From time to time, when I am in Kansai, I visit the campus of my old university, where I did an exchange semester in 2006. I have been back once in 2010, and then once more in 2015. Now it is 2023, 17 years have passed and this weekend, I was in the area meeting with Yusaku, a friend who I know from my time at Ryukoku. The main purpose of my visit was to hike a few mountains in Kansai. When we finished the hike in early afternoon and were about to drive to Osaka, we decided to stop by the campus together, for old time’s sake.
The main buildings have not changed at all. The campus is still dominated by the red brick buildings, which I remember.
Meanwhile, the nearby Train station got a new name. It is now called Ryukokudaigakumaefukakusa Station 龍谷大学前深草駅. To be honest, I like the old and simple name of Fukakusa 深草駅 better.
The station building has also been renewed. I do not remember it looking this nice.
The University’s branding got a complete overhaul sometimes in the last 10 (?) or so years I think. The most prominent of the slogans is “You, Unlimited”. Here, the large motto engraved on the wall near the entrance with Yusaku posing next to it.
One thing that is new is this Starbucks, which is on campus, right behind the entrance area. It seems like an obvious choice, however, I think I am glad we didn’t have a Starbucks back then. Otherwise I would have bought too much expensive coffee while having been otherwise poor student. Haha.
It seems that the university has invested quite a lot in new buildings in recent years. These here look super modern and very nice.
The university library is now also housed in one of the modernized buildings.
More areas to hang around and socialize have also been added, than I remember from my time there.
This ceremonial building/hall has always been here.
There are also various plans to modernize the campus even more until 2025. Need to check that out during my next visit.
Yusaku chilling on the main area of the campus.
I never realized this commemorative stone. This stone was put there in October 2018 (Heisei 18, which was after my exchange semester had ended), in memory of the founding of the university 370 years ago!
Campus area.
Yusaku and I in front of the new University logo.
This is where the old International student lounge was, I believe. Now it looks like a health-related office.
Trademark red bricks everywhere.
Entrance from the main street.
View on campus.
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