Why Kyoto Is the Perfect Place to Study in Japan
Nov 12, 2025
For students interested in studying in Japan, Kyoto stands out as an exceptional choice. As the former capital of Japan for over a thousand years, Kyoto remains the heart of the country’s history, culture, and traditional values. At the same time, it is one of Japan’s leading academic cities, home to many universities, research institutions, and innovative industries. This rare combination of cultural depth and academic strength makes Kyoto an ideal environment for students seeking a meaningful and globally relevant education.
A Student-Friendly City
Kyoto is one of Japan’s most student-oriented cities, with the highest student-to-population ratio in the country. This creates a welcoming atmosphere where students can live, study, and socialize comfortably.
Housing options are plentiful, ranging from university dormitories to private apartments located close to campus. Compared to Tokyo, where a one-bedroom apartment often costs around 100,000 JPY per month, students in Kyoto can find well-equipped apartments in convenient areas for approximately 60,000 JPY. Many students also choose to share larger apartments, further reducing living costs.
Kyoto’s public transportation system is efficient and easy to use, allowing students to move smoothly around the city by bus or train. In addition, the city’s flat and well-maintained streets make cycling a popular and practical choice. Daily necessities such as supermarkets, convenience stores, hospitals, and specialty shops are always within easy reach. Overall, students can enjoy a comfortable lifestyle in Kyoto for around 110,000 JPY per month, including rent—making life in Kyoto highly affordable compared to major cities in Europe, the United States, and elsewhere in Asia.
Kyoto is also known for being peaceful, quiet, and safe. Even students living abroad for the first time can feel secure and focus fully on their studies and personal growth.
A Crossroads of Culture and Technology
While Kyoto is widely known as a historic and cultural city, it is also a center of innovation and advanced industry. As Japan’s capital for more than a millennium, Kyoto developed strong traditions of craftsmanship, commerce, and learning. The city is particularly famous for monozukuri—the spirit of creating high-quality products that combine functionality, precision, and aesthetics.
This tradition continues today in modern form. Kyoto is home to globally recognized companies in fields such as industrial robotics, semiconductors, medical devices, and digital entertainment. As a result, the city offers a unique environment where tradition and cutting-edge technology coexist.
For students, this creates valuable opportunities to connect academic learning with real-world applications. Universities in Kyoto actively collaborate with local industries and research institutions, providing hands-on, practical learning experiences. At Kyoto University of Advanced Science (KUAS), for example, the Capstone Project enables students to work directly with professionals from companies and research organizations. Through these projects, students gain practical skills, industry insights, and a strong foundation for future careers.
Rich Cultural Experiences and International Exchange
Studying in Kyoto allows students to enjoy a modern lifestyle while being immersed in Japan’s rich cultural heritage. World Heritage Sites such as Kinkaku-ji (the Golden Pavilion) and Kiyomizu-dera, beautifully maintained gardens, and traditional festivals like the Gion Matsuri are not special occasions—they are part of everyday life.
Beyond visible culture, students encounter deeper values such as respect for tradition, harmony with nature, and the Japanese concept of wa, which emphasizes cooperation and mutual understanding. These experiences foster cultural sensitivity and broaden students’ global perspectives.
At the same time, Kyoto is an increasingly international city. About 18,000 international students from around the world currently study here, and the number continues to grow. At KUAS alone, more than 700 international students learn alongside Japanese students, creating a vibrant and multicultural academic environment. Through daily interaction and collaborative learning, students develop cross-cultural communication skills, adaptability, and leadership—essential qualities in today’s global society.
Study in Kyoto: A City of Inspiration and Opportunity
Kyoto is a city where academic excellence, cultural richness, and global diversity come together. Here, ancient history and advanced technology coexist, offering students constant inspiration both inside and outside the classroom.
For future-oriented students interested in technology, business, and making a positive impact on the world, studying in Kyoto provides an ideal foundation. In this timeless yet forward-looking city, students can take their first step toward realizing their potential and building a bright, global future.