Study and Research Life in Japan

Welcome to the Actuation Lab, Ritsumeikan University!

The Actuation Laboratory (Kakogawa Laboratory) is located on the Biwako-Kusatsu Campus (BKC) of Ritsumeikan University, one of the four major private universities in the Kansai region of Japan. This campus is situated in Kusatsu City, Shiga Prefecture, which is home to Japan’s largest lake, Lake Biwa, and is adjacent to the historic city of Kyoto.

Below is some basic information about life in Japan, focusing on the four essential aspects: clothing, food, housing, and transportation.

Clothing (Shopping and Daily Necessities)

Within a 3 km radius of the university, there are several large supermarkets such as Seiyu and AEON, where you can buy fresh food, daily necessities, and other items. Convenience stores are also commonly found throughout Japan and offer a wide range of small daily goods.
For purchasing clothing or luxury items, cities like Kyoto or Osaka are recommended.
The campus also has a convenience store and a shop for daily goods, making it easy to purchase what you need without leaving the university.

Food (Meals on Campus)

There are three dining halls on campus, each with its own unique style, allowing you to choose according to your taste.
The dining halls are open all day, so you can eat at your convenience. One of them offers a nutritious breakfast for 100 yen (approx. $0.65 USD).
Other meals cost about 400 yen per meal (approx. $2.60 USD) on average.
There are also convenience stores and fast food outlets on campus, though prices may be slightly higher. Bringing your own lunch box is also an option.

Housing (Accommodation)

There are three main ways for international students to secure housing in Japan:

  1. University Dormitory for International Students
    • Apply at least 3 months before arriving in Japan
    • Monthly rent: approx. 50,000 JPY (approx. $320 USD)
  2. University Co-op Housing (after arrival)
    • Monthly rent: approx. 50,000–80,000 JPY (approx. $320–$515 USD)
  3. Private Real Estate Agencies (after arrival)
    • Monthly rent: approx. 30,000–50,000 JPY (approx. $195–$320 USD)

Most one-room apartments in Japan for single occupants are around 20 square meters in size and are generally clean and well-maintained.
They usually come with air conditioning, a kitchen, a bathroom, a toilet, and a balcony.
Furniture and other household items typically need to be purchased separately.
For specific details, please refer to the listings provided by the real estate agency.

Transportation

There are public buses available within Kusatsu City. If you live nearby, walking to the university is a healthy and convenient option.
Cycling is also a good alternative, especially for those comfortable with riding uphill to campus.
Kusatsu has two JR (Japan Railway) stations, so if you prefer to live in a larger city like Kyoto, you can take the JR to Minami-Kusatsu Station and transfer to a bus to reach the campus.
Transportation in Kusatsu is generally convenient and accessible.

Estimated Costs for Studying in Japan (Example)

Tuition Fees (Annual)
  • Master’s Program: approx. 1,200,000 JPY (approx. $8,350 USD)
  • Doctoral Program: approx. 500,000 JPY (approx. $3,200 USD)

※ From the third year of the Master’s program and the fourth year of the Doctoral program, tuition is significantly reduced.
※ Partial or full tuition waivers are available (see scholarship section).

Details:
https://en.ritsumei.ac.jp/gsse/cl/link.html/#admission

Living Expenses (Monthly Average): approx. 80,000 JPY (approx. $515 USD)
  • Rent: approx. 30,000 JPY (approx. $195 USD)
  • Food: approx. 30,000 JPY (approx. $195 USD)
  • Others (transportation, utilities, communication, etc.): approx. 20,000 JPY (approx. $130 USD)

Since Japan has a relatively high cost of living, international students are encouraged to apply for scholarships and may also engage in part-time work to help cover living expenses.

For more detailed information, please refer to the International Student Handbook:

http://en.ritsumei.ac.jp/lifecareer/file/ru-intl-student-handbook.pdf

Scholarships

Ritsumeikan University offers a variety of tuition reduction programs and scholarships funded by external organizations to significantly reduce the cost of studying in Japan.

In particular, University-Recommended Scholarships are available for self-financed international students and cover a wide range of both internal and external scholarships.
Application periods are usually held twice a year, in April and October. Orientation sessions are held after enrollment, and students are strongly encouraged to attend.
Some external scholarships can also be applied for directly by submitting materials to the sponsoring foundations.

Scholarships Overview:
http://en.ritsumei.ac.jp/e-ug/financial_info/scholarships.html
http://en.ritsumei.ac.jp/current-students/pdf/IntlStudentHandbookScholarshipsSection.pdf

To Those Who Would Like to Study in Actuation Lab

We always welcome young researchers join in our group. We, however, request the students to send us their years’ research plan for their graduate studies before enrollment. It is because we are willing the students to get their degree without any problem.　

TOP