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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.

About the Temple Japan Architecture program

Expand the menu items below for more details about the Temple Japan Architecture program in Kyoto. For program dates and costs, as well as information about health and safety and faculty and staff support, please visit the main Temple University, Japan Campus page. 

Academic Program

Key Features

  • You will register for the following architecture classes:
    • A six-credit design studio course (ARCH 3233/8233 | Architecture Design Studio in Japan) 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. A planned excursion to Tokyo will further enhance your studies.
  • You will complement your study with rotating course offerings in various disciplines.
  • A typical course load is 12-18 credit hours. 
  • You're strongly encouraged to consider taking Japanese language and/or Asian Studies courses. 

Best term to study at Temple Japan

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.

Student BackgroundTerm to Study Abroad at Temple Japan
Temple architecture majorsTypically junior or senior year; master of architecture students may also participate.
Temple facilities management majorsYou may take the three-credit architecture seminar during your semester in Japan and should discuss the best timing with your academic advisor.
Non-Temple architecture majorsConsult with your home institution to determine the appropriate semester to study abroad.
Location and Facilties

The new TUJ campus will be housed in a multi-building complex on the campus of Seibo Jogakuin (Seibo) school. Seibo’s campus in Kyoto is less than 1 kilometer from the famous Fushimi Inari shrine and is close to public transportation for easy access to nearby towns and the train to Tokyo.  

Housing

Students will be able to take advantage of TUJ-arranged housing, or can choose to find their own housing in Kyoto or nearby Osaka. 

Eligibility Requirements

Temple programs are open to qualified students matriculated at any U.S. or Canadian college or university.

You are eligible to apply if you meet the following requirements.

Are enrolled fulltime and will have completed 2 semesters before studying abroad
  • You are enrolled as a full-time matriculated student at the time of application as well as during the semester prior to studying abroad.
  • You will have completed at least two (2) semesters of college-level study by the program start.
Are in good academic standing and meet minimum GPA requirement for the program

You meet minimum cumulative GPA requirement, on a 4.0 scale from all colleges/universities attended. The requirement varies by program:

  • Temple Semester Programs: 2.75 (Rome Internships: 3.0)
  • Temple Summer Programs: 2.5
  • Exchange Programs: 2.75
  • External Programs: 2.5

You remain in good academic standing from the time of application until the start of your term abroad; students on academic warning are not eligible to participate.

Have a valid passport

You will need a passport, valid well beyond the length of your program, by the application deadline.

View deadlines and validity requirements for your host country.

Are in good disciplinary standing

You must be in good disciplinary standing at the time of application and remain so through the start of your term abroad. Students who have been found responsible for a code of conduct violation and will not be in good disciplinary standing (including disciplinary probation) may submit a petition for review.

Meet the minimum age requirement

You are at least 18 years old at the time of application.

For Temple Japan Architecture, there are no additional eligibility requirements. 

Application Requirements

The standard application requirements pertain to all students applying to Temple programs.

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

    Admissions Timeline

    Temple and non-Temple students may apply up to the standard application deadline. Application review will begin after the application deadline, not on a rolling admissions basis. After the application deadline, you should expect a decision within (2) weeks. 

    Additional application notes

    • If the program in Japan fills, you may be considered for the architecture 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.  
    • Non-Temple students are strongly encouraged to apply by the priority deadline, as the process to obtain the required Certificate of Eligibility (COE) is lengthy. If you apply by standard application deadline, you must be ready to submit your COE materials immediately upon submission of your application. Education Abroad will provide guidance and instructions.

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