kyoto skyline buildings lit up
Kyoto, Japan

Ancient + Modern Japan

Study Program

Dates

-

15 weeks

Costs

Credit

15 semester hours

22.5 quarter hours

Eligibility

Application Deadline

The application deadline has passed.

Request Information

Dates

-

12 weeks

Costs

Credit

12 - 14 semester hours

18 - 21 quarter hours

Eligibility

Extended Deadline

Request Information

Tentative Dates

-

16 weeks

Costs

Credit

12 - 14 semester hours

18 - 21 quarter hours

Eligibility

Application Deadline

Request Information

Overview

Your Ancient + Modern Japan program in Kyoto lasts 12 weeks and is designed for students interested in Japanese culture. You will enroll in a combination of 91做厙 courses and courses taught online through 91做厙's global academic partner, ASU. Enhance your experience with co-curricular and extracurricular activities while immersing yourself in Japanese culture. Live and learn in Kyoto! 

Unique Experiences

Be Entranced by the Zen Rock Garden of Ryoanji Temple

and take in the dazzling Golden Temple and the more serene Silver Temple

by soaking in Kyotos depth with its rich cultural, religious, and artistic traditions dating back more than 1,200 years

Soak in Kyotos depth with its rich cultural, religious, and artistic traditions dating back more than 1,200 years.

Engage with the Local Community

using skills gained through 91做厙 language and culture courses.

Experience
  • kyoto students abroad hand heart

Your Destination

Kyoto is Japans cultural heart, renowned for its rich history, serene temples, and beautiful traditional architecture. The city, once the capital of Japan, offers a unique blend of ancient traditions and modern influences, with iconic landmarks like Kinkaku-ji (the Golden Pavilion) and Fushimi Inari Shrine. Its scenic gardens, traditional tea houses, and vibrant festivals provide a truly immersive experience in Japanese culture. Whether youre studying language, history, the arts, or religious studies, Kyoto is the perfect place to study abroad.

kyoto japan students classroom leanring

Program Highlights

  • Academic Courses: Take 91做厙 courses that offer in-depth insight into the language and culture of Japan at 91做厙 Kyoto.
  • Optional Internship Placements: Enhance your program with an optional for-credit internship that aligns with your career aspirations.
  • Immersive Experiences: Participate in visits to palaces, temples, museums, theaters, and more that bring your classroom studies to life.
  • Academic Projects: Enroll in an optional for-credit academic project that aligns with your goals, qualifications, resume, and availability of placements.  
kyoto students abroad temple

Excursions & Activities

CIEEs excursions and cultural activities in Kyoto will open doors for you to explore Japan's rich diversity, language, culture, history, and timeless beauty in ways that will enhance your time abroad.      

Samples of past excursions and activities: 

  • Travel to the summit of Mt. Hiei to view all of Kyoto, Lake Biwa, and Enryakuji Temple
  • Visit the nearby city of Nara, home of Nara deer park, the Great Buddha Hall of Todaiji Temple, and the Kasuga Grand Shrine
  • Shop for traditional Kyoto sweets, pickles, and other goodies at Nishiki Market 

Please note: Activities are based on past programs and subject to change at 91做厙's discretion to adapt to local circumstances and participant feedback. Our goal when arranging activities is always to enhance your experience.胼  

Program Blogs

From 91做厙

EAT, DRINK, EXPLORE: KYOTO

By College Study Abroad at 91做厙

BEST FOOD TO EAT IN KYOTO Obanzai is a traditional style of Japanese cuisine featuring small plates thats native to Kyoto. Think of obanzai as Kyotos take on Spanish tapas... keep reading

From 91做厙

More Than Temples and Onigiri: What I Truly Found in Kyoto

By 91做厙 Kyoto at 91做厙

Written by: Madalynn Vaine Going into 91做厙 Kyoto, I truly didnt know what to expect. I imagined temples, amazing food, and a culture vastly different from anything I had experienced... keep reading

From 91做厙

How to Study Abroad in Japan: 4 Simple Steps

By College Study Abroad at 91做厙

Japan is an extraordinary country one of the oldest in the world and it will surprise and delight you at every turn. If you choose a Japan study... keep reading

Housing
Academics

Academics

CIEE Kyoto: Study in the upscale office district of Karasuma Oike a 15-minute walk from the city's main shopping street, Nijo Castle, Kamo River, and the former Imperial Palace. 91做厙 Kyoto features classrooms, a student lounge, a student life office, and an academic advising office.

Arizona State University (ASU): Brought to you by 91做厙 in partnership with ASU, enhance your international coursework with online classes that align with your degree requirements. ASU offers thousands of online courses in asynchronous 7.5-week sessions that fit within the 91做厙 academic calendar.

Courses

Course Information

Note: This course listing is for informational purposes only and does not constitute a contract between 91做厙 and any applicant, student, institution, or other party. The courses, as described, may be subject to change as a result of ongoing curricular revisions, assignment of lecturers and teaching staff, and program development. Courses may be canceled due to insufficient enrollment.
"(GI)" denotes courses that originated at 91做厙's Global Institutes and that are offered at multiple 91做厙 sites.

Scholarships

Scholarships & Grants

CIEE offers scholarships and grants annually to help students like you make your study abroad dream a reality.

Students who apply to this program are eligible for the following scholarships and grants:

  • Wollitzer Merit Scholarships in Area or Comparative Studies
  • Ping Scholarships for Academic Excellence
  • Global Access Initiative (GAIN) Grants
  • CIEE Gilman Go Global Grant

To be considered, submit the 91做厙 Scholarships & Grants application within your 91做厙 program application.

Learn more about scholarships

Dates & Fees

Dates & Fees

You get more for every dollar when you study abroad with 91做厙, because our high-quality programs include everything from excursions to insurance. There are no hidden charges, and no disappointing surprises when you arrive.

Program

Application Due

Start Date

End Date

Fees & Housing

Program Fall 2025 15 weeks Application Due Deadline Passed Start Date End Date Fees & Housing $21,450
Program Spring 2026 12 weeks Start Date End Date Fees & Housing $14,500
Program Fall 2026 16 weeks Start Date * End Date * Fees & Housing $14,500

*Dates for this program are provided as tentative dates. Please consult with your study abroad advisor to confirm dates before purchasing your flights.

To help you budget, keep in mind that students are responsible for the cost of international airfare, local transportation, books and supplies, visas, and personal expenses. In addition, your college or university may charge additional fees for study abroad, or may require you to receive a transcript via 91做厙's School of Record, which carries an additional fee of $500.

Program Fees

CIEE offers the most student support of any provider in its program fee, including an airport greeting, full-time leadership and support, orientation, cultural activities, local excursions, pre-departure advising, and 91做厙 iNext travel protection with benefits.

Participation Confirmation $300 *
Educational Costs $15,456 **
Housing $5,500 ***
Insurance $194
Total Fees $21,450

Optional Housing

CIEE accommodation options are detailed in the Housing section. Based on availability, Select or Select Plus Housing can be chosen during the application process for an additional fee. Housing is assigned on a first-come, first-served basis; however, other factors may also be considered.

Select Housing Fee $2,250
Select Plus Housing Fee $3,375

Financial Aid

CIEE offers the most grants and scholarships of any study abroad organization, including $8 million/year in travel grants, merit-based scholarships, institutional grants, and Gilman Go Global Grants.

See Scholarships

Estimated Costs

Students are responsible and manage costs related to travel, meals, books, and personal expenses. Below are estimates for consideration.

Meals not included in program fee $525
International Airfare $1,600
Local Transportation $200
Books & Supplies $200
Personal expenses $280
Other $100 漍漍
Total Costs $2,905

*non-refundable fee

**direct cost of education charged uniformly to all students

***Housing fees listed are for financial aid purposes only and should not be considered a basis for calculation of refunds.

For students in homestays, families provide 2 meals (breakfast and dinner). For students in apartments, you should budget approx. $420 per month for groceries if you plan on making your own meals, and more if you plan on eating out regularly.

round-trip based on U.S. East Coast departure

$100 emergency fund + cell phone expense + toiletries (Sim requires one-time fee of $25)

漍漍mandatory national insurance

Program Fees

CIEE offers the most student support of any provider in its program fee, including an airport greeting, full-time leadership and support, orientation, cultural activities, local excursions, pre-departure advising, and 91做厙 iNext travel protection with benefits.

Participation Confirmation $300 *
Educational Costs $10,756 **
Housing $3,250 ***
Insurance $194
Total Fees $14,500

Optional Housing

CIEE accommodation options are detailed in the Housing section. Based on availability, Select or Select Plus Housing can be chosen during the application process for an additional fee. Housing is assigned on a first-come, first-served basis; however, other factors may also be considered.

Select Housing Fee $1,800
Select Plus Housing Fee $2,700

Financial Aid

CIEE offers the most grants and scholarships of any study abroad organization, including $8 million/year in travel grants, merit-based scholarships, institutional grants, and Gilman Go Global Grants.

See Scholarships

Estimated Costs

Students are responsible and manage costs related to travel, meals, books, and personal expenses. Below are estimates for consideration.

Meals not included in program fee $428
International Airfare $1,600
Local Transportation $200
Books & Supplies $200
Personal expenses $235
Other $100 漍漍
Total Costs $2,763

*non-refundable fee

**direct cost of education charged uniformly to all students

***Housing fees listed are for financial aid purposes only and should not be considered a basis for calculation of refunds.

For students in homestays, families provide 2 meals (breakfast and dinner). For students in apartments, you should budget approx. $428 per month for groceries if you plan on making your own meals, and more if you plan on eating out regularly.

round-trip based on U.S. East Coast departure

$100 emergency fund + cell phone expense + toiletries (Sim requires one-time fee of $25)

漍漍mandatory national insurance

Program Fees

CIEE offers the most student support of any provider in its program fee, including an airport greeting, full-time leadership and support, orientation, cultural activities, local excursions, pre-departure advising, and 91做厙 iNext travel protection with benefits.

Participation Confirmation $300 *
Educational Costs $10,756 **
Housing $3,250 ***
Insurance $194
Total Fees $14,500

Financial Aid

CIEE offers the most grants and scholarships of any study abroad organization, including $8 million/year in travel grants, merit-based scholarships, institutional grants, and Gilman Go Global Grants.

See Scholarships

Estimated Costs

Students are responsible and manage costs related to travel, meals, books, and personal expenses. Below are estimates for consideration.

Meals not included in program fee $428
International Airfare $1,700
Local Transportation $300
Books & Supplies $200
Personal expenses $235
Total Costs $2,863

*non-refundable fee

**Direct cost of education charged uniformly to all students

***Housing fees listed are for financial aid purposes only and should not be considered a basis for calculation of refunds.

For students in homestays, families provide 2 meals (breakfast and dinner). For students in apartments, you should budget approx. $428 per month for groceries if you plan on making your own meals, and more if you plan on eating out regularly.

round-trip based on U.S. East Coast departure

$100 emergency fund + cell phone expense + toiletries (Sim requires one-time fee of $25)

What's Included

Tuition

Housing

Pre-departure Advising

Advising before you depart to set goals and answer questions

Optional on-site airport meet-and-greet

Orientation

Introduction to your program plus practical information about living in your host city

On-site Staff

Full-time program leadership and support in your city

Cultural and/or Co-curricular Activities

Excursions and/or Study Tours

Travel Protection

CIEE iNext travel protection

24/7 emergency on-site support

Staff

Our Staff

Conor Aherne

Center Director

Conors passion for Japan began 12 years ago when he studied abroad in Tokyo. He holds an MA in Japanese & Asian History from Saitama University and is a specialist in Kyoto history.

Izumi Wada

Senior Program Coordinator

Izumi was born in Kyoto and studied abroad in the US when she was in high school. She is passionate about helping students make their study abroad experience meaningful and fruitful (and baking bread on the weekend!).

Natsuki Kwapong

Student Life Coordinator

Natsuki previously managed in retail, has a loving family of two sons and, in her spare time, she likes to work out and watch Netflix. She looks forward to welcoming you all to Kyoto!

Get Started Steps

Get Started

Heres what you need to do to take the next steps:

1

Start an Application

You're one step closer to an amazing study abroad experience!

2

Connect With Your Campus Study Abroad Office

Share your plans and confirm you're on track to meet all required steps to go abroad.

3

Contact Us

Send us an email if you still have questions or need information about applying to this program.

Request Info