Your First Visit to Gakushuin University Centennial Memorial Hall
Gakushuin University Centennial Memorial Hall is an event and concert hall located within the Gakushuin University campus in Mejiro, Toshima-ku, Tokyo. Built in 1972 to commemorate the university’s centennial anniversary, the hall has a long history of hosting large-scale formal events including graduation ceremonies, entrance ceremonies, and concerts.
Its most notable feature is its proximity to Mejiro Station on the JR Yamanote Line — just a 1-minute walk from the ticket gates. The station exit faces the university’s main gate directly, making the venue easily accessible from central Tokyo and within a single transfer from both Narita and Haneda airports.
This guide covers practical information including how to get to Gakushuin University Centennial Memorial Hall, where to stay, dining options nearby, and tips for your visit.
Access Guide to Gakushuin University Centennial Memorial Hall
The hall sits just a 1-minute walk from Mejiro Station, making it one of the most conveniently located event venues in Tokyo. Both Narita and Haneda airports offer straightforward public transit connections.
Nearest Stations and Exits for Gakushuin University Centennial Memorial Hall
Gakushuin University Centennial Memorial Hall is within Gakushuin University’s Mejiro Campus, right by the ticket gates of JR Mejiro Station on the Yamanote Line. It is also accessible from Zoshigaya Station on the Tokyo Metro Fukutoshin Line.
Mejiro Station (JR Yamanote Line)
The university’s main gate faces the ticket gates almost directly, so the hall is just steps away. One of the most conveniently located venues in Tokyo, requiring virtually no transfer time.
Walking time: Approx. 1 minute (official website)
Zoshigaya Station (Tokyo Metro Fukutoshin Line), Exit 3
From Exit 3, head toward Gakushuin University. A convenient route for those arriving from the Fukutoshin Line, Yurakucho Line, or Seibu Ikebukuro Line.
Walking time: Approx. 7 minutes (official website)
From Narita Airport
- Keisei Skyliner + JR Yamanote Line (recommended): Narita Airport → Nippori (Skyliner, approx. 36 min) → Mejiro via Yamanote Line (approx. 20 min) → 1 min walk. Total approx. 60 min, approx. ¥2,800. The fastest and simplest route.
- Narita Express + JR Yamanote Line: Narita Airport → Ikebukuro (N’EX, approx. 70 min) → Mejiro via Yamanote Line (approx. 2 min) → 1 min walk. Total approx. 75 min, approx. ¥3,670. Convenient if staying in the Ikebukuro area.
From Haneda Airport
- Keikyu Line + JR Yamanote Line (recommended): Haneda Airport Terminal 1/2 → Shinagawa (Keikyu, approx. 18 min) → Mejiro via Yamanote Line outer loop (approx. 28 min) → 1 min walk. Total approx. 55 min, approx. ¥700. The most cost-effective option.
- Taxi: Haneda Airport → Mejiro (via Metropolitan Expressway). Approx. 45 min, approx. ¥5,000–7,000. Suitable for heavy luggage or late-night travel.
Venue Information Summary
- Official name: Gakushuin University Centennial Memorial Hall
- Address: 1-5-1 Mejiro, Toshima-ku, Tokyo
- Nearest station: Mejiro Station (JR Yamanote Line), approx. 1 min walk
- Official website: https://www.gakushuin.ac.jp/ad/kanri/kaikan.html
- Inquiries: Please check the official website for the latest information
Recommended Hotels Near Gakushuin University Centennial Memorial Hall
Hotels are available around Mejiro Station and the adjacent Ikebukuro area, offering convenient access to the venue.
JR-EAST HOTEL METS MEJIRO
A JR-affiliated business hotel directly connected to Mejiro Station. At approximately 2 minutes on foot to the venue, it offers the shortest walking distance of any hotel in the area — ideal for business travelers who want to minimize transit time.
Richmond Hotel Tokyo Mejiro
A Richmond Hotel a few minutes’ walk from Mejiro Station. Well regarded for its breakfast, it is a popular choice for business travelers seeking a comfortable and relaxed stay. The hotel’s official blog also provides access guides from both Narita and Haneda airports.
Hotel Metropolitan Tokyo Ikebukuro
An upscale hotel directly connected to Ikebukuro Station. One stop from Mejiro on the JR Yamanote Line, it features a large banquet hall and multiple restaurants — a long-established property well suited to both domestic and international guests.
hotel hisoca ikebukuro
A design hotel in the Ikebukuro area with an in-house sauna and café. Popular with business travelers looking for a stylish and refreshing stay.
MIMARU Tokyo Ikebukuro
An apartment-style hotel with kitchen and living facilities. Well suited for groups or extended stays, offering the convenience of self-catering.
▶ See 10 Recommended Hotels near Gakushuin Centennial Memorial Hall
Recommended Restaurants Near Gakushuin University Centennial Memorial Hall
Mejiro’s quiet residential streets hide a selection of distinctive dining spots worth seeking out.
Fine Japanese Cuisine
Nagumo
A tucked-away kaiseki restaurant on a quiet lane in Mejiro. Serves refined Japanese cuisine in a private-room setting, making it ideal for business dinners and entertaining. Fully reservation-only — advance booking is essential.
Casual Japanese Dining
Shunsai Dining Chinoegumi
A Japanese dining restaurant on the 2nd floor of Groiru Mejiro, a short walk from Mejiro Station. Offers menus featuring seasonal vegetables and seafood, along with group banquet courses. A mid-range option well suited to post-event gatherings.
Western Cuisine
Restaurant aeru
An innovative French-Italian restaurant in Mejiro, drawing on both cuisines for a creative menu. Among the highest-rated restaurants in the area, it is suitable for special business dinners. Reservations recommended.
Asian Cuisine
Thai Ramen
A casual Thai specialty restaurant near Mejiro Station. Known for authentic Thai ramen and other dishes in a relaxed, approachable atmosphere.
Café
Cafe Popeye the M
A long-established café beloved by Mejiro locals. Open from the morning, it is a convenient spot for breakfast or a short break before an event, with a calm atmosphere suited to quiet work or casual meetings.
Bar
HORA
A natural wine bar in Mejiro with a carefully curated selection. One of the highest-rated bars in the area — a great option for winding down after an event.
Facilities at Gakushuin University Centennial Memorial Hall
- Hours & Extensions: Rentals are billed in a base 3-hour block, with any additional time charged in 30-minute increments (Gakushuin Facilities Division, rental fee schedule).
- Parking: There is no on-campus parking; visitors are directed to use public transportation (Gakushuin access map).
- Accessibility: An accessible restroom is available on the 1st floor of the building (Gakushuin University Barrier-Free Map).
Tips Before You Visit
Bring an Umbrella on Rainy Days
Mejiro Station’s ticket gates open directly to a view of Gakushuin’s main gate, but the path from the gates to the hall entrance is outdoors without any covered walkway. An umbrella is essential on rainy days — a folding umbrella in your bag will save you.
Expect Crowds During Graduation and Entrance Ceremony Seasons
March (graduation) and April (entrance ceremonies) are the busiest seasons around the hall and Mejiro-dori. Taxi pickups and drop-offs can become very slow during these periods — using the train is strongly recommended. Allow extra travel time.
Drop-Off Vehicles Should Use the Main Gate Rotary
Mejiro-dori runs one-way in front of the hall. If you are arranging a car pickup or drop-off, specify the rotary in front of the university’s main gate (the Mejiro Station side) as the designated stop.
Toden Arakawa Line Is Useful for Some Visitors
Visitors coming from Ikebukuro or Waseda may find the Toden Arakawa Line (Gakushuin-shita Station, approx. 5 min walk) a convenient alternative. It also serves those arriving from the Kishimojin or Arakawa area.
Dining Gets Busy During the University Festival
Gakushuin University’s annual festival, Orin-sai, is typically held in November. During the festival period, restaurants and cafés near the campus tend to fill up at lunchtime — consider eating earlier or later in the day, or moving to a spot slightly farther from campus.
Event Spaces at Gakushuin University Centennial Memorial Hall
Seido (Main Hall)
The main hall of the Centennial Memorial Hall. A fixed-seat auditorium designed for large-scale formal events including ceremonies and concerts, with a capacity of 1,140 seats.
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Capacity | 1,140 seats (fixed) |
| Usage | Ceremonies, concerts, graduation and entrance events |
Small Lecture Hall
A sub-hall suited for meetings, lectures, and seminars. Used for smaller-scale events or as an auxiliary space in multi-venue programs. For capacity details, please refer to the official website.