Study Abroad in Kyoto
College Study Abroad
Explore Kyoto, Japan
Japan’s cultural capital of Kyoto has it all, from meditative zen temples and teahouses to the world’s first Manga museum and world-class game leaders like Nintendo and Q-Games. Studying abroad in Kyoto creates a unique experience for students in a picturesque city nestled in a valley with hiker-friendly hills dotted with World Heritage sites.
When you study abroad in Kyoto, you’ll experience a stunning mix of historical depth and vibrant, entrepreneurial dynamism. Your study abroad experience in Kyoto will be complemented by the enticing tastes, sights, & cultural ambience of the uniquely ancient and modern Kyoto life.
While abroad, students may complete a full- or 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 semester 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 White Heron Castle in Himeji
- Visit the Atomic Dome, Peace Memorial Museum of Hiroshima, and explore the scenic beauty of Miyajima
- Visit the stunning Imperial Villas at Katsura – with its world-famous moon-viewing architecture – & Shugakuin, with gardens incorporating views of the foothills of Mt. Hiei & idyllic rice paddies
- Take a day-trip to Nara, the capital of Japan before Kyoto, with its massive bronze Buddha
Partake in a classical tea ceremony and visit the home of a folk-artist potter & sculptor
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 WiFi and printer access. In addition to the 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 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 internship or volunteer. 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 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
- Intern + Study Abroad – Coming Summer 2026
Study Abroad Programs in Kyoto
- 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 – one of Japan’s most traditional cities – in CIEE’s Open Campus Block program.
- ASU Courses
- Small City
Currency
Japanese Yen
Spoken Languages
Japanese
Available Transportation
Bike, bus, feet
Famous Local
Haruki Murakami – an international bestselling novelist
Climate
Short, 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
Stepping on the boarder of a tatami mat is considered both rude and bad luck
What to Pack
Backpack, comfortable shoes, slippers, umbrella
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
A Transformative Experience in Japan
By: Lena Lawal My six weeks in Kyoto, Japan, were nothing short of transformative. Heading there, I had no expectations—just a mix of curiosity and uncertainty, as I knew very... keep reading
Meet Highschool Program coordinator
Hi I’m Sayaka, the High School Program (HSA) coordinator at CIEE Kyoto. I am also in charge of Gap Year program(GYA). Here, I would like to tell you a little... keep reading
CIEE Kyoto: Cultivating Significant Experiences for those Studying Abroad
Authored by J.M. Avila University students well along their academic journey may think to themselves: what exactly is the point of studying abroad? By the third or fourth year of... keep reading
