Japan's population is over 126 million. Most Japanese reside in densely populated urban areas. Japan's capital city is Tokyo. The population of the Tokyo Metropolitan Area including the city, some of its suburbs and the surrounding area is approximately 12 million.

Basic English is widely spoken throughout the country, particularly in major cities and tourist centers. Announcements on public transportation are frequently made in both Japanese and English, and signs generally include decipherable roman characters or an English explanation.

In Japan, there are many fascinating places that you can enjoy for free. These include such diverse attractions as beer museums, food galleries, hi-tech consumer electronics showrooms, cosmetics factories and television studios. With so many different places to visit there's bound to be something of interest for everyone.

Traditional cultural pursuits such as sado (Japanese tea ceremony) and ikebana (flower arrangement) are much more than simple pursuits in skills. They embody spiritual ways seeking the traditional values of wabi (elegant stillness) and sabi (antiquated elegance with calm).

Sapporo (札幌市, Sapporo-shi) is the fifth largest city in Japan, and the largest city on the northern Japanese island of Hokkaido. It is the capital city of Hokkaido Prefecture and Ishikari Subprefecture and an ordinance-designated city. Sapporo lies in the southwestern part of Hokkaido, within the alluvial fan of the Toyohira River, a tributary stream of the Ishikari River. It is considered the cultural, economical, and political center of Hokkaido.

Hokkai Gakuen University (北海学園大学, Hokkai gakuen daigaku) is a private university in Sapporo, Hokkaidō, Japan. The precursor of the school was founded in 1885, and it was chartered as a university in 1952.

Hokkai Gakuen University has five undergraduate faculties: Economics, Business Administration, Law, Humanities and Engineering.

• At over 5,000 square miles, the Greater Tokyo Area is the second largest metropolitan area on the planet in terms of urban landmass. In terms of population, it comes in at #1.
• Founded as Edo once upon a time (in the 12th century), Tokyo’s literal translation means “East(ern) capital.”
• With an average of 3.64 million people passing through daily, Shinjuku Station is the world’s busiest rail station, according to the Guinness World Records. The streets of this district see their fair share of traffic as well.
• Five million pounds of seafood, worth roughly 28 million USD, are sold daily at Tsukiji Fish Market (a complex that covers 57 acres).
• In 1962, Tokyo became the first city in history to record a population greater than 10 million, making it the largest city in the world at the time.
• Tokyo contains over 100 universities and colleges, giving it the world’s highest concentration of higher learning institutions. One-third of Japan’s university students attend school in Tokyo.
• Over 90% of the Japanese population buys a comic-magazine daily. Manga (Japanese animation) is more than 80% Of Japan’s Book sales.
• Sumo is the national sport in Japan. Most Rikishi (Sumo professional wrestlers) weigh an average of 160 kg, and up to 250 kg.

1. Shibuya: The most famous district in Tokyo. Fashionable, colorful street, that never sleeps. The crossing is one of the busiest in the world – as the traffic lights change people from all directions cross the street. A must-see in Tokyo, the shopping mecca and simply a very exciting place to be.
2. Cherry Blossom Festivals: Cherry blossom is a symbol of Japan. The blooming trees mark the end of the winter and welcome spring, which is being celebrated all around the country. In Tokyo alone there is a number of parks, where the blossoming trees attract locals and guests to admire the incredible trees. The flowers are expected to blossom from March 20 to April 8, however the dates may slightly change.
3. Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden: this garden is one to admire and meditate the beauty of nature. It has many separate themed gardens, like French, English, traditional Japanese and more. It becomes especially striking during the cherry blossom season.
4. Ryogoku Kokugikan: Tokyo’s National Sumo Hall is another spot where tourists can have their authentic Japanese experience. Besides actual wrestling there is a whole parade in the ceremonial clothes, classic move demonstration by the former champions that create a real sumo feast.
5. Cat Café, Nekorobi, Ikebukuro: The cozy café is occupied by the cats. The pet lovers will be pleased to visit this place. Anyone who loves pets, but can’t keep them, who wants to pet a cat or simply have a cup of tea in a tranquil place, might love to come to this unconventional café.

For detailed information about vaccination recommendations when going abroad, please visit the Government of Canada's website.

Accommodation

HGU will help you find accommodation

The Tuition fee is paid to the University of Lethbridge according to the current fee schedule:

https://www.uleth.ca/sites/default/files/2020/04/2020_2021_undergraduate.pdf

These fees are subject to change. Current U of L fees can be seen in the fees section of the academic calendar.

Health Insurance

Non-Japanese students with a Visa are allowed to become members of the National Health Insurance system while they reside in Japan and are strongly advised to do so. After you have joined the system, initial charges for treatment and medication will be reduced to 30% of the amount due at the clinic or pharmacy after you have presented your proof of coverage. Monthly premiums are about 1,000 yen. (ca. 12.5 CAD)

Please note: The insurance incidental to the International Student Card is not widely known in Japan and will not be accepted at hospitals in Japan.

For a detailed description of the Japanese Health Care System, please click here.

Canadian Citizens require a visa to study in Japan.

Visit the Embassy of Japan in Canada website for information about the criteria for visa issuance as well as the application process.