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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| October 18 (Sun) | NEW! Welcome party for foreigners |
14:00 – 16:00 (Doors open 13:30 PM) | kokoka Kyoto International Community House special conference room |
100 people (First 100 people / Pre-registration required) | Open to all | 500yen (Same price for all) | Apply |
| Oct.16（Fri.） | NEW! Kyoto Job Fair 2026 ‘International Student Job Fair’ Around 30 companies will be exhibiting! |
12:00～15:30 | Kyoto Sangyo Kaikan Hall (Kyoto Economic Center, 2nd Floor) | Registration required | International students seeking employment that utilises their specialist knowledge | Free to attend ＊The following events are also taking place! 12:00～12:45 Seminar for international students "Job Fair Guide for International Students" 13:00～16:00 Consultation sessions for foreign nationals and companies, etc. |
Apply |
| October 14 (Wed) | NEW!IMAGINE NOH：Legends and Laghter on Stage | 17:30-19:00 （Reception opening:16:30～） |
Kyoto Kanze Noh Theater | Registration required | International students studying in Kyoto | ￥5,000 Following the Noh and Kyōgen performance with English commentary , there will be a special talk session (approx. 35 minutes) where you can ask the performers questions. |
Apply |
| October 9 (Fri) | NEW!The 716th Subscription Concert | Start 19:00 (Open doors 18:00) | Kyoto concert hall | ～Apply by Oct 1 (Thu) | 20 international students enrolled in Designated Schools, (one per person only)(lottery) | Free *Student ID required. |
Apply |
| September 27 (Sun) | Gold leaf gilding workshop at Ryuganji temple | 10:00-12:00 | Ryuganji temple | Apply by Sep 18 (Fri) | 15 international and Japanese students (lottery) | 2,000 yen | Apply |
| September 27 (Sun) | Sports Time for International Youth – Badminton | 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） |
| September 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 |
Until Sep. 11 (Fri) Application required |
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 |
| September 20(Sun) | Free Counseling Day for Non-Japanese Residents | 13:00-17:00 | kokoka Kyoto International Community House 3F | Reservation Required | Free | Reservation TEL:075-752-3511 | |
| Thursday, September 17 ＊Backup date in case of inclement weather: Wednesday, September 30 |
Casting Call: Foreign Participants for Promotional Photos & Videos (English Guided Tour at Fushimi Inari Taisha) | 8:30-13:00 | Fushimi Inari Taisha Shrine | Tuesday, August 25 – Sunday, September 6 Advance application required. A lottery will be held if applications exceed capacity. |
International students | Compensation: ¥5,000 Requirements for Applicants: ・Must fit the atmosphere of an English-guided tour (expressing a natural appearance as a foreign tourist enjoying the tour). ・Conversational Japanese ability (to understand instructions from the photographer). ・Year-round suitable attire (sleeveless shirts, sandals, etc., are not allowed). ・Must indicate availability for both September 17 (Thu) and the backup date, September 30 (Wed). |
Please fill out items ① through ⑤ below and email them with at least one photo showing both your face and full body to the email address below. ① Full Name & Furigana ② School Name ③ Phone Number (Reachable on the day of the shoot) ④ Email Address ⑤ Availability for September 30 (Wed) (Available / Not Available) Send Applications To Kyoto City Tourism Association (Attn: Ms. Kondo) kondo@kyokanko.or.jp |
| September 16(Wed), October 10(Sat), 17(Sat), 20(Tue) | NEW!Kyoto Traditional Industries Product Development Project | Sep. 16(Wed)18:30-20:30 Oct.10(Sat) 14:00-17:00 17(Sat)14:30-17:00 20(Tue) evening |
Campus Plaza Kyoto (939 Higashi-Shiokoji-cho Shimogyo-ku, Kyoto） 5-minutes walk from JR Kyoto Station |
Advance application required Capacity: 20 participants (first-come, first-served) |
International students enrolled at a Study Kyoto Network member school who can communicate with Corporate staff in Japanese | Free of charge Why not join forces with a long-established Kyoto-based company to come up with new ways to sell and enjoy their products? |
Apply |
| September 14 (Mon), 16 (Wed), 18 (Fri), 25 (Fri) , 28 (Mon) | Maiko & Zen Kyoto – A Private Zen Temple, a Maiko & a Zen Garden (Free invitation with an English guide) | 14:30– / 15:30– each day (approx. 90 min） | Ikka-in, a sub-temple of Tofuku-ji a short walk from Tofukuji Station (JR Nara / Keihan Main Line) |
Apply by email: Open now! ＊A minimum of two participants is required. |
International students foreign residents *Limited spots per session first-come, first-served basis |
【Free /special invitation through the end of Sep.】 ＊Program movie ＊Inquiry: Ichiyama, at Mind free co.ltd ichiyama_ryota@mindfree.co.jp |
Apply to the address below with followings: |
| September 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. |
| September 6(Sun.) | 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 | Apply |
| September 5(Sat.) | Authentic Tea Ceremony Experience at "JURAKU," a 150-Year-Old Machiya Townhouse! 【Free invitation】 ＊Held on the 1st Sat. of every month (until Dec.,2026) |
10:00-11:00 | JURAKU 85-1 Itsutsujicho, Itsutsuji-dori Chiekoin Nishi-iru, Kamigyo-ku, Kyoto |
Resevation required in advance. Capacity: 7 participants each |
International students foreign residents |
・Free Admission (Complimentary invitation). ・The event will be conducted in Japanese. ・Would you like to experience traditional Japanese culture in a historic townhouse in Nishijin, Kyoto? This is a perfect opportunity to watch a beautiful tea preparation by a tea master and enjoy delicious matcha green tea and Japanese sweets! ＊Inquiry：Ikuta Global co,ltd. Email: vanherk@ikuta.group Tel: 075-286-3930 |
Apply |
| Sep.5(Sat.) | 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 |
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 |