Kyoto International Students Information Site
If you are an international student new to Kyoto, the first thing you should do is sign up to the Kyoto International Students Information Site!
By doing so, you can receive invitations to free events such as classical concerts and "Kyogen" for example. You can also gain access to other useful information.
We also recommend you to enrich your study abroad experience through using the “Ryugakusei Okoshiyasu Pass”, which gives you free access to Nijo Castle, Kyoto Zoo and many other places!
Living in Kyoto (Kyo-kara yomimono) is a blog sent out for foreigners living in Kyoto. Mainly foreign students are writing about various topics including seasonal and traditional events, traveling, and foods
Log into the “kokoka Member Site”.
From the “kokoka Member Site” you can sign up for the “Kyoto International Students Information Site”, apply for the “PICNIK” (Program for InterCultural Nexus In Kyoto), and kokoka’s email newsletter.
Latest Information
- ＊Information on free events, etc. To apply, you will need a “kokoka Member Site” ID. You can get the ID on this page. Please scroll down.
- ＊Please check the schedule carefully before applying so that you do not have to cancel.
| Day | The name of event | Time | Place | Application period | Who can participate | Notes | Application |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Oct. 25日（Sun.） | kokoka Family Program "International Students Wanted!" | 14:00～16:00 | kokoka Kyoto International Community House | Aug. 25（Tue）～Sept. 8 (Tue.) ＊Please apply from this「kokoka Member site」. Log in from new registration | All international students enrolled at a University (including campus in Osaka and Shiga), and the students who have more than 6 months left to stay in Kyoto when applying. | Free | ＊Please apply from this「kokoka Member site」. Log in from new registrationApply |
| Sep.23（Wed.national holiday） | Exploring Kishiwada, a town of Danjiri Festival and castle with interacting with local high-school students | 8:30(Gathering at Namba sta. of Nankai railway) ～16:30 |
Meeting point：Central gate (2F) Namba sta. of Nankai railway |
～Sep 11th(Fri.) |
International students 15 participants (first apply, first serve basis) |
・Admission free ・Transportation (meeting point to the dismissal point) and lunch box provided ・Experience Japanese culture and interacting with local high school students ・Inquiry： Rekishi Kaido Promotional Council "Experience Japanese Culture P" Section 2-2-2 Nakanoshima, Kita-ku, Osaka E-mail: r-kaido@rekishikaido.gr.jp | Send an e-mail with ①～④ to the address below r-kaido@rekishikaido.gr.jp ①The participant's name ②school name, grade ③address ④E-mail address, or tel. number |
| Sep.19（Sat.） | NEW!Breath and Reset Yoga Workshop |
14:00-16:30 | kokoka Kyoto International Community House Annex | Registration Required (First-Come, First-Served) | Foreign Residents(15 max.) | Free | Apply |
| Sep. 8(Tue.) | Japanese Film Screening with English Subtitles: Uzumasa Limelight |
14:00–15:45 (doors open at 13:00） |
Main Hall, Kyoto Institute, Library and Archives |
Reservation required by Sep. 2 first come, first served up to 2 persons per application. |
International students, general Participant limit:350 |
Free admission Inquiry: General Information and Consultation Center for Citizens (Kyoto-fu Sogo Madoguchi) tel.075-411-5000 |
Apply via tel. or mail tel.075-411-5000 Weekdays 9:00 to 17:00 E-mail: 411-5000@pref.kyoto.lg.jp ①name（w/furigana） ②contact numbers of all applicants required. |
| Sep. 6(Sun.) | NEW!Japanese Conversation Hangout — “Offline NIHONGO” |
14:00-16:00 | kokoka Kyoto International Community House 3F Seminar Room | Registration Required (First-Come, First-Served) | 30 Japanese learners | Free of Charge | 申 込 |
| 9月5日（Sat.） | NEW!Movie「Mustached Municipal」 with Japanese subtitles, English subtitles, and Japanese audio guide |
①10：00～12：00、②13：00～15：00、③15：30～17：30、④18：00～20：00 | kokok Kyoto International Community House Event Hall | On a first-come, first-served basis. Registration will close once capacity is reached. | International students in Kyoto | We are inviting 10 pairs of people free of charge.On the day of the event, please come at a time that is convenient for you and provide your name at the reception desk. | Apply |
| September 2 (Wed) – September 18 (Fri) | Kyoto-based Practical Business Japanese Program for International Students “Japanese for Working (Intermediate Summer Class)” |
9:15-12:15 Level Check Test (online): August 19 (Wed) from 10:00 |
Campus Plaza Kyoto | Until August 17 (Mon) 20 participants (lottery if applications exceed capacity) |
・International students enrolled at universities, vocational schools, or Japanese language schools in Kyoto who plan to work in Japan using Japanese ・Able to attend all 10 classes ・JLPT level N3–N2 |
Free of charge | Apply |
| August 29(Sat.) | Intercultural Exchange Community Network Forum and Exchante Meeting -What will the future status of residence be like?- | 13:00～16:00 | kokoka Kyoto International Community House | ～Aug. 28(Fri.) | Foreign residents | Free |
Apply |
| August 21(Fri) | The 283rd Kyoto Citizens' Kyogen Performance | 19:00-（18:30 doors open） | Kyoto Kanze Noh Theater | Apply by Aug 7 (Fri) 23:59 |
15 international students enrolled in Designated Schools, (one per person only)(lottery) | Free *Student ID required. |
Apply |
| August 9(Sun.) | Kyoto International Dance Workshop Festival | 19:00～21:00 | Kyoto Art Center Auditorium |
Reservation required ・Application will open from Aug.1～ |
International students, general | Free ・Emmanuelle Huynhclass, ・Takao Kawaguchi’s class Showing ・Duration of the festival: Aug.1 (Sat.) to 9(Sun.) Inquiry Kyoto International Dance Workshop Festival office Ogura: 090-2946-9313 | Apply |
| August 2(Mon) 4(Tue) 6(Thu) |
Open Company Visit for International Students | August 2 (Sun) 13:00–15:00 August 4 (Tue) & August 6 (Thu) 14:00–16:00 |
1928 Building （56 Benkeiishichō, Nakagyō-ku, Kyoto） 8-minute walk from Kyoto Shiyakusho-mae Station (Subway) |
Advance application required Capacity: 4 participants per session (first-come, first-served) |
International students enrolled at a Study Kyoto Network member school who are considering employment in Japan. | Free of charge Participants will watch the stage performance GEAR -GEAR- and have the opportunity to learn about theater operations, production planning, and inbound-related work. The visit also includes a tour of Ridge Creative Co., Ltd., the company that produces the show. |
Apply |
| July 29(Sat) | Kyoto-Based Practical Business Japanese Program for International Students “Job-Hunting Guidance for International Students – Networking Event with Kyoto Companies” |
13:30–16:30（Reception from 13:10） | Kyoto Keizai Center 6th Floor, Room 6-E |
Until noon on Friday, July 24 | International students studying in Kyoto Dress Code: Please wear attire appropriate for job hunting ＊Recruit suits or business suits are acceptable Capacity: 40 participants (first-come, first-served) |
Free of charge | Apply |
| July 28（Tue.） | Ninja & Rock Show in Kyoto (Special discount for international students) |
20:00～21:00 (Doors open: 19:45) |
Venue：Gion SILVER WINGS Prestige Gion 1F 270 Umemoto-cho, Higashiyama-ku |
Registration required Inquiry:Konishi ac@akamachi-c.com 090-7765-3161 |
International students *limited to the first 20 applicants |
Special price for international students Total: ¥2,000 ￥1,300 ＋one drink: ¥700 Cash payment at the venue only. *Regular price Total: ¥4,700 ¥4,000 ＋ one drink: ¥700 |
Apply |
| July 26 (Sun.) | Sports Time for International Youth – Basketball | 13:00-15:00 | Kyoto Fushimi Youth Activity Center | No registration required ＊Please come directly on the day. |
Foreign residents aged 13 to 30 who live, study, or work in Kyoto City | Free of Charge ＊Please bring indoor shoes for sports. |
Inquiry：075-611-4910／fushimi@ys-kyoto.org（Kyoto Fushimi Youth Activity Center） |
| July 26(Sun.) | Tofu Workshop ・Lecture: Tofu's history, making etc. ・Workshop:making Tofu, tasting
|
14:00～16:00 | Impact Hub Kyoto 97 Kainokami-cho, Kamigyo-ku |
Reservation required: ～July 22(wed.) |
25 persons International students in Univ. etc. located in Kyoto pref. |
Free Co-organized by Kyoto PrefectureLecturer：Kyuzaya |
Apply |
| July 25, August 1, 8（Sat.） |
Practical Business Japanese Programme for International Students: Japanese for Job Hunting1 |
10:00-15:00 | Campus Plaza Kyoto | by July 10(Fri.) Capacity: 40 people ＊Lottery applies if oversubscribed. |
Eligibility： ・International students in Kyoto Prefecture who plan to work in a Japanese-speaking environment ・Applicants must be able to attend all 3 sessions ・Those with Japanese language proficiency at JLPT N2 level |
Frre of charge | Apply |
| July 24(Fri.） | Gion Matsuri (Ato-matsuri) Special discounted seats for students available！ ￥1,500(Standard Rates:￥6,000) |
July 24(Fri.)9:30～ open 8:30～ |
Ato-matsuri parade special seats on Oike-dori |
reservation required ～July 24(Fri.) 9:00Limited stock – sales will end once stock is sold out. |
International students |
￥1,500(Standard Rates: ￥6,000) Inquiry：DMO Kyoto(Kyoto City Tourism Association) matsuri@kyokanko.or.jpinfo@impacthubkyoto.net tel.075‒213‒0020 |
申 込 |
| July 22(Wed) | Kyoto Guide Club "Experience the History of The Gion Festival " |
9:45 - 12:45 |
Meeting Location & Time: In front of Kyoto Keizai Center at 9:45 | Apply by July 14(Tue) | First 25 foreigners | Free of Charge | Apply |
| July 18（Sat.） | Did you know？Let’s think together！ World Quiz Exchange | 14:00～16:00 | Kyoto Terrsa Meeting Room D（Kyoto-shi Minami-ku Higashi Kujo Shimo tonoda cho 70 Higashi kan 3F） | ～7/18(土) |
International students, and general participants |
International students: free、general participants￥500（with drinks） | Apply |
| July 11(Sat.) | Pieces of Me: Collage Workshop | Time: 14:00～16:00 | Venue： kokoka Kyoto International Community House 1F Conference Room 1 |
Registration Required | Limited to 20 participants. First come, first served. |
Free to attend. | Apply |
| July 7,8,9 (Tue.,Wed.,Thu.) |
【 International student monitor wanted】 White Corn Harvest Experience trial program 2026 |
10:00～11:00 ＊Gathering time will be announced to the applicants. |
Venue： Rock Farm Kyoto Kumiyama-cho, Kuze-gun, Kyoto pref. 【Gathering】In front of "Avanti Kyoto", on Hachijo-guchi of JR Kyoto sta. |
Application required |
International student 5 participants/day First apply, first serve about for 1 hour experience |
Free ・Harvest fresh white corn directly from the field. ・ Learn how local farmers grow and harvest Kyoto mai corn (White corn) . ・Taste freshly harvested Kyoto Mai Corn right in the field. ・A shuttle service is available from Hachijo-guchi of JR Kyoto sta. |
Apply |
| July 4th(Sat) | 【Free invitation】the 180th Subscription Concert of Kyoto City University of Arts | 14:00～ Doors open on 13:00 |
Kyoto Concert Hall Main Hall |
～June 26(Fri） 23:59 | designated schools 100 tickets chosen by lottery If you would like to go with your friend or family member, you can apply for up to two tickets. |
Free *Student ID required. |
Apply |
| July 2(Thu.) | 【Recruitment】 Recruiting Administrative Interpreters and Counselors (English, Chinese, Vietnamese) |
10:30-11:50 Written exam 12:00～ Interview（About 5 minutes per person） *For successful candidates only: Thursday, July 9—Interview and role-play exam |
kokoka Kyoto International Community House | Until June 14(Sun.) Submit your application by the deadline |
①Ability to provide interpretation and consultation services in Japanese and one of the languages listed below (nationality not a factor) ・English ・Chinese ・Vietnamese ②Basic computer skills are required |
Apply |
kokoka Family Program
The "kokoka Family Program" involves matching Kyoto families with international students to support their life in Kyoto.
PICNIK (Program for InterCultural Nexus in Kyoto)
Would you like to share your country’s culture with elementary and middle school students?
Ryugakusei Okoshiyasu Pass
What is the Ryugakusei Okoshiyasu Pass?
If you are an international student in Kyoto, in order to enrich your experience here you are able to enter various locations free of charge. When you visit a given location, you will need to show the “Ryugakusei Okoshiyasu Pass” (provided here) and your student ID card.
| Number of times it can be used | Unlimited |
|---|---|
| Eligibility | Designated Schools (Please check if you belong to a designated school to confirm eligibility) |
| Period of Usage | July - August，January - February Open year-round facility: Garden Museum Hiei Opening Period: - April 18 (Sat) – December 6 (Sun) - Closed: Wednesdays, 4/28 (Tue) - *Open on 4/29 (Wed), 5/6 (Wed), 8/12 (Wed), 9/23 (Wed) Garden opening hours: - Normal opening hours: 4/18 (Sat)-10/31 (Sat) 10:00-17:30 (last entry 17:00) -*Fall opening hours: 11/1 (Sun)-12/6 (Sun) 10:00-17:00 (last entry 16:30) |
| Facilities | List of facilities you can enter |
Ryugakusei Okoshiyasu Pass for Japanese Students
If a Japanese student is with an international student and both belong to designated schools, then they too can gain free access to various locations free of charge. Please note that the number of Japanese students should be the same as, or less than the number of international students. At the entrance of the venue, the Japanese student will need to show their student ID card and display the Ryugakusei Okoshiyasu Pass (for Japanese students) to staff.
The list of the facilities you can enter with the Ryugakusei Okoshiyasu Pass
- 1. Nijo Castle
- 2. Murin-an
- 3. Kyoto City KYOCERA Museum of Art (only the collection room)
- 4. Kyoto City Zoo
- 5. Kyoto International Manga Museum
- 6. Kyotomangekyo Museum
- 7. Kyoto Municipal Science Center For Youth
- 8. Kyoto Municipal Museum of School History
- 9. Otani University Museum
- 10. Kyoto Institute of Technology Museum and Archives
- 11. Kyoto University Museum
- 12. Kyoto Museum for World Peace
- 13. Forest of Life
- 14. Ryukoku Museum（series exhibition only）
- 15. Kyoto Botanical Gardens
- 16. Old Mitsui Family Shimogamo Villa
- 17. Tomomi Iwakura former secluded residence
- 18. Kyoto Museum of Crafts and Design
- 19. Garden Museum Hiei
- 20. Kyoto prefectural Insho-Domoto Museum of fine arts
Designated Schools
| Universities etc. | 1. | Otani University |
|---|---|---|
| 2. | Kyoto Kacho University and Kacho Junior College | |
| 3. | Kyoto University | |
| 4. | Kyoto University of foreign Studies・Kyoto Junior College of Foreign Languages | |
| 5. | Kyoto University of Education | |
| 6. | Kyoto College of Economics | |
| 7. | Kyoto Institute of Technology | |
| 8. | Kyoto Sangyo University | |
| 9. | Kyoto Women's University | |
| 10. | Kyoto City University of Arts | |
| 11. | Kyoto Seika University | |
| 12. | Kyoto University of Arts and Design | |
| 13. | Kyoto Tachibana University | |
| 14. | Kyoto Prefectual University | |
| 15. | Kyoto Prefectural University of Medicine | |
| 16. | Kyoto Pharmaceutical University | |
| 17. | Kyoto Koka University | |
| 18. | Kyoto Saga University of Arts | |
| 19. | Shuchiin University | |
| 20. | Doshisha University | |
| 21. | Doshisha Women's College of Liberal Arts | |
| 22. | Kyoto Notre Dame University | |
| 23. | Hanazono University | |
| 24. | Bukkyo University | |
| 25. | Ritsumeikan University | |
| 26. | Ryukoku University | |
| 27. | Kyoto College of Graduate Studies for Informatics | |
| 28. | Heian Jogakuin College | |
| 29. | Kyoto University of Advanced Science | |
| 30. | Kyoto Arts and Crafts University | |
| 31. | Kyoto College of Nursing | |
| 32. | Kyoto Study Center, the Open University of Japan | |
| Japanese Language Schools | 1. | ARC Academy Kyoto |
| 2. | Kyoshin Language Academy Kyoto Chuo School | |
| 3. | Academy of Kansai Language School | |
| 4. | Kyoto International Academy of Japanese Language | |
| 5. | Kyoto Japanese Language Training Center | |
| 6. | KJLS Kyoto Japanese Language School | |
| 7. | Kyoto Institute of Culture and Language | |
| 8. | Kyoto Minsai Japanese Language School | |
| 9. | Kyoto Reigaku International Academy | |
| 10. | Kyoto YMCA College Japanese Course | |
| 11. | JCL Foreign Language School | |
| 12. | Nihongo Center | |
| 13. | Katugaku Shoin | |
| 14. | SCG Japan Language School | |
| 15. | Japan International Language Academy kyoto | |
| 16. | YIC Kyoto Japanese Academy | |
| 17. | ISI Language School, Kyoto | |
| 18. | Kamei Japanese Language School | |
| 19. | Kyoto Asuka Academy | |
| 20. | Kyoto Language and Culture Gakuin | |
| 21. | Kyoto Language Academy | |
| Kyoto Prefecture Advanced Vocational Schools | 1. | Kyoto Architectual College |
| 2. | Kyoto Institute of Technology and Automobile Engineering | |
| 3. | Kyoto Computer Gakuin Kyoto Ekimae | |
| 4. | Kyoto Computer Gakuin Kamogawa | |
| 5. | Kyoto Computer Gakuin Rakuhoku | |
| 6. | Kyoto Institute of Automobile Technology | |
| 7. | Kyoto Butsugen Educational School | |
| 8. | Kyoto Barber & Beauty College | |
| 9. | Amuse Hair Beauty College | |
| 10. | Kyoto Beauty College | |
| 11. | YIC Kyoto Beauty College | |
| 12. | YIC Kyoto Pet General College | |
| 13. | Kyoto Culinary Institute | |
| 14. | Kyoto Pastary & Bakery Art College | |
| 15. | Kyoto College of Nutritional & Medical Sciences | |
| 16. | Kyoto College of Social Welfare | |
| 17. | Kyoto Medical Welfare College | |
| 18. | Kyoto YMCA International College of Welfare | |
| 19. | Kyoto Animal College | |
| 20. | Kyoto Institute of Design | |
| 21. | Kyoto College of Hotel, Tourism & Bridal Management | |
| 22. | Ohara College of Business and Bookkeeping | |
| 23. | Kyoto Shika Eisei Gakuin Senmon Gakko | |
| 24. | Kyoto Public Official & IT Accounting College | |
| 25. | Academie de Ballet de Kyoto | |
| 26. | Urasenke School of Tea | |
| 27. | Sundai Yobi gakko(Preparatory Schoo)l Kyoto School | |
| 28. | Kyoto Career College of Foreign Languages | |
| 29. | Kyoto Kawakami Fukushoku Senmon Gakko | |
| 30. | Knitted Fashion College | |
| 31. | Butsuryu Colege | |
| 32. | Japanese Red Cross Kyoto Daini School of Nursing | |
| 33. | Kyoto College of Health and Hygiene | |
| 34. | Kinki Technical College of Nursing | |
| 35. | Kyoto College of Dental Hygienists & Technicians | |
| 36. | Kyoto Culture and Medicine College | |
| 37. | Kyoto College of Medical Health | |
| 38. | Japanese Red Cross Kyoto Daiichi School of Nursing | |
| 39. | Rakuwakai Kyoto Nursing School | |
| 40. | The Nursing Schol of Kyoto Medical Association | |
| 41. | Kyoto Chuo Nursing and Insurance College | |
| 42. | National Hospital Organization Kyoto Medical Center School of Nursing and Midwifery | |
| 43. | Kyoto Kinki Joho Upper Secondary Specialized Training School | |
| 44. | Kyoto Design & Technology | |
| 45. | Kyoto Prefectural Welfare Center for the Visual Imaratient |