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 Tower, Kyoto Zoo and many other places!

日本語ブログバナー

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
Dec.18(Wed.) Discover Japanese Culture Walk in Kyoto OKAZAKI 10:00-19:00 Murin-an(Japanese garden and Kyo-mai dance performance)→HYOTEI(Kyoto cuisine)→Kyoto Kanze kaikan(Noh Play Appreciation and Experience)→Kyoto Modern Terrace→Hosomi Museum(Museum Appreciation and Tea Ceremony Experience) Reservation is required(Selected by lottery) English Speakers 10-15 people
*Guidance will be given in English.
Fee:Free
(Includes lunch, drinks and dessert)
*After the tour, you will need to fill out a questionnaire.
Closed due to capacity reached
Dec. 14(Sat.) NEW!Free Butoh WS Information 13:00-16:00
* 13:00-15:00 Workshop, 15:00-16:00 Feedback
Kyoto Kamogawa Doin
(109 Bukkoji Higashicho, Shimogyo-ku, Kyoto)
~Dec. 14(Sat.) Foreigners up to 10 people (first come, first served) Fee:Free
**Participation conditions apply. For details, please see the "Application Form."
Apply
Dec. 12 (Thur.) Masterpieces of Modern Japanese Painting Born in Kyoto~ Painting Appreciation and Workshop 15:20-18:00, meeting time: 15:20 (please come on time) Kyoto City KYOCERA Museum of Art
~Nov. 26(Tue.) International students and Japanese students who can understand English, up to 30 people Fee: 500 yen
Reservation is required, the participants will be chosen in a draw
Apply
Dec.10(Tue) The 175th Subscription Concert of Kyoto City University of Arts 19:00~(18:00 Doors open) Kyoto Concert Hall
Main Hall(1-26 Shimogamo Hangi-cho, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto)
Nov.29(Fri.) International Students from Designated schools
up to 100 people (one person can apply for up to 2 tickets)
Fee: free
If you are chosen to participate, please show your student ID card and tell your invitation number at the reception desk at the venue
Apply
Dec.6(Fri.) >Kyoto Citizens' Kyogen Performance 19:00~(18:30 Doors open) Kyoto Kanze Kaikan
(44, Okazaki Enshojicho, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto-shi, Kyoto)
Nov. 28(Thur.) International Students from Designated schools
up to 15 people (one person can apply for 1 ticket)
Fee: free
If you are chosen to participate, please show your student ID card and tell your invitation number at the receptiondesk at the venue
Apply
Dec.3(Tue.)~Mar.7 (Fri.) Invitation to Gion Corner Performance for International Students two performances a day, 18:00~19:00 and 19:00~20:00 Gion Corner
(570-2 Gionmachi Minamigawa, Higashiyama-ku, Kyoto)
Dec.3(Tue.)~Mar.7 (Fri.), first come, first served. Reservation required. International Students from Designated schools
up to 6 people for each performance(one person can apply for 1 ticket)
Fee: free
※Before you apply, please make sure to double-check your schedule.
Sudden cancellations will cause inconvenience to the organizers.
At the venue: please show your student ID card and a letter (e-mail) you received after submitting your application
Apply
Nov.18(Mon.) International Event "Let's Have an Exchange Through Sushi Rolls Making" 14:00~16:00 Kyoto Terrsa(Kyoto-shi, Minami-ku, Higashikujo, Shimotonoda-cho 70)
East Building 3F, Confrence Room D
Reservation is required(first come, first served) Everyon who can speak English or Japanese. Foreigners 10 people、Japanese nationals 10 people Fee:500 yen
Content:A sushi master will teach how to make salad sushi rolls. He will also give a demonstration.
Apply
Nov. 17(Sun.) Ramen Tour 12:45-(Time required: about 2 hours) Near Shijo-Karasuma Reservation is required(first come, first served) 5 English speakers who love ramen Fee:Free
*Please write reviews in English after the tour.
Closed due to capacity reached
①Nov. 15(Fri.)
②Nov. 16(Sat.)
Marco da Silva Ferreira “CARCAÇA” ①19:00 start、18:00 doors open
②15:00 start、14:00 doors open
ROHM Theatre Kyoto (13 Okazakisaishoji-cho, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto City)
South Hall
~Nov. 10(Sat) International students and foreigners up to 50 people Fee: free
Reservation is required, first come, first served
Reception will be held one hour before the show starts, in front of the entrance of the South Hall on the 1st floor (just next to the Family Mart entrance on the Nijo-dori side). Please pick up your ticket there on the day of the event.
Apply
Nov. 12(Tue.) Free Butoh WS 13:00-16:00
13:00-15:00: Workshop
15:00-16:00: Feedback
Kyoto Kamogawa Doin (109 Bukkoji Higashicho, Shimogyo-ku, Kyoto) ~11/12 (Tue)
Foreigners up to 10 people (first come, first served) Fee:Free
*Participation conditions apply. For details, please see the "Apply"
Apply
①Nov. 2(Sat.)
②Nov.3(Sun)
Rachid Ouramdane “Corps extrêmes” ①19:00 start、18:00 doors open
②15:00 start、14:00 doors open
ROHM Theatre Kyoto (13 Okazakisaishoji-cho, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto City)
South Hall
~Oct. 27(Sat.) International students and foreigners up to 100 people Fee: free
Reservation is required, first come, first served
Reception will be held one hour before the show starts, in front of the entrance of the South Hall on the 1st floor (just next to the Family Mart entrance on the Nijo-dori side). Please pick up your ticket there on the day of the event.
Apply
Nov. 3(Sun, National Holiday) “INAMORI MUSIC DAY 2024 Symphonic Concert” 14:00 Start(13:00 Doors open) ROHM Theatre Kyoto Main Hall
( 13 Okazakisaishoji-cho, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto City)
application is closed International Students from Designated schools
up to 100 people (one person can apply for up to 2 tickets)
Fee: free
※Before you apply, please make sure to double-check your schedule.
Sudden cancellations will cause inconvenience to the organizers.
If you are chosen to participate, please show your student ID card and tell your invitation number at the reception des at the venuek
Apply
11/2(Sat.) - 11/10(Sun.)
~Journey into KABUKI ~Appreciation and Experience~ 14:00
18:00
Minamiza Theatre(Kyoto, Hiyashiyama-ku, Shijo Ohashi Higashizume) We have closed the application for free invitations, as we have reached our capacity, but you can still apply for discount tickets (for a fee).
Please use the application form to apply.
International Students from Designated schools
Fee: discounted tickets are avaible. Please check in the link on the right Apply

kokoka Family Program

The "kokoka Family Program" involves matching Kyoto families with international students to support their life in Kyoto.

See more

PICNIK (Program for InterCultural Nexus in Kyoto)

Would you like to share your country’s culture with elementary and middle school students?

See more

 

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.

EligibilityDesignated Schools (Please check if you belong to a designated school to confirm eligibility)
Period of Usage July - August,January - February
Locations able to visit throughout the year: Nidec Kyoto Tower (~2025/3/31, except Aug.16 and Jan.1 ), Garden Museum Hiei (4/20 (Saturday) - 12/8 (Sunday), closed on Thursday *Opened May 2nd and August 15. Please contact directly for further information)
Number of times it can be usedUnlimited
FacilitiesList 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. Nidec Kyoto Tower("Nidec Kyoto Tower" :from April, 2024)l
  • 20. Garden Museum Hiei

Designated Schools

 
Universities etc.1.Ikenobo College
2.Otani University
3.Kyoto Kacho University and Kacho Junior College
4.Kyoto University
5.Kyoto University of foreign Studies・Kyoto Junior College of Foreign Languages
6.Kyoto University of Education
7.Kyoto College of Economics
8.Kyoto Institute of Technology
9.Kyoto Sangyo University
10.Kyoto Women's University
11.Kyoto City University of Arts
12.Kyoto Seika University
13.Kyoto University of Arts and Design
14.Kyoto Tachibana University
15.Kyoto Prefectual University
16.Kyoto Prefectural University of Medicine
17.Kyoto Pharmaceutical University
18.Kyoto Koka Women's University
19.Kyoto Saga University of Arts
20.Shuchiin University
21.Doshisha University
22.Doshisha Women's College of Liberal Arts
23.Kyoto Notre Dame University
24.Hanazono University
25.Bukkyo University
26.Ritsumeikan University
27.Ryukoku University
28.Kyoto College of Graduate Studies for Informatics
29.Heian Jogakuin College
30.Kyoto University of Advanced Science
31.Kyoto Arts and Crafts University
32.Kyoto College of Nursing
33.Kyoto Study Center, the Open University of Japan
Japanese Language Schools1.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
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 Health School
40.The Nursing Schol of Kyoto Medical Association
41.Kyoto Chuo Nursing and Insurance College
42.Kyoto Katsura Nursing School
43.National Hospital Organization Kyoto Medical Center School of Nursing and Midwifery
44.Kyoto Kinki Joho Upper Secondary Specialized Training Scool
45.Kyoto Design & Technology
46.Kyoto Prefectural Welfare Center for the Visual Imaratient