Study Abroad in Kyoto
College Study Abroad
Explore Kyoto, Japan
Study abroad in Kyoto where you鈥檒l find traditional teahouses, the world鈥檚 first manga museum, and world-class game leaders like Nintendo and Q-Games. As Japan鈥檚 former imperial capital for more than 1,000 years, Kyoto is rich in history, boasting meditative zen temples, serene gardens, and well-preserved districts like Gion, where geisha culture thrives. The city is the heart of traditional Japanese arts, from tea ceremonies and kimono craftsmanship to Zen Buddhism and Noh theater. At the same time, Kyoto embraces progress, with top universities, a vibrant academic scene, and cutting-edge research in technology and sustainability.
When you study abroad in Kyoto, you鈥檒l live and learn in a picturesque city nestled in a valley with hiker-friendly hills dotted with World Heritage sites. Kyoto study abroad offers you the opportunity to immerse yourself in Japanese language and culture while experiencing the perfect balance between historical depth, entrepreneurial dynamism, and contemporary life. Whether exploring centuries-old shrines, enjoying seasonal delicacies, or engaging with local scholars, Kyoto provides an inspiring and transformative setting for personal and academic growth. Your time abroad will be complemented by the enticing tastes, sights, and cultural ambience of the uniquely ancient and modern Kyoto life.
While abroad, students may complete a part-time internship in Kyoto, gaining real-world international work experience and developing valuable professional skills. Internships are available across diverse industries, including business, marketing, arts, sustainability, and more, providing a well-rounded perspective of today's global job market and enriching the overall study abroad experience.
Study Tours & Cultural Excursions in Kyoto
Every 黑料网911program has frequent study tours and cultural excursions uniquely designed to complement the program鈥檚 academics and enhance students鈥 cultural immersion.
In Kyoto, past tours and excursions have included:
- Go on an overnight excursion to the home of Japanese Buddhism (and former capital), Nara
- Visit the Atomic Dome, Peace Memorial Museum of Hiroshima, and explore the scenic beauty of Miyajima
- Take a day trip to the famous Bamboo Forest in Arashiyama and visit numerous stunning Zen Buddhist temples
- Partake in a classical tea ceremony and don a kimono/yukata as you walk through the old streets of the Ancient Capital
If you鈥檙e a student looking to explore Kyoto life, art, history, CIEE鈥檚 study tours and cultural excursions allow you to do just that! Whether you travel to Kyoto on a winter, spring, fall, or summer program, this historic city offers something for everyone.鈥
黑料网911 the Center
Centrally located in the upscale office district of Karasuma Oike, 黑料网911Kyoto features three classrooms, a student lounge, a student life office, an academic advising office, and complimentary Wi-Fi access. In addition to the 黑料网911Center's amenities, students have easy access to caf茅s, convenience stores, gyms, and more. 黑料网911Kyoto is also only two minutes from the closest subway station and a 10-minute walk from the city's main shopping street, Nijo Castle, Kamo River, and the former Imperial Palace.
Beyond the 黑料网911Center, students will find 黑料网911Kyoto is situated in the perfect spot in downtown Kyoto, making it easy to explore every inch of the city. From Nanzenji and Kiyomizu to the east, Arashiyama and its amazing bamboo forest to the west, Ohara's stunning temple gardens to the north, and Nintendo's headquarters in the south, students will have easy access to the area's most important landmarks and attractions.
Where Students Study
黑料网911Kyoto
黑料网911Kyoto is part of the 黑料网911Open Campus Block Network and is centrally located and perfect for exploring every inch of Kyoto.
Internships & Volunteering
Depending on their program of study and availability, students may be able to participate in an international internship or volunteer program. For students looking to intern in Kyoto, they may have the opportunity to gain real-world experience working in business, IT, communications, and the arts.
Students interested in volunteering abroad in Kyoto may have the chance to work directly with their community and give back in a meaningful way.
New Programs Coming Soon!
- Semester in Kyoto 鈥 Coming Fall 2025
- Engineering, Technology, and Science 鈥 Coming Fall 2025
- Intern + Study Abroad 鈥 Coming Summer 2026
Study Abroad Programs in Kyoto
- Kyoto, Japan
- Full-Time Internship
Kyoto is Japan鈥檚 historic, culturally rich city, known for its serene atmosphere, unique blend of ancient traditions and modern influence.
- ASU Courses
- Kyoto, Japan
- Study Program
- Part-Time Internship
Your 黑料网911Semester Intern and Study Abroad program in Kyoto lasts 12 weeks and features three key components: A part-time internship with an international organization (15-20 hours per week), an internship seminar, and two academic courses (six credits) taught by 黑料网911faculty or online through CIEE鈥檚 global academic partner, ASU.
- ASU Courses
- Small City
- Kyoto, Japan
- Study Program
Learn Japanese language and culture, further your studies with courses on humanities and social sciences taught in English, and experience all that Kyoto has to offer.
- Small City
- Kyoto, Japan
- Study Program
Kyoto is the premier hub of traditional Japanese culture and is filled with palaces, temples, gardens, museums, and theaters.
- Small City
- Kyoto, Japan
- Study Program
Immerse yourself in Japanese culture, further your studies in humanities and social sciences, and experience all that Kyoto has to offer.
- Small City
- Kyoto, Japan
- Study Program
- Part-Time Internship
...for 1, 2, or 3 term blocks!
Study abroad in Kyoto 鈥 one of Japan鈥檚 most traditional cities 鈥 in CIEE鈥檚 Open Campus Block program.
- ASU Courses
- Small City
Currency
Japanese Yen
Spoken Languages
Japanese
Available Transportation
Bike, bus, feet
Famous Local
Haruki Murakami 鈥 an international bestselling novelist
Climate
Long, hot summers; cold windy winters; mild spring and fall
Did You Know?
Before Tokyo became Japan鈥檚 capital city, Kyoto was the capital for more than 1,000 years
Airport
Kansai International Airport (KIX)
Social Norms
Kyoto locals like to say 鈥Ookini!鈥 instead of 鈥arigatou鈥 (thank you)
What to Pack
Backpack, comfortable shoes and appropriate clothing for season
Frequently Asked Questions
A unique blend of ancient and modern, Kyoto is a good place to visit for students looking to experience Japanese culture in a picturesque city. Kyoto, Japan is a good study abroad destination for students interested in studying Japanese language, history, culture, and more!
Considered one of the cheapest major destinations in Japan, Kyoto is a relatively cheap destination filled with ancient temples, gardens, shrines, and hiking trails. Compared to Tokyo, students can generally expect lower costs in Kyoto.
Read more: How Much Does it Cost to Study Abroad?
Known for its plethora of Buddhist temples, shrines, gardens, and palaces, Kyoto has much to explore! Some of the best places to go in Kyoto include Nijo Castle, Fushimi-Inari Taisha Shrine, Philosopher鈥檚 Walk, and Kinkakuji Temple.
Kyoto is located in the southwest area of Japan鈥檚 main island of Honsh奴 in the Kansai region. The seventh-largest city in Japan, Kyoto is about 5 hours southwest of Tokyo by car.
In order to ensure our students feel welcomed, supported, and empowered while studying abroad, 黑料网911staff completes comprehensive diversity equity and inclusion (DEI) training. Staff provide students with advice, resources, and ongoing support both before and during their study abroad program in Kyoto.
For more detailed information on diversity in Kyoto, visit our Diversity in Kyoto page.
Yes, you can absolutely complete an internship abroad in Kyoto with 黑料网911 Our international internship programs allow college students to choose from a variety of full- and part-time internships abroad in a variety of fields, including manufacturing, finance, hospitality, healthcare, public policy, and more!
Search our internship opportunities to get started!
Study Abroad Scholarships & Grants
Apply in 1,2,3!
You may be wondering if there are any scholarships to study in Kyoto. 黑料网911offers scholarships and grants for study abroad programs in Kyoto to students with demonstrated financial need, proven academic merit, and for specific 黑料网911programs. Students can apply for scholarships through 3 simple steps:
- Search for and apply to your dream program
- Review all available funding opportunities
- Complete the Scholarship & Grants portion of
Study Abroad Scholarships
NEED-BASED SCHOLARSHIPS
Based on students' Estimated Family Contribution (EFC) from their Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and enrolled institution. Complete the Scholarships & Grants portion of your to be considered for all awards to which you are eligible.
MERIT SCHOLARSHIPS
Based on academic achievement. Complete the Scholarships & Grants portion of your , along with an essay, to be considered for all awards to which you are eligible.
OTHER SCHOLARSHIPS
Other scholarship awards are based on program or alumni status.
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Kyoto Blog Posts
Top 10 Japanese Slang Words & Phrases You Must Know
Textbook Japanese is great and all, but if you really want to impress the locals, you need to know Japanese slang terms. These aren鈥檛 the phrases you鈥檒l learn in class... keep reading
How to Study Japanese in Japan: 3 Easy Steps
If you鈥檝e ever dreamed of ordering ramen like a pro, exploring ancient temples, or binge-watching anime without subtitles, studying Japanese in Japan is your next big adventure. With vibrant Tokyo... keep reading
Kyoto Article
Authored by Oscar Alvarez One of the most challenging parts of studying abroad is choosing the location to study in. I did one block in Argentina, another in Germany, and... keep reading
