8 Things You Need to Know About Studying in Kyoto, Japan

The people of Kyoto are known to be very helpful and welcoming wherever they can be. Of course, taking the time to learn the basics of Japanese is common courtesy and shows respect for the country you’re in.

And when it comes to studying in English in Kyoto, there are plenty of opportunities to do that. Kyoto University of Advanced Science  provides in-depth, career oriented engineering programs led by top academics in their respected fields.

In September 2020, students will have the opportunity to enroll in a new and innovative English-taught graduate degree program in the Faculty of Engineering, while the undergraduate equivalent is scheduled to run the year following. 

Speaking of universities…

With around 50 universities, Japanese language schools and vocational institutes all offering a rich selection of study options, each with their own unique curriculum, it’s no wonder Kyoto is considered the university capital of Japan.

And what’s more, out of 28 Japanese Nobel Laureates, 19 are associated with Kyoto – impressive, right?

While summers tend to be hot and humid, winters can be cold – but that doesn’t matter when you’re living in Kyoto as hundreds of unmissable (and unforgettable) events, activities and experiences occupy the yearly calendar.

In the springtime, students can take in the wonders of Japan’s famous cherry blossom flowers, and during the summer you can attend a number of cultural festivals and religious events. If simply relaxing is more your thing, Lake Biwa is Japan’s largest lake and is a great leisure spot.

For those who prefer cooler conditions, Fall is a great time to hike and admire the red and orange hues of the Japanese maple trees, while winter is the best season to enjoy a hot spring. A trip to Arashiyama, Kameoka and Tango in Kyoto Prefecture are a must.

Kyoto’s passion for design and all things futuristic has seen a large number of leading high-tech Japanese companies setting up their headquarters here – many of which frequently feature in the Forbes’ Top Companies list.

Many of these companies are seeking graduates who have the specialist skills to come in and work across various departments and taskforces. In 2018, the number of international students who changed their visa status to work in Japan after graduating hit a record high – 93.2 percent of them registered, with engineers, accountants and language-related roles with translation and interpretation the most popular job descriptions.

Image credit: Yukitaka Iha on Unsplash – Fushimi Inari Taisha

Kyoto once served as the Imperial Capital of Japan for more than 1,000 years. After years of upheaval, it is now considered the cultural capital of Japan where visitors can get a real insight into ancient Japanese tradition, history, religion and culture, as modern geishas walk the cobbled alleyways and imperial palaces, shrines and Buddhist temples quietly watch over the city.

From Michelin-starred restaurants to affordable sushi and noodle joints, Kyoto’s refined, high quality international cuisine (vegan and halal options included!), will definitely give your taste-buds a trip.

For starters (no pun intended) you should make your way to Nishiki Market, otherwise known as ‘Kyoto’s Kitchen’, a lively retail market where shops and restaurants line the streets. You’ll have the opportunity to experience Japanese cuisine like never before, so don’t be shy when it comes to trying the samples either – getting to know what it’s all about is part of the fun when it comes to dining in Kyoto! 

And if you’re spending your New Year celebrations here, be sure to look out for Washoku’, a famous traditional Japanese dietary culture which was recognized on UNESCO’s Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity 2013 list.

Lead image credit: Su San Lee on Unsplash – Kiyomizu Dera, Kyoto, Japan