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Kyoto

Best Japanese schools in Kyoto by category - student age group, leisure/fun

TOP Rated by
Students 18-30 years
Genki Japanese and Culture School
Students 18-30 years
5.0

Rating: 5

(5)
TOP Rated by
Students 31-49 years
Kyoto JaLS
Students 31-49 years
4.6

Rating: 4.6

(8)
TOP Rated by
Students 50+ years
ISI Language School
Students 50+ years
5.0

Rating: 5

(2)
TOP Rated by
Students all ages
Kyoto JaLS
Students all ages
4.7

Rating: 4.7

(28)
TOP Rated by
Quality of teaching
ISI Language School
Quality of teaching
4.6

Rating: 4.6

(7)
TOP Rated by
leisure/fun
Kyoto JaLS
leisure/fun
4.6

Rating: 4.6

(26)
TOP Rated by
Value for money
Kyoto JaLS
Value for money
4.5

Rating: 4.5

(25)
TOP Rated by
Location of school
Genki Japanese and Culture School
Location of school
5.0

Rating: 5

(11)

3 language schools in Kyoto from 36815¥ for a 1 week Japanese course

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ISI Language School, Kyoto
ISI Language School, Kyoto
Genki Japanese and Culture School, Kyoto
Genki Japanese and Culture School, Kyoto
Kyoto JaLS, Kyoto
Kyoto JaLS, Kyoto

Map with location of Japanese schools in Kyoto

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Kyoto ratings & opinions

How our students rated their experience in Kyoto

4.8

Rating: 4.8/5.0

Overall attractiveness of Kyoto
44 authentic ratings from students who reserved a course with us in Kyoto
Nightlife
4.1

Rating: 4.1/5.0

Friendliness of locals
4.7

Rating: 4.7/5.0

Interesing things to do
4.9

Rating: 4.9/5.0

Geographic setting
4.7

Rating: 4.7/5.0

Public transport
4.6

Rating: 4.6/5.0

Climate
4.2

Rating: 4.2/5.0

Cleanliness
4.9

Rating: 4.9/5.0

Affordability
4.3

Rating: 4.3/5.0

Shopping
4.7

Rating: 4.7/5.0

Safety
5.0

Rating: 5.0/5.0

What our students said about Kyoto

Kyoto is the ideal city to get an impression of Japan. In addition to sightseeing within Kyoto, you can take countless excursions into the surrounding area from there, as Kyoto is well connected: Omihachiman, Kobe, Osaka, Nara, Nagahama, Lake Biwa, Uji, Himeji Castle to Amanohashidate in the west or Wakayama in the east of Japan, can all be reached for day and weekend trips. My personal tip: buy or rent a bicycle and cover most of the distances. Although the bus connections are incredibly good (and there's also the underground), you get to know a city in a different way by bike. And cycling along the Kamogawa, surrounded by the mountains in the early morning or at sunset... Priceless.

3.0

Rating: 3/5

Sandra Germany

I have a bias here: been there many times, is my favorite city in Japan. Lots to do, many beautiful things to see, both in the city and in the immediate surroundings. Food is relatively cheap, apart from fruit. Safe, clean, friendly. Can't think of anything negative :-)

4.0

Rating: 4/5

Hans Indonesia

Kyoto is the place to go when you are interested in the old Japan, but it is still a modern tow with a famous university, so there are a lot of young people. Sadly, it is a little overrun with tourists by now.

4.0

Rating: 4/5

Britta Germany

Kyoto is a great city. It is truly the cultural center of Japan and it's location allows you to easily go to other interesting cities and equally enjoy city life and beautiful hikes.

5.0

Rating: 5/5

Mireille Netherlands

I have an existing connection with Kyoto as my wife and family live here. I have been to Kyoto many times in the last and love this place.

5.0

Rating: 5/5

Kevin

If you want to get to know traditional Japan more. Is Kyoto perfect. You can also reach other places like Osaka, Biwa Lake, ... quickly.

5.0

Rating: 5/5

Julia Germany

I have had a long history with Kyoto. My wife is from Kyoto and I stay with her family on my frequent visits here.

5.0

Rating: 5/5

Kevin

Very traditional, quiet and varied. The locals are rather reserved and quiet.

5.0

Rating: 5/5

Dana Switzerland

I think it is a place where travel and Language training can go hand in hand.

5.0

Rating: 5/5

Yoojin South Korea

It is a quiet city with lots of cultural activities and sights.

4.0

Rating: 4/5

Donice Japan

What language school directors said about Kyoto

Kyoto is a famous historic city, which was selected as one of the world’s top 3 cities to visit! Great place for those who like Japanese traditional culture.

Miho IoDirector of ISI Language School

Most recent student reviews of language schools in Kyoto

Kyoto JaLS

Very nice teachers, great atmosphere and a good working environment! I improved my Japanese significantly in the 5 weeks!

18 December 2024
Course: Standard Course - 5 weeks
Student age: 22 years

4.7

Rating: 4.7

| 28 reviews
BenedictKyoto JaLS
Kyoto JaLS

Everybody was very friendly and helpful. The teachers were very nice. They did not only make me feel comfortable using my somewhat rusty Japanese again, they even gave me great tips for travelling afterwards.
Highly recommend, I would sure go there again.

12 November 2024
Course: Standard Course - 2 weeks
Student age: 48 years

4.7

Rating: 4.7

| 28 reviews
Kyoto JaLS

The teachers and the staff at the school were incredibly kind and welcoming. I felt very much at home at Kyoto JaLS.

28 June 2024
Course: Standard Course - 4 weeks
Student age: 26 years

4.7

Rating: 4.7

| 28 reviews
BertramKyoto JaLS
Kyoto JaLS

Very good organisation and level of teaching, very nice, helpful, competent teachers.
friendly staff, very nice teachers, good quality of teaching

17 June 2024
Course: Standard Course - 4 weeks
Student age: 51 years

4.7

Rating: 4.7

| 28 reviews
Kyoto JaLS

Many activities are offered and organized, facilities offer space to study and relax, staff are super kind.

30 September 2023
Course: Standard Course - 6 weeks
Student age: 31 years

4.7

Rating: 4.7

| 28 reviews

Information about Kyoto

Why Kyoto? Kyoto, once the capital of Japan, is a city on the island of Honshu. When you close your eyes and think of Japan, you’re probably picturing the normal scenes of Kyoto with its sublime Zen gardens, mysterious Buddhist temples, colourful shrines and graceful geishas. Famous for its classical Buddhist temples, gardens, palaces and traditional wooden houses, this city is a must for those that wish to experience Japanese lifestyle at its best.
Population: L  1,464,000
Time zone: +19h. (GMT +9)
Region: Kyōto, Kyōto-shi
Currency: JPY (1 JPY = 0.0065 USD)
Name of city in Japanese: 京都市
Visa: Nationals from USA do not require a visa to study short term Japanese courses up to 90 days. Check visa requirements for nationals from other countries.
Visa requirements data last updated on 04 Jun. 2024 (Source)
For the most up-to-date visa information please consult with the embassy or consulate of Japan in your country. List of embassies and consulates of Japan on the official website - Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan.
High season: July
Low season: December
Average course price per week (High season): 41,604 ¥
Average course price per week (Low season): 33,914 ¥
Cost of Living:
* 100 = prices in New York
  • Price index excluding rent: 86* (14% cheaper than New York)
  • Price index including rent: 115* (15% more expensive than New York)
  • Price index food only:85* (15% cheaper than New York)
  • Big Mac price (Japan average): 434.84 ¥
    (45% cheaper than in USA)
Mains electricity:
  • Plug Type A
  • Plug Type B
  • Residential voltage: 100 V
  • Frequency: 60 Hz / 50 Hz
Best time to take a language course in Kyoto
January
Hatsumode
Hatsumode

January 2025During these first days of the new year, Kyoto inhabitants and their families go to temples and sanctuaries to pray for prosperity in the coming year. This is one of the most important events of the year.

February
Setsubun
Setsubun

February 2025Setsubun marks the beginning of spring. To celebrate the event, Kyoto inhabitants throw roasted soybeans out the window. This gesture is a symbol of good luck for positive things to come.

March
Kyoto Higashiyama Hanatoro
Kyoto Higashiyama Hanatoro

March 2025For this event each district of the city of Kyoto stages performances where geishas, the most noble female entertainer according to Japanese culture, perform traditional dances. An event that's not to be missed.

Higashiyama Hanatoro
Higashiyama Hanatoro

March 2025The Higashiyama Hanatoro is one of the most enchanting events in Kyoto and consists of lanterns being placed along the extensive footpath leading up to Higashiyama mountain.

July
Gion Festival
Gion Festival

July 2025Celebrating traditional Japanese culture, the Gion festival features numerous events such as parades of traditional floats, ukai fishing, and religious processions. Everyone is invited to put on a kimono and travel back in time for a little while.

Gion Matsuri Yamaboko Junko
Gion Matsuri Yamaboko Junko

July 2025On the 17th and 24th of July, processions of traditional floats make their way through the streets of Kyoto. During the festival, both locals and visitors wear colourful yukatas and you can sample many local foods in the streets.

October
Kurama Fire Festival
Kurama Fire Festival

October 2025This exciting festival takes place on the outskirts of Kyoto, in the village of Kurama. Almost everyone in the town participates in the procession, with torches proportional to their size. The final section of the parade involves men with giant, red-hot torches marching through the narrow streets.

Jidai Matsuri
Jidai Matsuri

22 October 2025A traditional parade starting at the Imperial Palace celebrating the history of Kyoto. Participants wear costumes representing historical figures.

December
Arashiyama Hanatoro
Arashiyama Hanatoro

December 2025This event is held in Arashiyama, a district of Kyoto famous for its shrines and temples and home to the Arashiyama Bamboo Groove. Thousands of lanterns are lit to illuminate the area, transforming it into a enchanting, sparkling place.

Q&A - Questions about Japanese courses and schools in Kyoto

  • In winter, there are several skating rinks, but they are designed more for amateurs. There is a professional rink just outside the city, but it takes about 1 1/2 hours to get there from the city centre.
    Lisa Schiwy, LanguageCourse.Net - Mar 22, 2023
  • Yes, you can book a Japanese course while you are in Japan.
    Sawsan Zein, LanguageCourse.Net - Dec 05, 2022

FAQ - Frequently asked questions about Japanese courses in Kyoto

  • We have several partner schools in Kyoto. It's a good idea to book well in advance in Japan, due to the high demand for these courses. Contact our agents who will be happy to help you find the best school for you.
    Veronica Romualdi, Language Travel Consultant from LanguageCourse.Net - Mar 27, 2024

Other cities often combined with Japanese courses in Kyoto

Kobe (city thumbnail)Kobe
2 Japanese schools
Sapporo (city thumbnail)Sapporo
2 Japanese schools
Tokyo (city thumbnail)Tokyo
12 Japanese schools
Didn't find what you are looking for?
Interested in a specific type of course? See our reviews of Japanese courses & camps for teenager and children in Kyoto or other 9 different Japanese course types in Kyoto.
Interested in language travel to other cities? Have a look at Japanese language schools in other cities in Japan such as Fukuoka, Gyoda, Kobe, Nagano ...
, Nagoya, Ogori, Osaka, Sapporo, Shinjuku, Tokyo, Utsunomiya, Yokohama or see our list of all schools in Japan. You may also want to consult options outside Japan for learning Japanese.
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