Why Kyoto Is the Perfect Place to Study in Japan
Nov 12, 2025
A Student-Friendly City
Kyoto is home to a large number of universities and has the highest student-to-population ratio in Japan. This makes it one of the most comfortable and student-friendly cities in the country.
There is a wide variety of student housing available, and it’s easy to find convenient apartments close to campus in addition to university dormitories. While a one-bedroom apartment in Tokyo typically costs around 100,000 JPY per month, you can find a well-equipped apartment in a good area of Kyoto for about 60,000 JPY. Many students also choose to rent a larger apartment and share it with friends.
Kyoto’s public transportation system is well-developed, allowing smooth travel throughout the city by bus or train. Since most streets are flat and well-maintained, cycling is a popular and convenient mode of transportation among students.
You’ll also find all the facilities you need for daily life — supermarkets, convenience stores, specialty shops, hospitals, and more — all within easy reach. Prices for groceries and other essentials are stable, allowing you to enjoy a comfortable lifestyle for approximately 110,000 JPY per month, including rent. Compared to major cities in Europe, the U.S., or Asia, the cost of living in Kyoto is remarkably affordable.
What’s more, Kyoto is known for being peaceful, quiet, and safe. Even students living alone or abroad for the first time can feel secure and enjoy a fulfilling student life here.
A Crossroads of Culture and Technology
Although Kyoto is now famous as a tourist destination, it was once Japan’s capital for over a thousand years — a place where culture, craftsmanship, and commerce flourished.
The city has long been renowned for its excellence in monozukuri — the art and spirit of creating both practical and artistic goods. Over the centuries, Kyoto’s people have refined skills in textiles, dyeing, agriculture, food processing, ceramics, architecture, and more. That same spirit of monozukuri continues today. Kyoto is home to world-class companies producing industrial robots, semiconductors, medical devices, video games, and more. While the city preserves its rich cultural heritage, it also serves as a hub of cutting-edge technology and innovation.
This unique environment provides valuable learning opportunities for students. Collaborations between universities and local industries offer practical, hands-on experiences that go beyond the classroom. At KUAS, for example, the Capstone Project allows students to work directly with professionals from businesses, industries, and research institutions. Through these real-world experiences, students gain deep insights and lay a strong foundation for their future careers.
Kyoto is a city where tradition meets innovation — and an ideal place for personal growth. In this interdisciplinary environment, aspiring global leaders can develop broad knowledge and flexible thinking, essential skills for success in the future.
Rich Cultural Experiences and International Exchange
Studying in Kyoto offers the rare opportunity to experience a modern, comfortable lifestyle while immersing yourself in Japan’s deep history and culture. World Heritage Sites such as Kinkaku-ji (the Golden Pavilion) and Kiyomizu-dera, beautiful gardens, and traditional festivals like the Gion Matsuri are all part of daily life here.
Beyond what you can see, you’ll also encounter values such as respect for tradition, nature, and the Japanese spirit of wa — harmony and connection in communication. These cultural experiences provide invaluable insights that deepen your understanding of Japan and broaden your global perspective.
While Kyoto is famous for preserving tradition, it also has a surprisingly open and forward-looking side. The city hosts many international events and institutions, and the number of foreign residents continues to grow — including about 18,000 international students from around the world. KUAS alone welcomes over 700 international students studying alongside their Japanese peers.
Interacting with people from diverse backgrounds is a vital part of developing the ability to thrive in a global society. Through such cross-cultural exchanges, you can enhance your understanding of humanity, strengthen your problem-solving skills, and cultivate leadership.
Kyoto is a city where academic excellence, cultural richness, and global diversity come together — a place full of opportunities for learning, connection, and growth. Here, where advanced technology and ancient history coexist, every aspect of student life is filled with inspiration and discovery.
For future-oriented students interested in technology, business, and making an impact on the world, studying in Kyoto is the perfect choice to turn your dreams into reality. In this timeless city, take the first step toward unlocking your full potential and building a bright, global future.