Study Abroad in Kyoto
College Study Abroad
Explore Kyoto with CIEE
Experience a city where timeless tradition meets modern innovation when you study abroad in Kyoto, Japan. Stroll through tranquil Zen gardens, visit centuries-old temples, and dive into the world of manga at the internationally renowned Kyoto International Manga Museum. Sip matcha in historic teahouses, wander the atmospheric streets of Gion where geisha culture still flourishes, and engage with top-tier academics and research opportunities. With its peaceful ambiance and rich history, Kyoto study abroad offers an unforgettable journey that sparks curiosity, fuels creativity, and opens doors to new perspectives.
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.
Top Activities in Kyoto with CIEE
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:
- 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
About CIEE Kyoto
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.
Academics in Kyoto
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.
Arizona State University (ASU)
Brought to you by CIEE in partnership with ASU, enhance your international coursework with online classes that align with your degree requirements. ASU offers thousands of online courses in asynchronous 7.5-week sessions that fit within the CIEE academic calendar.
Internships in Kyoto
Depending on your program of study and availability, you may be able to participate in an international internship while studying abroad in Kyoto. Kyoto’s work scene blends rich cultural heritage with modern industry, driven by tourism, hospitality, and creative sectors. Rooted in Japan’s traditional business culture, it emphasizes teamwork, structure, and dedication, while still evolving to support innovation and global collaboration. Interning in Kyoto offers a unique opportunity to gain hands-on experience in a setting where history and progress intersect. You may find opportunities in industries such as:
- Agriculture, Food + Natural Resources
- Business Management + Administration
- Education + Training
- Hospitality + Tourism
- Information Technology
- Marketing, Sales + Service
Community Impact Initiative in Kyoto
CIEE’s Community Impact Initiative invites you to connect more deeply with Kyoto by becoming an active member of its community. You’ll work alongside local organizations on projects that reflect real, on-the-ground needs, building relationships, gaining cultural insight, and contributing to meaningful, lasting impact. Your experience may span key focus areas like Food Security, Community Development + Public Health, and Youth Development + Education initiatives.
In Kyoto, your service work may include:
- Supporting food bank activities that address food insecurity and reduce food waste with Food Bank Kyoto
- Assisting with cultural events and programs that promote cross-cultural exchange through Kyoto City International Foundation
Study Abroad Programs in Kyoto
- Kyoto, Japan
- Study Program
- Part-Time Internship
...for 1, 2, or 3 term blocks!
- Kyoto, Japan
- Study Program
- Kyoto, Japan
- Study Program
- Kyoto, Japan
- Study Program
- Kyoto, Japan
- Study Program
- Kyoto, Japan
- Study Program
- Part-Time Internship
- Kyoto, Japan
- Full-Time Internship
- Kyoto, Japan
- Study Program
- Part-Time Internship
- Kyoto, Japan
- Study Program
- Kyoto, Japan
- Full-Time Internship
- Kyoto, Japan
- Study Program
- Part-Time Internship
- Kyoto, Japan
- Study Program
Pocket Guide to Kyoto
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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