GUAA Corner

5 things to do in Tokyo

Georgetown University Alumni Association—in cooperation with the Georgetown Alumni Club of Japan, Georgetown University, and other key partners—will be hosting an International Alumni Summit in Tokyo from November 21–23, 2025.

Like the recent summits in Madrid and Singapore, this event will include engaging conversations and unique opportunities to explore the city. Whether you’re attending the summit or visiting on your own, the Georgetown Alumni Club of Japan recommends the following can’t-miss activities:

  • shinjuku garden

    Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden

    This large park with meandering paths is a tranquil escape from the busy city center. In autumn, don’t miss Momijiyama (“maple mountain”) on the park’s eastern side

  • Harajuku & Meiji Shrine

    Start your visit at Tokyo’s most iconic Shinto shrine, nestled in a forested area that feels worlds away from the city. Then venture over to Takeshita Street in Harajuku, a vibrant hub of youth fashion, quirky shops, and sweet treats.

  • Senso-Ji Temple

    In the oldest Buddhist temple in the city, visitors first enter through the Kaminarimon (“thunder gate”). Pick up some souvenirs, such as a yukata (casual kimono), at a nearby shopping street called Nakamise.

  • Shibuya Crossing

    Don’t miss the world’s busiest pedestrian crossing, especially at night when the neon lights are on full display. Venture up to the top of Shibuya Scramble Square for a picturesque view of the city (book in advance!)

  • ueno market

    Ueno

    Visit Tokyo’s top three art and history museums as well as Tokyo’s best zoo and park that is well known for its cherry blossom bloom. This year’s 9th annual Ueno Artist Project at the Metropolitan Museum of Art features many interesting types of embroidery.

while sitting, a man with glasses gestures with his hands
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Star power fuels GEMA

Earlier this year Andrew Morrison (C’15) was nominated for an Oscar for best picture for his work as a producer on The Brutalist, which received 10 Academy Award nominations overall. He credits Georgetown—particularly the Georgetown Entertainment & Media Alliance (GEMA), an alliance group of the Georgetown University Alumni Association—with helping him get his start in show business.

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Summer Soirées

Each summer, many East Coast Hoyas gather to toast their alma mater at one of GUAA’s Summer SoirĂ©es. This year’s events took place in Annapolis, Maryland; Newport, Rhode Island; Nantucket, Massachusetts; and Martha’s Vineyard, Massachusetts.

Photos: Lisa Helfert

Attendees enjoyed conversations with one another and special guests such as Michael Callahan (SFS’97, SCS’12), Georgetown University’s head sailing coach.

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Attendees enjoyed conversations with one another and special guests such as Michael Callahan (SFS’97, SCS’12), Georgetown University’s head sailing coach.

  • fitz lufkin at podium

    John Carroll Weekend 2025

    “Georgetown’s mission of formation, understanding, education, and research is more critical today than ever. In a world craving nuance, patience, and kindness, our alumni are prepared to meet this moment. Rather than retrenching into comfortable spaces, our students and graduates follow in the esteemed Jesuit tradition of being at the edges and the intersections of society.

    We seek out other points of view and engage across differences, having been educated in a community designed from its founding as open to people of all faiths willing to listen and learn in support of a then-new Republic. We aspire to care for each other and for others we have never met because we recognize our common humanity and realize that our destiny is shared.”

    —GUAA President Fitz O. Lufkin IV (C’11, G’12), speaking at John Carroll Weekend 2025 in Philadelphia