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!
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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Apr.27（Sun.） | NEW!Welcome Seminar and Party for Foreigners | 14:00～17:00 (Seminar 14:00～15:30, Party 15:30～17:00) | kokoka Kyoto International Community House （2-1 Torii-cho, Awataguchi, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto） |
in order of the registration, first come, first served | foreign residents can attend seminar and party, Japanese citizens can attend only party up to 100 people |
Fee: free for foreigners who attend both a seminar and a party, and 500 yen for those who attend only party Reservation is required |
Apply |
| Apr.12（Sat.） | Did you say traditional music? | 14:00～16:00 | Kyoto Prefectural International Center
Kyoto Terrsa・West Building・2nd Floor・Rehearsal Studio（70 Higashikujo Shimotonoda-cho, Minami-ku, Kyoto） |
Reservation required | 20 Japanese participants and 20 international participants (on a first-come, first-served basis) | Participation fee: 300 yen |
Apply |
| Mar.20（Thur.）～Apr.2（Wed.) | Kitano Odori(free invitation for students) | Twice a day, you can choose the time of performance: ①Admission 13：00／Start 14：00 ②Admission 15：30／Start 16：30 |
Kamishichiken Kaburenjo (742, Shinseicho, Kamigyo Ward, Kyoto) |
first come, first served (registration is required) | International Students from Designated schools up to 5 people （one person can apply for 1 ticket） |
Fee: free Reservation is required, first come, first served Student ID is required. |
Apply |
| Mar.14（Fri） | City of Kyoto Symphony Orchestra "The 698th Subscription Concert" | 19:30～（18:30 Doors open） | Kyoto Concert Hall Main Hall（1-26 Shimogamo Hangi-cho, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto） |
registration is closed | International Students from Designated schools up to 100 people （one person can apply for up to 2 tickets） |
Fee: free Reservation is required, the participants will be chosen in a draw 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 |
| Mar.7（Fri.） | Kyoto Citizens' Kyogen Performance | 19:00～（18:30 Doors open） | Kyoto Kanze Kaikan (44, Okazaki Enshojicho, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto-shi, Kyoto) |
reservation is closed | International Students from Designated schools up to 15 people （one person can apply for 1 ticket） |
Fee: free Reservation is required, the participants will be chosen in a draw 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 |
| ～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) |
～Mar.7 （Fri.), first come, first served. ※Applications must be received by 17:00 the day before the desired date of participation. Reservations made after 17:00 will be not accepted. |
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 an e-mail you received after submitting your application |
Apply |
| Mar. 3 (Mon., National Holiday) | Recruiting Disaster Prevention Training Participants | 11:00 to 16:00 | Kyoto Prefectural International Center（3F East Bldg. Kyoto Terrsa,70 Higashikujyo shimotonoda-cho,
Minami-ku,Kyoto） |
～ Feb.25（Tue.)Reservation is required. First come first served |
Foreign residents who can speak English, up to 20 people | Participation fee: free ※the organizers will pay your transportation fee to the venue (public transportation) Inquiry：075-681-2500 (Kyoto Prefectural International Center) Mail:bousai@kcif.or.jp |
Apply |
| Feb.28 (Fri.) | Introduce Favorite Manga! | 14:00～16:00 | Kyoto International Manga Museum | ～Feb.27（Thur.） Reservation is required |
International students and Japanese students up to 20people | Fee：500yen | Apply |
| Feb.23 (Sun・National Holiday) | International Students' Day | 9:30 a.m.–5:00 p.m. (Entrance until 4:30 p.m.) | Kyoto National Museum（527 Chaya-cho, Higashiyama-ku, Kyoto) |
Advance registration is not required |
International students ※Please present your student ID at the museum entrance |
Free admission Inquiry：075-531-7504 (weekdays 10:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m., 1:00 p.m.–5:00 p.m.) E-mail：event_kyohaku＠nich.go.jp ※Available in Japanese, English, Chinese, and Korean |
Advance registration is not required |
| Feb. 14 (Fri.) | Modern Art Night in English at MoMAK | 17:30～19:30, meeting time: 17:15 (please come on time) | The National Museum of Modern Art, Kyoto (Kyoto, Sakyo-ku, Okazaki area) |
～Jan. 30（Thur.） | International students and Japanese students who can understand English, up to 25 people | Fee: free Reservation is required, the participants will be chosen in a draw |
Apply |
| Feb. 9 (Sun.) | Enjoy KYOGEN Classic Japanese Comedy | 14:00 Start 13:30 Doors open |
KEIHANNA PLAZA Main hall （Kyoto Pref., Soraku-gun, Seika-cho, Hikaridai 1-7） |
Reservation required, first come, first served, one person can apply for one ticket |
Foreign residents（at the day of event please show your passport or a residence card） | Special price:1,000 yen You cannot choose your seat. Contact：0774-95-5115(only in Japanese) Mail:conv-staff@ml.keihanna-plaza.co.jp |
Apply |
| Feb. 6(Thur.） | NEW!Piano Concert「DREAMS IN KYOTO」 by Mirana Faiz | Doors open：15:00、Concert strats：15:30 | Kyoto Concert Hall (Ensemble Hall Murata) 1-26 Shimogamo Hangi-cho, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto |
untile Feb.6（Thur.） Reservation is required, first come, first served |
International students, foreign residents 50 people Reservation is required, first come, first served multiple tickets can be reserved. ※Preschool children are not admitted. |
Fee:free（invitation by the performer） 【Inquiry】Mirana Faiz ｍiranamusic.art@gmail.com |
Apply |
| Jan.25（Sat.） | Let's make an elephant's poop paper! | 10:00～12:00（Gathering on 9:50 at the East gate of Kyoto City Zoo） | Kyoto City Zoo ( Okazaki Hosshoji-cho, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto-shi) |
Reservation required | International and Japanese Students from Designated schools up to 15 people |
Fee: free If you are chosen to participate, please show your student ID card and "Okoshiyasu PASS" at the venue |
Apply |
| Jan.24（Fri.） | NEW!Kyoto Entrepreneur MEETUP “Networking with International Entrepreneurs in Kyoto” | 18:00～20:00 | ASTEM Building 8th Floor “STC3” |
Reservation is required（first come, first served） | International students or foreigners who wish to establish a business | Fee: Free ＊This event will be held in English |
Apply |
| Dec. 27（Fri.） | The Special Concert “The 9th Symphony of Beethoven” | 19:00～（18:00 Doors open） | Kyoto Concert Hall (Main Hall) （5 minutes walk from Kitayama station (exit 1 or 3) Karasuma-line, Kyoto Municipal Subway） |
the application is closed | International Students from Designated schools up to 20 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.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.） | 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.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 |
| 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～（Doors open at 18:00） ②15:00～（Doors open at 14:00） |
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～（Doors open at 18:00） ②15:00～（Doors open at 14:00） |
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～（Doors open at 13:00） | 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.
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.
| Eligibility | Designated 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 (～2026/3/31, except May 1~6, Aug.13~17, and Jan.1~4 ), Garden Museum Hiei (4/19 (Saturday) - 12/7 (Sunday), closed on Wednesday. Please contact directly for further information) |
| Number of times it can be used | Unlimited |
| 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. 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 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 | |
| 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 |