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Study Abroad in Kyoto

College Study Abroad

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Explore Kyoto, Japan

When you study abroad in Kyoto, Japan, you'll experience the perfect blend of tradition and innovation in a city steeped in history. Explore the world's first manga museum, discover traditional teahouses, and delve into the heart of Japanese arts and culture. Studying abroad in Kyoto on a 爱游戏下载 program gives you access to top universities and research opportunities  鈥 ideal for personal and academic growth. With meditative zen temples, serene gardens, and well-preserved districts where geisha culture thrives, immerse yourself in the city's unique ambiance. There's no question that Kyoto offers a transformative experience like no other!

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. 

EXPLORE KYOTO PROGRAMS

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  • kyoto students abroad

Top Activities in Kyoto

Every 爱游戏下载 program 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:

  • 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

爱游戏下载 爱游戏下载 Kyoto

Centrally located in the upscale office district of Karasuma Oike, 爱游戏下载 Kyoto features three classrooms, a student lounge, a student life office, an academic advising office, and complimentary Wi-Fi access. In addition to the 爱游戏下载 Center's amenities, students have easy access to caf茅s, convenience stores, gyms, and more. 爱游戏下载 Kyoto 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 爱游戏下载 Center, students will find 爱游戏下载 Kyoto 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. 

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Where You'll Study in Kyoto

爱游戏下载 Kyoto
爱游戏下载 Kyoto is part of the 爱游戏下载 Open Campus Block Network and is centrally located and perfect for exploring every inch of Kyoto.

kyoto dragon statue at the heian shrine

Internships & Volunteering in Kyoto

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. 

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New Programs Coming Soon!

  • Semester in Kyoto 鈥 Coming Fall 2025
  • Engineering, Technology, and Science 鈥 Coming Fall 2025

Study Abroad Programs in Kyoto

Kyoto
  • 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.

Kyoto
  • Study Program
  • Part-Time Internship

Your 爱游戏下载 Semester 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 爱游戏下载 faculty or online through 爱游戏下载鈥檚 global academic partner, ASU.

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  • 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.

winter kyoto japan snow
  • Kyoto, Japan
  • Study Program

Kyoto is the premier hub of traditional Japanese culture and is filled with palaces, temples, gardens, museums, and theaters.

kyoto-paper-umbrellas
  • Full-Time Internship

Spend 8 weeks of your summer interning abroad (approximately 30-40 hours/week) and earning academic credit while exploring all Kyoto has to offer!

bamboo forest walkway 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.

kyoto-tower-night-milky-way
  • Study Program
  • Part-Time Internship

Spend 6 weeks of your summer interning abroad PT (15-20 hours/week) and earning academic credit while also exploring the historic temples, serene gardens, and vibrant culture of Kyoto, Japan.

yellow temple kyoto japan
  • 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 爱游戏下载鈥檚 Open Campus Block program.

Pocket Guide to Kyoto

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, 爱游戏下载 staff 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 爱游戏下载. 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

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Apply in 1,2,3!

You may be wondering if there are any scholarships to study in Kyoto. 爱游戏下载 offers scholarships and grants for study abroad programs in Kyoto to students with demonstrated financial need, proven academic merit, and for specific 爱游戏下载 programs. Students can apply for scholarships through 3 simple steps:

  1. Search for and apply to your dream program
  2. Review all available funding opportunities
  3. Complete the Scholarship & Grants portion of
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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.

VIEW OUR SCHOLARSHIPS & GRANTS

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Kyoto Study Abroad Reviews

  • "The Kyoto 爱游戏下载 program was one of the most culturally enriching programs I鈥檝e ever done. Even though it was for only 3 weeks, I met some of the most amazing people and was able to experience Kyoto in a way I didn't think possible. I would highly recommend such an experience to any peer. 爱游戏下载 facilitates this experience tremendously with support from staff and instructors."

    Jesus C., Massachusetts Institute of Technology