Tokyo is the center of Japanese culture, and is home to one-third of the universities, as well as the most important cultural institutions, in the country. The city is rich in history, and at the same time it generates a very modern energy with all of its lights, noise and crowds. Streets are crowded day and night, yet it is one of the safest cities in the world.

Tokyo is situated on the largest of the Japanese islands, at the mouth of the Sumidagawa River. The city had its beginnings in the 16th century when it was a small fishing village known as "Edo." Feudal lord Tokugawa Ieyasu took Edo over in the next century, making it the largest city in the world. Tokugawa Ieyasu was an isolationist, and the area remained in isolation for more than 250 years. In 1853, Commodore Matthew Perry arrived and forced Japan to open up to foreign trade.

Emperor Meji renamed Edo "Tokyo" in 1868 at the dawn of the city's industrialization. The population of the city continued to grow. However, in 1923, the Kanto earthquake and its subsequent fires destroyed much of the city. Tokyo rebuilt, only to face another reconstruction after World War II. Rebuilding continued as Tokyo hosted the 1964 Olympic Games.

Those who study abroad will find that although Japanese is the official language, English words can be seen everywhere, including on store and public transit signs. Tokyo, while referred to as a "city" in the English language, is actually a "prefecture," or a state with a governor. The city is divided into separate, distinct neighborhoods, all of which are easily accessible by the public transportation system.

Tokyo's commerce sections include Sinjuku, Shibuya and Ginza. Western Tokyo is the city's arts and fashion center. Fashion is big business in the city, as Ginza is home to the headquarters of both Chanel and Gucci. If you are looking for great dining, Shibuya, Sinjuku, Roppongi and Aoyama are premier destinations.

Shinuya Station is perhaps one of the most famous areas in all of Tokyo. It is similar to Times Square in New York, with its huge crowds and jumbo video screens which adorn the sides of the large, modern buildings. More than 2 million people pass through Shinuya Station each day.

Most who work in Tokyo commute from nearby suburbs on the famously packed public transportation system. The Metro system includes buses, taxis and subways. Foreigners should note that there are no street signs in Tokyo, so expect to get lost the first couple times you travel to a place.

The Japanese people are some of the most pleasant worldwide. They are known as major gift-givers, and it is tradition to bring a gift to the home of someone you are visiting. The Japanese take punctuality very seriously, and are helpful and kind to strangers. Tokyo natives tend to be very mild-mannered, and this perhaps has something to do with the low rate of violence and crime in the city.

If you want to attend college in Japan, you must become familiar with the processes and begin them early. The admissions process for foreign students who want to study in Japan can be confusing. The Japanese Student Services Organization can be of great help in this area. The admission process of international students varies depending upon the institution.

Most international students must pass entrance exams designated by universities as a part of the admissions process. The Examination for Japanese University Admission for International Students consists of academic proficiency tests in areas including mathematics, physics and chemistry. International students must also demonstrate proficiency in the Japanese language. This is especially important because university classes are taught in Japanese, not in English.

For example, the University of Tokyo requires international students to pass the same entrance exams as the native students. Screening tests are administered, in which students must prove their mastery of Japanese. In addition, all international students must obtain a residence visa to study in Tokyo. However, they will find student housing abundant.

Studying abroad in Tokyo is exciting and fulfilling. To investigate exactly what you need in order to be admitted to a Japanese university, go to the international students' portion of the website of each individual university in which you are interested. In addition, visit the website of the Japanese embassy nearest to you to find out more about what it takes to enjoy studying in Tokyo. While it may be a bit of a trick process to get the proper authorization, it will be well worth it in the end, as you will get the benefit of studying in an area that is not only one of the most modern in the world, but is also steeped in fascinating history. It doesn't get much more interesting than that.

Resources -

U.S. Embassy in Tokyo: http://tokyo.usembassy.gov/
Tokyo University of Foreign Studies: http://www.tufs.ac.jp/index-e.html
Tokyo University of Technology: http://www.teu.ac.jp/english/
Planet Tokyo: http://www.planettokyo.com
Tokyo Metropolitan Government Official Tourism Site: http://www.tourism.metro.tokyo.jp
Tokyo Journal (ex-pat magazine): http://www.tokyo.to
Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarship Program: http://www.iie.org/gilman
National Security Education Program: http://www.iie.org/NSEP