We have collected some important information about living in Takizawa, how to get to campus, and campus life at IPU for international students.

To buy a student commuter rail pass, you will need the commuter certificate issued by Student Affairs. You should be aware that it does take us three days to make your ID, so please be patient. Take the certificate with you to the station window along with your student ID. Buses, on the other hand, do not require an ID to buy a commuter pass. In order to park on campus, you will need a special parking permit. Apply at Student Affairs. Permits are valid until the end of May of the following year. You will also have to attend a traffic safety seminar, just in case. Information is available from landlords and real estate agencies. Check out apartments on the campus information network (IIINS). Make sure you have thoroughly understood all contractual obligations and conditions, as well as about the apartment and its location, before signing anything. This process is the responsibility of each individual student.

From Morioka Station, Takizawa is just fifteen minutes away. Takizawa Station is the fourth stop (after Aoyama, Kuriyagawa, and Sugo). From there, it's a fifteen-minute walk or a short bus ride to campus.

After leaving the heavily residential area in front of Takizawa Station, you will come to a three-way intersection with a horse statue from the Chagu Chagu Umakko festival for which the village is famous. Keep going through the tree rows, and you will find yourself at the Main Gate.

This residential and commercial area is also home to one of Takizawa's student quarters. Supermarkets, convenience stores, fast food restaurants, drugstores and more are conveniently located on or near the major artery, National Route 4. A post office and several banks are also located within walking distance.

Iwate and IPU
Something Unique for Everyone

I really enjoy the educational methodology of the Faculty of Nursing, which includes active, participative classes with group work and issues-based learning. As an international student, I have also been provided a tutor to give me both individual academic instruction where needed, and advice about life and living here. Some of the fields I’m studying now include pediatric nursing, community nursing, and adult nursing. Communicating with and caring for patients in real-world practica has been a source of great learning, stimulation, and emotional fulfillment. These experiences continue to increase my understanding of what it is to be a nurse, and of the path I want to take in life.	Faculty of Nursing student (4th year) Born: People's Republic of China WANG Ying
I became interested in Japan when I was little through its comics and beautiful cherry blossoms. I first learned of its aging demographic after I arrived. I am studying to be a preschool teacher. I chose child welfare out of the many welfare-related fields because I love kids and am attracted by the idea of helping them realize their potential. My first year was fresh and exciting-classes about how to relate to children and help them develop sensitivity and character were infused with an element of play. My second year, which included nursery school practica, strengthened my future career plans. I love it here in my new home of Iwate, but I'm hoping to get home once in a while and show my parents I'm doing alright.	Faculty of Social Welfare (2nd year) Born: People's Republic of China HOU Bo
I am working toward a doctorate in computer graphics. I am performing cooperative research on the front lines of medicine to develop a system for three-dimensionally visualizing the blood vessels of the brain. My goal is to improve this technology to the point that it can be used in pre-operation screenings. This research was also part of my Master's work. To produce practical results, I am receiving advice and engaging in discourse with neurosurgeons at Iwate Medical University. I love the rich nature of Iwate, and the backdrop it forms for me to focus on my interdisciplinary studies. Unlike life in a more urban environment, I also like the warmth of the people and the easy pace of life here.	Faculty of Software and Information Science PhD candidate (1st year) Born: People's Republic of China ABLAJAN Abduraxit
I came to Japan from Fujian, China in 2004. I wanted to know how Japan, which looks so small on a map, had become one of the world's economic superpowers. I began focusing on microeconomics in earnest from my second year. I moved up to graduate school this past April to research the securitization of real estate. I have lots of friends and enjoy a full life here. I like to go for a drive and enjoy Iwate's majestic scenery all year round. I also like to go for walks in the forest park by campus to enjoy the beautiful trees and flowers.	Faculty of Policy Studies PhD candidate (1st year) Born: People's Republic of China YAN Yixuan