Study Abroad in Kyoto
College Study Abroad
Explore Kyoto, Japan
Study abroad in Kyoto where you’ll find traditional teahouses, the world’s first manga museum, and world-class game leaders like Nintendo and Q-Games. As Japan’s 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’ll 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 CIEE program has frequent study tours and cultural excursions uniquely designed to complement the program’s academics and enhance students’ 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’re a student looking to explore Kyoto life, art, history, CIEE’s 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.
About the Center
Centrally located in the upscale office district of Karasuma Oike, CIEE Kyoto features three classrooms, a student lounge, a student life office, an academic advising office, and complimentary Wi-Fi access. In addition to the CIEE Center's amenities, students have easy access to cafés, convenience stores, gyms, and more. CIEE 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 CIEE Center, students will find CIEE 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.
Where Students Study
CIEE Kyoto
CIEE Kyoto is part of the CIEE Open 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 – Coming Fall 2025
- Engineering, Technology, and Science – Coming Fall 2025
Study Abroad Programs in Kyoto
- Kyoto, Japan
- Full-Time Internship
Kyoto is Japan’s historic, culturally rich city, known for its serene atmosphere, unique blend of ancient traditions and modern influence.
- Kyoto, Japan
- Study Program
- Part-Time Internship
Your CIEE 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 CIEE faculty or online through CIEE’s global academic partner, ASU.
- 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.
- Kyoto, Japan
- Study Program
Kyoto is the premier hub of traditional Japanese culture and is filled with palaces, temples, gardens, museums, and theaters.
- Kyoto, Japan
- 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!
- 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, Japan
- 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.
- Kyoto, Japan
- Study Program
- Part-Time Internship
...for 1, 2, or 3 term blocks!
Study abroad in Kyoto – one of Japan’s most traditional cities – in CIEE’s Open Campus Block program.
Currency
Japanese Yen
Spoken Languages
Japanese
Available Transportation
Bike, bus, feet
Famous Local
Haruki Murakami – an international bestselling novelist
Climate
Long, hot summers; cold windy winters; mild spring and fall
Did You Know?
Before Tokyo became Japan’s capital city, Kyoto was the capital for more than 1,000 years
Airport
Kansai International Airport (KIX)
Social Norms
Kyoto locals like to say “Ookini!” instead of “arigatou” (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’s Walk, and Kinkakuji Temple.
Kyoto is located in the southwest area of Japan’s main island of Honshū 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, CIEE 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 CIEE. 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. CIEE offers scholarships and grants for study abroad programs in Kyoto to students with demonstrated financial need, proven academic merit, and for specific CIEE programs. 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 your application
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 program application to be considered for all awards to which you are eligible.
MERIT SCHOLARSHIPS
Based on academic achievement. Complete the Scholarships & Grants portion of your program application, 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
Welcome to CIEE Kyoto Center
Hello! I’m Cicely, current CIEE Kyoto RA. I live in one of the dorms, the Shicata Avenir building, and am here to help with any problems and concerns. I’m from... keep reading
Kickin’ it in Kyoto
Hey all, my name is Ethan Adams. I’m a Junior at Hope College (Michigan) who embarked on an adventure abroad with CIEE’s Ancient and Modern Japan (AMJ) program. Now, two... keep reading
Possibility, Purpose, and Peace: Lessons From Japan
Authored by Alyssa Y. Bullock It is rare for a place to teach you a lasting life lesson and even rarer still for a place to teach you three. Japan... keep reading
