If you are under 20, please refrain from entering.
Also known as hongo-/-around-the-university-of-tokyo
Hongo / Around the University of Tokyo is the part of Bunkyo that grew up along Hongo-dori around the University of Tokyo, founded in 1877. This page covers getting there, how the area formed and the local touting rules.
Bunkyo ward uses the ticket gates at Hongo-sanchome Station as the meeting point for its walking course. The culture and literature route takes in the University of Tokyo’s Akamon gate, Sanshiro Pond and Yasuda Auditorium.
The Bunkyo Furusato Historical Museum explains that after the University of Tokyo was founded in 1877, bookshops and eateries aimed at students came to line Hongo-dori. The ward's own tourism guide describes the university as the place from which Japan's modern civilisation spread.
No venue is listed on this page yet; once one is added it will appear here. For now the listings of the Akihabara/Kanda area sit on that area's page, and by district they are on the Akihabara page.
The Metropolitan Police’s published page lists Yushima 3-chome as the only designated touting zone in Bunkyo ward; no Hongo block appears on it (31 March 2016).
Hongo / Around the University of Tokyo is generally fine for a night out. The main risk is bottakuri, a padded bill at the end. Stick to venues that post their prices, skip street touts steering you into ‘free’ bars, and confirm the set fee plus any nomination or bottle charges before you order.
Payment methods vary by venue. Check the listing and confirm with the venue before booking.
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