Visit Japan
Japan is a fantastic place for aspiring veterinarians to undertake their studies. It is full of unique wonders and hosts some of the best veterinary universities.
Japan is an amazing place to live and study. It provides a blend of Eastern traditions and Western modernity.
Veterinary medicine is an essential profession around the world. This is reflected by the opportunities provided by these universities. Here are 17 veterinary universities to study a DVM.
A List of Veterinary Schools That Are Big in Japan
Kanagawa
Azabu University
Azabu University is a private veterinary school located in Sagamihara. It was founded as the Tokyo Veterinary Training School in 1890 and then renamed Azabu in 1894. It has been offering six-year degrees in veterinary science since 1984. It is one of the 16 members of Japan’s National University Veterinary Association Representation Council.
Azabu University operates under the motto of “Mankind, Animals, and the Environment.” Furthermore, it has a philosophy of “Explore academically and practice conscientiously.”
The department of veterinary medicine offers specialisms in five fields. This includes basic, pathological, environmental, livestock, and clinical veterinary medicine.
The Department of Veterinary Medicine includes the Undergraduate School of Veterinary Science. This is a six-year undergraduate degree in veterinary medicine.
The university’s goal is to foster veterinarians well-versed in the fields of animal husbandry and public health.
Their integrated education includes five areas of specialist training. This is categorized into five primary areas:
- Basic Veterinary Medicine
- Pathological Veterinary Medicine
- Environmental Veterinary Medicine
- Livestock Veterinary Medicine
- Clinical Veterinary Medicine
The Department of Veterinary Medicine also has a Graduate School of Veterinary Science. This is a four-year doctorate degree in veterinary medicine.
This places a higher focus on problem-solving abilities and practical skills. Training is provided to nurture advanced clinical veterinarians, scientists, and educators. In addition, the doctorate aims to deepen research into a wide range of veterinary medicines.
Azabu University has a close connection with Azabu Teaching Hospital. This provides hands-on clinical learning. The hospital treats around 20,000 companion animals each year. It also treats considerable numbers of dairy and beef cattle. Since 2010, it has had a companion dog laboratory.
The university has many facilities to support campus life. This includes a sports center, museum hall, animal housing area, and research center.
Azabu University ranks #151 in Japan.
Gifu
Gifu University
Gifu University was founded in 1949 and is located in Central Japan, between Tokyo and Kyoto.
In 1990, the United Graduate School of Veterinary Sciences (UGSVS) was established. This is a collaboration with Tottori University, Obihiro University of Agriculture and Veterinary Medicine, and Gifu University.
The UGSVS incorporates the programs at each of these universities into a single four-year doctoral course. Within the course, four fields of major study are offered. This includes:
- Basic Veterinary Science
- Pathogenetic Veterinary Science
- Applied Veterinary Science
- Clinical Veterinary Science
Basic Veterinary Science trains students to contribute to the advancement of veterinary sciences. There is a focus on morphology and functions in vertebrates. It also targets the fundamentals of pathogenetic, applied, and clinical veterinary sciences.
Life-science mechanisms are studied from the viewpoint of comparative biology. Students gain solid experience with many animal species.
Pathogenetic Veterinary Science integrates the fundamentals of anatomy and physiology. This aids in the study of structures and functions in health and disease. A focus is placed on the elucidation of disease mechanisms and prevention of disease. The field is divided into pharmacology and pathology.
Applied Veterinary Science emphasizes the relationships among organisms etiologies and their environment. This determines the outbreak of disease. It includes comprehensive study and analysis at the molecular, individual, and population levels. The knowledge is then applied to research animal health and welfare, food safety, zoonoses, and productivity.
Clinical Veterinary Science focuses on etiologies, mechanisms, and pathophysiology of diseases. Knowledge of basic, pathogenetic, and applied veterinary science is used to develop techniques for diagnosis, therapy, and prophylaxis of disease.
The UGSVS has several departments and institutes to facilitate learning. The National Institute of Infectious Diseases focuses on preventative medicine. It conducts extensive research concerning a variety of contagious diseases.
The National Institute of Health Sciences conducts basic research on various products’ quality, efficiency, and safety.
The National Institute of Animal Health conducts research and development projects relating to animal diseases. This covers basic research, diagnosis, treatment, and prevention. The NIAH takes pride in protecting the health of all living creatures.
The Japan Racing Association Equine Research Institute conducts a broad range of equine-related research. This includes sports sciences, sports injuries, infectious disease prevention, and race track facilities.
The Central Institute for Experimental Animals aims to contribute to the health and welfare of animals and humans. This is done via research of human diseases and clarification of their causes from the use of laboratory animals.
Gifu University has its campus-based in Yanagida on the outskirts of Gifu, Japan. The university campus is home to all of the faculties, the main library, and a medical library.
Gifu University ranks #66 in Japan.
Hokkaido
Hokkaido University
The School of Veterinary Medicine was established in 1952. The main Sapporo campus is located just north of Sapporo Station, in the heart of Sapporo City.
Hokkaido University offers a six-year undergraduate degree in veterinary medicine. The degree is structured to provide foundational knowledge that is then built upon.
The first year offers various lectures for general education. This includes courses in Humanities and Social/Natural Sciences, among others. It is recommended to attend these lectures to become well-refined. In addition, during the summer holidays, introductory veterinary medicine lectures are intensively offered.
In the second year, foundations are placed as students partake in a range of basic veterinary sciences. This includes anatomy, physiology, biochemistry, pharmacology, genetics, immunology, microbiology, and laboratory animal science.
This allows students to gain knowledge of structure and function. It also places a focus on responses in animal bodies and the basis of animal disease.
The third year places a focus on the pathogens that cause animal disease. It emphasizes diagnosis and prevention/treatment of infectious diseases. This involves lectures and practical training on virology, bacteriology, parasitology, epidemiology, pathology, and wildlife zoology.
The fourth year focuses on environmental and applied veterinary sciences. This includes public health, toxicology, food hygiene, epidemiology, and zoonoses.
It also delves into animal husbandry-related subjects such as food nutrition and farm animal management. Students also take subjects related to clinical veterinary medicine such as surgery, internal medicine, and theriogenology.
The fifth and sixth years respectively focus on clinical veterinary medicine. In addition, students are required to attend clinical rotations. This is conducted at university teaching hospitals in Sapporo and Obihiro. Students also join research laboratories where they take advanced courses.
Hokkaido University’s Department of Veterinary Medicine also has a Graduate School of Veterinary Medicine. This provides a four-year doctorate degree in veterinary medicine.
This places a focus on advanced veterinary sciences and emphasizes four specialist branches. This includes:
- Basic Veterinary Sciences
- Applied Veterinary Sciences
- Environmental Veterinary Sciences
- Clinical Sciences
Hokkaido University provides various learning opportunities through the Department of Veterinary Medicine. The Veterinary Teaching Hospital was established as the Livestock Hospital in 1912. It has since played a leading role in dairy cattle husbandry and livestock medical treatment.
The Veterinary Teaching Hospital is fully equipped to meet the needs of the region as a core hospital. In addition, the Veterinary Teaching Hospital is used for undergraduate clinical rotations and postgraduate research.
The Department of Veterinary Medicine also has an Animal Facility and Ethics Education in Animal Experimentation. This allows graduate students to be trained towards an international ethics education for animal experimentation.
The Facility for Farm Animals was built in 2017 for the primary purpose of student practices. It focuses on the treatment of cows and horses. This includes a loose barn, outdoor paddock, specialized horse treatment area, and hospital stalls.
The Facility for Infection and Hazardous Substance Pathology was built in 2017. It aims to improve and advance practical training in the field of infectious diseases and environmental toxicity.
The Veterinary Specimen Room contains an impressive collection of specimens. Samples are displayed related to research and education.
It focuses on anatomy, pathology, wildlife science, and parasitology. Specimens are presented in glass bottles with skeletal preparations. Detailed anatomical drawings are also present depicting blood vessels and joint cavities.
The Sapporo campus offers abundant opportunities for students. There are over 250 clubs and societies to choose from, sporting events, museums, and university festivals. There are also a variety of university dormitories available to stay on campus.
Hokkaido University ranks #6 in Japan.
Obihiro University of Agriculture and Veterinary Medicine
Obihiro University of Agriculture and Veterinary Medicine was founded in 1941. It is now a member of the United Graduate School of Veterinary Sciences.
The four-year doctoral program of veterinary science prepares students to play a leading role in education and research. It aims to contribute to the enhancement of food safety as well as animal and human health. Students who complete this program are ready to engage in cutting-edge research or work as clinical veterinarians.
Obihiro University of Agriculture and Veterinary Medicine provides a library, laboratories, and dormitories on campus. It ranks #71 in Japan.
Rakuno Gakuen University
Rakuno Gakuen University was established in 1960 with the Department of Dairy Science. It is located in Ebetsu, Hokkaido. Rakuno Gakuen University was developed with the concept of “tri-love” rooted in Christianity as the pillar of education. The school has since strived to nurture individuals who have a rich sense of humanity and academic expertise.
Rakuno Gakuen University aims to foster veterinarians who engage in medical care for livestock. The Department of Veterinary Medicine is a six-year degree. It trains veterinarians from the clinical level to advanced research. In addition, it places a strong focus on creating practical veterinarians for animals and public health protection.
Rakuno Gakuen University also offers a four-year doctorate degree in veterinary medicine. The Graduate School of Veterinary Medicine focuses on three specialties, namely:
- Basic Veterinary Medicine
- Clinical Veterinary Medicine
- Applied Veterinary Medicine
Rakuno Gakuen University ranks #157 in Japan.
Iwate
Iwate University
Iwate University was established in 1949; however, it has foundations dating back to 1876. Three rivers, the Kitakami River, the Nakatsu River, and the Shizukuishi River, merge in the city’s center. This ensures the university is surrounded by several historical sights and untouched nature, and green spaces.
Iwate University is a member of the Cooperative Department of Veterinary Medicine. This was formed in conjunction with the Tokyo University of Agriculture and Technology. They offer a six-year undergraduate degree which accepts 40 students per year.
The degree places a focus on the improvement of animal health and welfare. This applies to both companion animals and the protection of wild animaIn addition, it. It aims to contribute to the advancement of life sciences. This is done via research into the treatment and prevention of animal diseases.
The veterinary department was reorganized in 2002 to be a hub for veterinary medicine in Eastern Japan.
The Cooperative Division of Veterinary Sciences is a four-year doctoral program. It also works in collaboration with the Tokyo University of Agriculture and Technology. The program aims to foster highly specialized professionals in the field of veterinary medicine.
Iwate University also provides unique educational experiences. This includes diverse education and research environments, a curriculum considering regional issues, student-run programs, international exchange, and career development support.
The Iwate University Veterinary Teaching Hospital is pivotal in providing clinical experience for students. In addition, the Food Animal Medicine and Food Safety Research Centre is also a hub for research.
Iwate University supports campus life. A variety of events warmly welcomes international students. This includes a garden party, kimono experience, field study, and social events with residents. There is also a range of on-campus accommodation.
There are several museums on campus. This includes the Historical Museum for Agricultural Education and the University Museum. Additional facilities for extracurricular student activities are located on campus. These comprise athletic fields, tennis courts, gyms, and a swimming pool.
Iwate University ranks #87 in Japan.
Kagoshima
Kagoshima University
Kagoshima University originated from the Hangaku Zoshikan School, which was established in 1773. It was established as a national university in 1949. Since then, it has been committed to empowering its students to contribute to the future positively.
Kagoshima University exists in the best geographical area for veterinary education. The school is located in the center of Kagoshima City and is surrounded by an eminent stock-raising zone. Therefore, there is plenty of companion and livestock animals available for clinical training.
Kagoshima University offers both an undergraduate and postgraduate degree in veterinary medicine.
The Joint Faculty of Veterinary Medicine is a six-year undergraduate degree. It focuses on:
- Basic Veterinary Science
- Pathogenetic and Preventative Veterinary Science
- Clinical Veterinary Science
First-year students take general courses to build a foundation of knowledge of veterinary science. From their second to the fifth year, students take uniform courses which comprise the core of their specialized education.
From their fourth to sixth years, students take more evolved courses, including:
- Animal Life Science
- Disease Control
- Companion Animal Clinical Veterinary Medicine
- Farm Animal Clinical Veterinary Medicine
The Joint Faculty of Veterinary Medicine offers inter-university curricula with Yamaguchi University.
Kagoshima University and Yamaguchi University also offer the Joint Graduate School of Veterinary Medicine. The four-year doctorate consists of two, two-year courses.
The Veterinary Science Course includes advanced research components. This is in primary veterinary medicine, applied veterinary medicine, and clinical veterinary medicine.
The Veterinary Specialisation Course aims to cultivate specialists in experimental animal medicine. It places a focus on pathologists working on disease control through pathological diagnosis.
The Veterinary Teaching Hospital is an educational facility affiliated with Kagoshima University. The hospital treats farm and companion animals. In addition, it includes services such as general practice, internal medicine, surgery, and much more.
The Equine Medical Centre was established in 2008 to provide a full range of medical care for horses. In addition, a Small Animal Medical Centre and Large Animal Medical Centre were opened in 2017.
Kagoshima University also has academic exchange agreements with 146 institutions in 34 countries. This allows the advancement of education, research, and student exchange.
Kagoshima University ranks #81 in Japan.
Tokyo
Kitasato University
Kitasato University was established in 1962. This was to mark the 50th anniversary of the Kitasato Institute. The Kitasato Institute was Japan’s first private medical research facility.
Kitasato University offers both an undergraduate and postgraduate degree in veterinary medicine.
The School of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Sciences has a history of over 40 years. This is held at the Towada Campus. It offers a six-year undergraduate degree in veterinary medicine. Each year, around 100 applicants are accepted into the program.
The Graduate School of Veterinary Sciences offers a four-year doctorate. This allows for further specialization in veterinary medicine or animal science.
Facilities for the School of Veterinary Medicine include a Veterinary Teaching Hospital. This caters to both small and large animals.
Kitasato University is located in Shirokane, Tokyo. The campus provides a student hall, multipurpose gym, riding ground, and library.
Kitasato University ranks #121 in Japan.
Tokyo University of Agriculture and Technology
Tokyo University of Agriculture and Technology was established in 1944. The main campus is based in Fuchu, Tokyo. It offers both an undergraduate and postgraduate degree in veterinary medicine.
Tokyo University of Agriculture and Technology is a member of the Cooperative Department of Veterinary Medicine. This inter-university curriculum is shared with Iwate University. The Cooperative Department of Veterinary Medicine offers a six-year undergraduate degree.
The Tokyo University of Agriculture and Technology is also a member of the Cooperative Division of Veterinary Sciences. At Iwate University, they offer a four-year doctoral degree.
Tokyo University of Agriculture and Technology has additional facilities to aid learning. This includes the Animal Medical Centre and Research and Education Centre for Prevention of Global Infectious Diseases of Animals.
The Fuchu campus offers a vibrant environment outside of studies. There is an equestrian club, dream’s market, gene research center, and library. The Fuchu campus also offers on-campus accommodation.
Tokyo University of Agriculture and Technology ranks #20 in Japan.
Nihon University
Nihon University originated from Nihon Law School, which was established in 1889. The university is at the forefront of education and research.
Nihon University has 15 individual campuses in Tokyo and its surrounding areas. It comprises 14 colleges and 22 graduate schools. Nihon University only offers a four-year doctoral degree in veterinary medicine.
The Graduate School of Veterinary Medicine aims to train researchers, educators, and clinicians. The degree is divided into six fields:
- Veterinary Comparative Morphology
- Veterinary Comparative Function Studies
- Veterinary Contagion Control Studies
- Preventative Veterinary Medicine
- Veterinary Condition Control Studies
- Veterinary Condition Information Studies
The Graduate School of Veterinary Medicine is affiliated with the Animal Medical Centre and Laboratory Animal Research Centre. Both are located on the Shonan Campus. These facilities are utilized to study advanced specialist skills and practical techniques.
Nihon University offers a variety of campus facilities. Nihon University ranks #141 in Japan.
Nippon Veterinary and Life Science University
Nippon Veterinary and Life Sciences University was founded in 1881. It was the first private veterinary school in Japan. It offers both an undergraduate and postgraduate degree in veterinary medicine.
The School of Veterinary Medicine offers a six-year undergraduate veterinary degree. The degree focuses on five divisions:
- Basic veterinary medicine
- Pathological veterinary medicine
- Clinical veterinary medicine
- Veterinary medicine for disease prevention
- General education of veterinary medicine
It trains veterinarians to respond to the needs of society. In addition, the School of Veterinary Medicine fosters practical skills through its curriculum.
The Graduate School of Veterinary Medicine offers a four-year doctoral degree. Students can specialize in one of the following four fields:
- Veterinary Science I
- Veterinary Science II
- Clinical Veterinary Medicine
- Applied Veterinary Medicine
Veterinary Science I is intended to elucidate the essence of life activities. It aims to clarify the components of various animals. This includes molecular structure and functional roles.
Veterinary Science II investigates animal diseases and the physical and chemical etiological factors. There is a strong focus on the detection of disease. Significance is placed on the mechanism of action and pathogenesis of illness.
Clinical Veterinary Medicine investigates commercial, companion, laboratory, zoo, wild and aquatic animals. This course aims to establish a high level of diagnostic ability and medical treatment.
Applied Veterinary Medicine studies illness from a biological viewpoint. It intends to investigate the environmental welfare between people and animals. In addition, it examines the coexistence of humans and animals and the prevention of zoonotic infections.
The Veterinary Medical Teaching Hospital is affiliated with the University. The teaching hospital has three major objectives: practice, education, and research. The teaching hospital is well equipped with state-of-the-art facilities.
The hospital departments comprise internal medicine, surgery, radiology, theriogenology, and many more. Students on clinical rotations actively partake in consultations, surgeries, treatments. The hospital also operates as a research center. This evaluates new diagnostic methods and treatment trials.
On the outskirts of Mt. Fuji, Nippon Veterinary and Life Science University have an Animal Research Farm. The farm area consists of six hectares with ruminants, horses, and dogs. The research farm provides opportunities for students to study large animal sciences. This includes food animal husbandry, handling techniques, and medical procedures.
The Wildlife Museum was established in 2015. It aims to exhibit the achievements of academic pursuits publicly. It also serves as an institution of learning. There are two departments, the Historical Department and Nature Department.
Nippon Veterinary and Life Science University ranks #201 in Japan.
University of Tokyo
The University of Tokyo was first established in 1874. It was first known as the Agricultural Training School of the Ministry of Home Affairs. It was then renamed the University of Tokyo in 1947.
The University of Tokyo offers a six-year Bachelor of Veterinary Medicine degree. It also provides a four-year doctoral degree in Veterinary Medical Sciences.
Veterinary medicine covers wide areas of life sciences. It includes medicine for animals but also covers the biology of mammals and higher vertebrates. Thus, both degrees emphasize two large areas of science.
Basic science is studied to understand the mechanisms of underlying biological phenomena. Applied science is studied to satisfy the social demands for maintaining and improving human and animal welfare.
The Department of Veterinary Medicine collaborates with the Veterinary Medical Centre. This is located on the Yayoi campus. The Veterinary Medical Centre was established in 1880. It is a state-of-the-art facility for veterinary medicine.
The Veterinary Medical Centre plays a vital role in educating undergraduate students. Graduate students also carry out their research at their affiliated clinical laboratories. They utilize information on diseases specialized to their fields.
The University of Tokyo also has an Animal Resource Science Centre. It was established in 1949 as a livestock farm for student learning. It is located in Kasama, Ibaraki Prefecture. The Centre provides education in the form of practical training and seminars.
The University of Tokyo features numerous top-class facilities for on-campus life. Cultural facilities include libraries, museums, and botanical gardens. Sporting facilities include gyms, fields, swimming pools, and athletic facilities.
The University of Tokyo ranks #3 in Japan.
Okayama
Okayama University of Science
The Okayama University of Science was established in 1964. However, the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine was only opened in 2018. It currently offers a six-year undergraduate degree in veterinary medicine.
The Faculty of Veterinary Medicine aims to nurture individuals fitting for the veterinary profession. These individuals have a high sense of bioethics and humanism, a global perspective, and a hope for advancing the field of science.
The Okayama University of Science has a vibrant campus life to support students. This includes facilities such as a career support center, health care center, counseling room, fitness room, and much more. The Okayama University of Science ranks #23 in Japan.
Osaka
Osaka Prefecture University
Osaka Prefecture University was founded in 1949. It is now one of the largest public higher-level institutions in Japan. The university has three campuses, located in Sakai, Habikino, and Izumsiano.
The School of Veterinary Science offers a six-year undergraduate degree. The school fosters knowledge of advanced veterinary care, problem-solving, and creativity. In addition, it focuses on a deep understanding of bioethics and the coexistence of humans and animals.
The Graduate School of Veterinary Sciences offers a four-year doctoral degree. It aims to create specialists that contribute to public health and veterinary medicine.
In 2009, the Division of Veterinary Science was transferred to the Rinku Campus. The new campus hosts the Veterinary Medical Centre and Education and Research Centre for Experimental Animal Science.
The Veterinary Medical Centre allows students to undergo comprehensive technical training. In addition, data is obtained from several thousand clinical cases each year. These are utilized in research, and results are fed back to society via the Veterinary Medical Centre.
The Education and Research Centre for Experimental Animal Science features a breeding farm. The center is also equipped with equipment to support various research trials. This includes the development of novel medical treatments, prevention of infectious disease, and so on.
Osaka Prefecture University encourages campus life. They host various sports competitions and university festivals. Osaka Prefecture University ranks #60 in Japan.
Tottori
Tottori University
Tottori University was developed out of what were originally 19th-century teacher training colleges. It now specializes in regional sciences, medicine, agriculture, and engineering.
Tottori is the most sparsely populated part of Japan. This makes it a good choice for anyone wanting to get away from the city. In addition, it is home to eight national parks and the Tottori sand dunes.
Tottori University offers a four-year doctoral degree. This is via the United Graduate School of Veterinary Sciences. This is in conjunction with Gifu University and Obihiro University of Agriculture and Veterinary Medicine.
Tottori University is affiliated with the Veterinary Medical Centre. It was initially founded in 1953 to enhance clinical medicine and research. It has the equipment to meet the latest medical care needs for animals, including CT and MRI.
Tottori University ranks #67 in Japan.
Miyazaki
Miyazaki University
The University of Miyazaki was established in 1949. It now comprises five facilities: education and culture, medicine, engineering and agriculture, and regional innovation.
The Graduate School of Medicine and Veterinary Medicine provides a unique joint course. The course is designed to enhance education and research in both medicine and veterinary medicine. In addition, it promotes closer collaboration between the two disciplines.
Miyazaki University is affiliated with a Veterinary Teaching Hospital. This promotes the clinical practice, education, and research of veterinary medicine.
There is also the Sumiyoshi Livestock Science Station which was founded in 1929. The station is used to establish and investigate management systems for grassland and animal production.
Miyazaki University is spread over two campuses, Kibana and Kiyotake. Miyazaki University ranks #121 in Japan.
Yamaguchi/Ube
Yamaguchi University
The Department of Veterinary Science was established in 1944. It offers inter-university curricula with Kagoshima University. Yamaguchi University offers both an undergraduate and postgraduate degree in veterinary medicine.
The Joint Faculty of Veterinary Medicine offers a six-year undergraduate degree. It focuses on basic veterinary science, pathogenetic and preventative veterinary science, and clinical veterinary science.
The Joint Graduate School of Veterinary Medicine offers a four-year doctoral degree. This consists of a Veterinary Science Course and Veterinary Specialisation Course.
Yamaguchi University provides several different facilities to support on-campus life. This includes a library, university hall, and various shops. Yamaguchi University ranks #59 in Japan.
Applying for Japan Universities
Application criteria for international students are similar for each university. These lists cover basic requirements common between each university. It is essential to research the individual university’s admission policy and if any other criteria are required.
Undergraduate Veterinary Medicine Degree:
- Individuals who have graduated (or expect to graduate) from a high school/secondary school.
- Individuals who have completed (or expect to complete) a twelve-year standard school education.
- Be able to submit a copy of an International Baccalaureate (IB) diploma and transcript, or transcripts for the SAT Reasoning and SAT Subject tests administered by the College Board in the United States.
- Japanese Language Proficiency Test, N1 Level.
- School recommendation letter.
- Statement of purpose.
- Self-recommendation letter.
- Thesis.
- Summary of the thesis.
Doctorate Veterinary Medicine Degree:
- A degree for completion of a six-year veterinary curriculum at a Japanese university.
- A degree for completion of a curriculum in medicine or dentistry at a Japanese university.
- Eighteen years of formal education outside Japan.
- Identification by the Ministry of Education 1955 Notification No. 39.
- Identification by the School of Education Law, Article 70, Paragraph 1, Line #7.
- Many universities will also have an entrance exam for both undergraduate and postgraduate degrees.
Unique Activities for Veterinary Students to do in Japan
Japan is a unique country, and it’s important to explore and experience what it offers. Japan has something for everyone, including history, culture, sports, food, shopping, or all of the above. Here are 15 things to do while in Japan.
Eat and Drink
Eat Japanese Food
Japan offers a wide variety of restaurants and street food. Popular favourites include ramen, udon, sushi, yakitori, yakiniku, miso-katsu, okonomiyaki, and tempura.
Drink Japanese Alcohol
Japanese alcohol is a wonder of its own. Nevertheless, alcohol plays a significant role in Japanese culture. There are a variety of Japanese beers, happonshu (low malt beer), sake (rice wine), shochu (distilled spirits made from rice, potatoes, or wheat), chuhai (fruit-flavored drinks), or umeshu (plum wine). Japanese alcohol can be purchased from most restaurants and even 7/11s.
Culture
Soak in a Hot Spring
Japan’s hot springs are a must to experience. The mineral-rich water, usually above 40 degrees ©, reinvigorates the body and is a fantastic way to relax. Communal and private baths are standard throughout Japan.
Visit Temples
Japan is rich in history, and there are plenty of temples and shrines to visit. Each has beautiful architecture and vast gardens. Some Buddhist temples allow travelers to stay the night and truly immerse themselves in their environment.
Stay at a Ryokan
A Japanese ryokan is a traditional style inn or bed and breakfast. Rooms have a tatami floor and futon beds that get rolled out at night.
Go to a Museum
Japan has many museums throughout the country, and most are designed by famous architects. In addition, there are a variety of museums that can be visited. These include national museums, art museums, and various exhibitions throughout the year.
Experience Traditional Theatre
Kabuki, Noh, and Bunraku are traditional performing arts that tell stories through singing and dancing. They involve lavish costumes and masks and are fantastic for a night out.
Sports
Attend a Sporting Event
Sumo wrestling is a large part of Japanese culture, and tournaments occur throughout the year. Some dojos also have the option of watching sumo wrestlers practice. Baseball and soccer are also popular sports in Japan.
Go Skiing
Skiing is a popular winter sport in Japan because of its diverse terrain and powdering now. Ski resorts can be found in Hokkaido and the Japanese Alps of Nagano and Niigata.
Have Fun
Go Shopping
Japan is full of shopping opportunities, from major department stores to bustling alleyways. In addition, there are markets, shopping arcades, electronic avenues, and popular department stores.
Go to a Theme Park
Tokyo Disneyland and Universal Studios Japan are popular theme parks in Japan. There is also Fuji-Q Highland and Edo Wonderland, which are worth a visit.
Ride the Bullet Train
The bullet train (or shinkansen) is the best way to travel in Japan. It is a unique experience with speeds reaching up to 200mph. The ride is incredibly smooth and safe.
Sing Karaoke
Karaoke is a big pastime in Japan. Modern karaoke chains, such as Big Echo or Shidax, have private rooms and many English songs.
Experience Pop Culture
Pop culture is unique in Japan, and areas such as Akihabara and Harajuku are bustling with the latest trends.
Attend a Festival
Festivals in Japan are full of beautiful costumes, giant floats, traditional music, and food stalls. Attending a Japanese festival is a must-do when in Japan.
The Final Word From Veterinary Universities
A common thread between all 17 universities is their ambition to create world-class veterinarians. Most universities offer both undergraduate and postgraduate programs. Each university has its own quirks, but overall, each provides a well-rounded degree for use in the real world.