basis). See the data PDF and career pages for recent employer lists and sector breakdowns. Career Data (site) / 2024 Career Outcomes (PDF).

External Recognition & Alumni

USH has been highlighted in Japan-wide employment rankings among women’s universities; for example, the university reported a national #4 placement in the “400 major companies employment rate” list in 2024 and again in 2025 news updates. See official university news: 2024 ranking news 和 2025 follow‑up. Alumni include globally active public servants, educators, and media professionals.

Admissions & Language Readiness (Quick Notes)

Classes at USH are conducted mainly in Japanese. For exchange admission, the International Center typically expects 日本语能力测试 N2 (or equivalent competence). Tuition for degree programs is relatively moderate by international standards (see Quick Facts). For short‑term exchange, coordinate with your home institution and USH’s International Center well in advance. Overview: International Center (EN) / Tuition & Fees.

Why Short‑List Seishin?

Small size + central Tokyo means seminar‑level attention without sacrificing city energy. Liberal‑arts training builds transferable skills; SHISF and the global Sacred Heart network add purpose and reach. If you already read and discuss academic content in Japanese (N2+), USH offers a rare mix of immersion, mentorship和 outcomes—from major employers to graduate study.