Fordham in Tokyo

ARHI 2229: Japanese Art and Visual Culture in Tokyo

Fordham University offers a summer course in Tokyo, Japan, introducing students to the rich history and culture of the city through walking tours, museum visits, and so much more.

Deadline: February 1st

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Program Details

  • Tokyo is a vibrant global metropolis that seamlessly blends ancient traditions with futuristic innovation. It is the world's most populous metropolitan area, with over 37 million people living in the Greater Tokyo Area. The city's culture is a captivating mix of traditional arts like kabuki and ikebana, cutting-edge technology, and a world-renowned culinary scene, all while maintaining a strong sense of politeness and community.

  • ARHI 2229:  Japanese Art and Visual Culture in Tokyo 
    Asato Ikeda
    This intensive course offers a comprehensive exploration of Japanese art and visual culture from ancient religious art to contemporary practices. Through a combination of classroom lectures, guided museum visits, and reflective discussions, students will engage with key artistic periods, from the early Buddhist and Shinto traditions to medieval scroll painting, ukiyo-e prints, modern art, and the avant-garde.

    The course will incorporate excursions to major cultural sites and museums in Tokyo, such as the Tokyo National Museum, the National Museum of Modern Art, and Edo-Tokyo Museum, providing students with firsthand experience of the artworks studied in class.
     
     

  • You will live in housing that is centrally located within Tokyo, in areas with shops and transportation and within reach of city attractions.  Fordham University will bill participants a Program Fee that will cover the cost of housing during the program. Students are housed in single student apartments which offer a walk or commute by public transport to classes. 

  • Participants will attend a pre-departure orientation with both Fordham faculty and study abroad administrators in preparation for their summer experience in Tokyo. Upon arrival, students attend an on-site orientation to introduce them to accommodations, culture and safety. Throughout the program, students will rarely be seen in the confines of the classroom, but instead, out and about exploring the richness of Japanese life, art and culture through visits to historic sites, walking tours, and special excursions throughout the city.

  • Summer 2026

    June 29th: Arrival & Orientation

    July 24th: Departure