This combined metropolitan area of three cities, Kyoto-Osaka-Kobe (also known as Keihanshin) is home to over 19 million people and contains nine universities ranked in the QS World University Rankings® 2023.
The former capital of Imperial Japan, Kyoto is one of the country’s leading destinations for both tourists and international students, second only to capital Tokyo. Kyoto University is currently the second-highest ranked institution in Japan, at 36th in the QS World University Rankings®.
Around 40km from Kyoto is Osaka. Universities in Osaka also hold their own, with Osaka University placing 68th in the QS World University Rankings.
The sixth-largest city in Japan, Kobeis the capital of the Hyōgo Prefecture, and is home to Kobe University, which ranks joint 363rd in the world.
Kyoto-Osaka-Kobe appears in the top 20 for student voice (reflecting the results of our student survey) which shows that students certainly enjoy their experience in these cities, and are often keen to stay after graduation.
To find out how each of the above categories is calculated, view the methodology.
Why study in Kyoto-Osaka-Kobe?
It's affordable
Kyoto-Osaka-Kobe earns one of its highest scores for affordability, ranking joint 53rd globally. How much you'll spend depends on which area you live in, but all areas are relatively affordable.
Full of culture
With art, culture, excellent cuisines, temples and beautiful landscapes to explore, Kyoto-Osaka-Kobe is a student city that has it all.
Respected by employers
Employers think highly of graduates with degrees from one of Kyoto-Osaka-Kobe's universities. The city earns its highest score in the employer activity indicator this year.
Cost of studying in Kyoto-Osaka-Kobe
Ranking joint 53rd for affordability, Kyoto-Osaka-Kobe, is a relatively cheap student area. The cost of living depends on which city you choose to live in, although none of the three cities are unaffordable. According to Numbeo, the cost of a one bedroom apartment in Kyoto is around £620 per month, whereas the cost in Osaka is £625. In Kobe, a one bedroom apartment in the city centre is around £595 per month.
Universities in Kyoto-Osaka-Kobe charge an average of US$6,100 per year - a lot cheaper than student cities in the UK or the US.
Life and culture in Kyoto-Osaka-Kobe
For those who want to study in Japan but feel overwhelmed by the size and pace of Tokyo, Kyoto offers city life on a smaller scale, with plenty of opportunities to explore both traditional and modern Japanese culture – from beautiful Buddhist temples, to all-night karaoke bars and an eclectic selection of pubs and clubs.
Osaka has a long history of being an international gateway for trade, politics and knowledge. Today, it remains a key economic and cultural hub, with a large and diverse population and an economy bigger than some entire countries. It offers a good selection of art exhibitions, live music and drama, as well as being known for its excellent and varied cuisine.
Around 1.5 million people live in Kobe, which is located about 30km west of Osaka, in a picturesque location wedged between the sea and the Rokko mountain range. It is another vibrant cosmopolitan city and strong economic hub, with international companies such as Nestlé and Procter & Gamble having bases here.
Career in Kyoto-Osaka-Kobe
Employers see graduates from Kyoto-Osaka-Kobe as desirable candidates for jobs, as shown in the high score received for employer reputation - the area ranks 16th globally.
The combined GDP of the area is so strong that if it was a country, it would be within the top 20 of the world’s economies. This is one of the many reasons large international companies have branches there.
The former Assistant Editor of TopUniversities.com, Sabrina wrote and edited articles to guide students from around the world on a wide range of topics. She has a bachelor's degree in English Literature and Creative Writing from Aberystwyth University and grew up in Staffordshire, UK.
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Study in Kyoto-Osaka-Kobe
By Sabrina Collier
Updated June 29, 2022 Updated June 29, 2022Kyoto-Osaka-Kobe for students
This combined metropolitan area of three cities, Kyoto-Osaka-Kobe (also known as Keihanshin) is home to over 19 million people and contains nine universities ranked in the QS World University Rankings® 2023.
The former capital of Imperial Japan, Kyoto is one of the country’s leading destinations for both tourists and international students, second only to capital Tokyo. Kyoto University is currently the second-highest ranked institution in Japan, at 36th in the QS World University Rankings®.
Around 40km from Kyoto is Osaka. Universities in Osaka also hold their own, with Osaka University placing 68th in the QS World University Rankings.
The sixth-largest city in Japan, Kobe is the capital of the Hyōgo Prefecture, and is home to Kobe University, which ranks joint 363rd in the world.
Kyoto-Osaka-Kobe appears in the top 20 for student voice (reflecting the results of our student survey) which shows that students certainly enjoy their experience in these cities, and are often keen to stay after graduation.
Are you studying in Kyoto, Osaka or Kobe? Rate your experience.
Best universities in Kyoto-Osaka-Kobe - QS Best Student Cities ranking: 17th
Ritsumeikan University
More about Kyoto-Osaka-Kobe
Number of universities ranked by QS
9
Highest-ranked institution
Kyoto University (36th)
Population
19,342,000
Average international fees (at ranked unis)
US$6,500
Desirability rank
15th
Employer Activity rank
10th
Affordability rank
=53rd
Student View rank
20th
To find out how each of the above categories is calculated, view the methodology.
Why study in Kyoto-Osaka-Kobe?
It's affordable
Kyoto-Osaka-Kobe earns one of its highest scores for affordability, ranking joint 53rd globally. How much you'll spend depends on which area you live in, but all areas are relatively affordable.
Full of culture
With art, culture, excellent cuisines, temples and beautiful landscapes to explore, Kyoto-Osaka-Kobe is a student city that has it all.
Respected by employers
Employers think highly of graduates with degrees from one of Kyoto-Osaka-Kobe's universities. The city earns its highest score in the employer activity indicator this year.
Cost of studying in Kyoto-Osaka-Kobe
Ranking joint 53rd for affordability, Kyoto-Osaka-Kobe, is a relatively cheap student area. The cost of living depends on which city you choose to live in, although none of the three cities are unaffordable. According to Numbeo, the cost of a one bedroom apartment in Kyoto is around £620 per month, whereas the cost in Osaka is £625. In Kobe, a one bedroom apartment in the city centre is around £595 per month.
Universities in Kyoto-Osaka-Kobe charge an average of US$6,100 per year - a lot cheaper than student cities in the UK or the US.
Life and culture in Kyoto-Osaka-Kobe
For those who want to study in Japan but feel overwhelmed by the size and pace of Tokyo, Kyoto offers city life on a smaller scale, with plenty of opportunities to explore both traditional and modern Japanese culture – from beautiful Buddhist temples, to all-night karaoke bars and an eclectic selection of pubs and clubs.
Osaka has a long history of being an international gateway for trade, politics and knowledge. Today, it remains a key economic and cultural hub, with a large and diverse population and an economy bigger than some entire countries. It offers a good selection of art exhibitions, live music and drama, as well as being known for its excellent and varied cuisine.
Around 1.5 million people live in Kobe, which is located about 30km west of Osaka, in a picturesque location wedged between the sea and the Rokko mountain range. It is another vibrant cosmopolitan city and strong economic hub, with international companies such as Nestlé and Procter & Gamble having bases here.
Career in Kyoto-Osaka-Kobe
Employers see graduates from Kyoto-Osaka-Kobe as desirable candidates for jobs, as shown in the high score received for employer reputation - the area ranks 16th globally.
The combined GDP of the area is so strong that if it was a country, it would be within the top 20 of the world’s economies. This is one of the many reasons large international companies have branches there.
This article was originally published in November 2015 . It was last updated in June 2022
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The former Assistant Editor of TopUniversities.com, Sabrina wrote and edited articles to guide students from around the world on a wide range of topics. She has a bachelor's degree in English Literature and Creative Writing from Aberystwyth University and grew up in Staffordshire, UK.
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