Temple Japan offers a specialized spring semester architecture program for students majoring in architecture, architectural studies, and urban design/studies. The program is designed to introduce you to the world of Japanese architecture – its history, traditions and influences, as well as its highly unique contemporary forms, challenges, practices and innovations. Beginning in Spring 2025, this program will be hosted in Kyoto.

Japan possesses one of the most exciting architectural landscapes in the world, encompassing exquisite wooden temples, minuscule micro-houses and futuristic skyscrapers on seismic fault lines. Yet Japan is also facing unprecedented architectural challenges; such as the rebuilding of Tohoku, rapidly changing demographics, global economic uncertainty and ever-increasing issues related to the environment and sustainability. What Japan does next in terms of the built environment and urban planning will be watched by architects worldwide. 

Key Features

• You will register for the following architecture classes:
  • A six-credit design studio course (ARCH 3233/8233 | Architecture Design Studio) provides the academic cornerstone for architecture students.  
  • An additional three-credit architecture seminar (ARCH 3242/8242 | Urban Seminar in Japan) is required for all architecture students. 
• You will gain an understanding of the history and sources of Japanese architecture and urbanism and become conversant in contemporary thought and practice in Japanese architecture and urban planning. 
• Kyoto itself will become your classroom, as you'll engage in frequent class trips in the city with your professors and guest lecturers. 
• You will complement your study with rotating offerings of related non-studio architectural course offerings in various disciplines. 
• Please note that the work for the Design Studio is mostly digital; students do not have access to dedicated studio space. 
• A typical course load is 12-18 credit hours. 
• You're strongly encouraged to consider taking Japanese language and/or Asian Studies courses. 

In addition, students who wish to enroll in the six-credit design course must submit a portfolio.
 

Application Notes

With a structured curriculum, architecture students often ask when they should attend Temple Japan. Below is a guide, but please contact Education Abroad if you have questions about the appropriate term for you.

• Applicants should note that they may be considered for a different term or  campus (if the program in Japan fills, you may be considered for the program at Temple Rome). You will be asked to indicate if you would like to be considered for either term and location in the application. More information about the program in Rome can be found on the Architecture and Urban Studies at Temple Rome website.  
   

Application Deadlines