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Study Abroad | Kyoto

Japan | Ritsumeikan University | Summer 2027
Temple in Kyoto, Japan.
Woman in kimono walking in the bamboo forest, Kyoto, Japan.

Overview

Spend your summer studying abroad in Kyoto, Japan, with AIFS Abroad at Ritsumeikan University. During a five-week summer study abroad program in Kyoto, you’ll build your Japanese language skills while exploring Japan’s deep history, culture, and traditions—both in and out of the classroom. 

As Japan’s former capital, Kyoto is renowned for its beautifully preserved temples and cherished cultural heritage. Ideally located near Kinkaku-ji (the Golden Pavilion), Ryoan-ji Temple, Nijo Castle, and Arashiyama Bamboo Grove, Ritsumeikan University’s Kinugasa Campus offers convenient access to multiple iconic Kyoto landmarks and UNESCO World Heritage Sites. 

Through Ritsumeikan’s Buddy Program, you can meet local students and hone your Japanese skills while gaining a deeper understanding of daily life in Japan. Plus, with AIFS Abroad’s included activities and excursions, this summer study abroad program in Kyoto provides plenty of opportunities to make authentic cultural discoveries and meaningful global connections. For students who want to study abroad in Japan this summer, it’s an experience you won’t want to miss! 

What’s Included

The AIFS Abroad inclusive program fee includes all of the great features below in addition to many pre-departure, on-site and upon-return services to help students make the most of their time abroad.

Review Our Policies

  • Tuition

    5 semester credits

  • Courses

    Study Beginner to Advanced Japanese Language, and a required Japan Studies course.

  • Housing

    Student Apartments

  • Excursions & Day Trips

    Day trip to the historic city of Nara

  • Cultural & Social Activities

    AIFS Abroad-organized activities and social events to enrich your experience

  • On-Site Program Director

    To help with any questions or advice you may need throughout the program

  • Health & Safety

    24/7 emergency support and comprehensive insurance

  • Personal/Professional Development

    Access to the renowned Clifton StrengthsFinder assessment and alumni network

  • Green Initiative

    Carbon offsetting for all participants’ flights to and from their program location

Additional Options & Opportunities

  • AIFS Flight Package

    Round-trip flights from 25 U.S. gateways

    Airport transfers to and from campus

Program Details: Study Abroad | Kyoto Japanese Language and Culture

Dates

June 16, 2027 – July 17, 2027

Term

Summer

Institution

Ritsumeikan University

Application Deadline

March 1, 2027

Inclusive Fees

$5,990

Eligibility

Open to First Year, Sophomore, Junior, Senior

Minimum of 2.5 GPA

 Additional requirements may vary by course selection. See Academic section below.

Visa Requirements

A visa may be required for this program. Please contact your advisor or log into your portal for more information.

Academic Interest

  • Asian Studies
  • Cultural Studies
  • Foreign Language
  • Japanese Language

Rolling Admissions

Admission into this program is done on a rolling basis. You can expect confirmation of your acceptance within 2 working days of completing all required tasks.

Academics

AIFS Abroad offers a unique global educational experience for students on this program, with the following academic options available:

Universities

Ritsumeikan University

Established in 1869 by Prince Kinmochi Saionji on the site of the Kyoto Imperial Palace, Ritsumeikan University has grown into one of Japan’s leading private universities. Since receiving university status in 1922, Ritsumeikan has built a strong international reputation and now offers a wide range of academic opportunities across three modern campuses in Kyoto, Shiga, and Osaka.

The Kinugasa Campus in Kyoto 

Located in northwest Kyoto, Ritsumeikan University’s Kinugasa Campus offers students the opportunity to study in the heart of Japan’s cultural capital. Just steps from iconic UNESCO World Heritage Sites such as Kinkaku-ji (the Golden Pavilion) and Ryoan-ji Temple, the campus combines centuries of history with modern academic facilities. 

Set at the foot of Mt. Kinugasa, the campus provides a peaceful and scenic environment, with seasonal landscapes that showcase Kyoto’s natural beauty throughout the year. As Ritsumeikan’s hub for liberal arts, social sciences, and humanities, Kinugasa Campus is home to the College of International Relations, the College of Letters, and a range of other undergraduate and graduate programs. Students benefit from a dynamic academic community while experiencing the unique blend of tradition, innovation, and cultural immersion that makes Kyoto one of Japan’s most sought-after study abroad destinations.  

Areas of Interest

  • Asian Studies
  • Cultural Studies
  • Foreign Language
  • Japanese Language

Eligibility

Eligibility requirements for Japanese Language and Culture

  • Open to First Year, Sophomore, Junior, Senior
  • Minimum of 2.5 GPA

Must be currently enrolled in an undergraduate degree. High school graduates and students not enrolled in a degree program are not eligible. Students should have completed one year of introductory Japanese language, or equivalent, before arriving on site. This is often reflected as completing the N5 Japanese Language Level, meaning that students can read and understand typical expressions and sentences written in hiragana, katakana, and basic kanji.

Summer Program Options

View All Courses For Japanese Language and Culture
Cherry blossoms in Japan.

Living Abroad

Housing

Student Apartment

Summer students live in shared apartments in a popular Kyoto guesthouse, conveniently located near a subway and featuring a direct bus to the Ritsumeikan campus. Two students are assigned to each apartment.

Each apartment features:

  • A shared bedroom
  • Bathroom with a Japanese style tub and shower
  • A washing machine
  • A kitchenette with a refrigerator, microwave, electric kettle, cooking utensils and tableware
  • Wifi
  • Bed linens and towels are provided

The direct bus ride to the Ritsumeikan Campus takes approximately 40 minutes. A commute of this length is common for university students in Kyoto.

City Facts

Culture

Kyoto is famous for its preservation of Japanese traditional arts including the time-honored geisha dance, Buddhist temples, gardens, shrines, and traditional wooden houses. It is also a modern city with an international population and home to over twenty universities. 

Religion

Kyoto is home to the belief systems of Shinto and Buddhism, Japan’s two main religions. 

Architecture

Kyoto is home to many Shinto myths and legends, like the Fushimi Inari Taisha Shrine that is dedicated to Inari, God of Rice.

Site Staff

AIFS On-Site Staff

AIFS provides dedicated on-site staff who will assist students throughout their stay in Japan. Details and contact information will be announced when available.

Buddy Program

Japanese buddies from Ritsumeikan University are available to help you adjust to life at Ritsumeikan. Visiting students are paired in a small group with a local Japanese speaking student.

This is a great opportunity to interact directly with local students while practicing Japanese and learning about aspect of Japanese culture that are popular with locals, such as recent Japanese music and films, new slang, and anime.

Cultural Activities

Learning does not begin or end in the classroom. To help you get a true taste of Japanese culture, a wide range of cultural activities and excursions are included in your program fee. Activities and events will include:

  • Guided sightseeing tour of Gion, Kyoto’s most famous geisha district
  • Visit to Kyoto National Museum
  • Guided visit to Fushimi Inari, a famous Shinto shrine dedicated to Inari, God of Rice
  • Traditional tea ceremony
  • Visit to Hōryū-ji, one of the oldest Temples in Japan
  • Japanese cooking class
  • Welcome and farewell meals

Excursions

This program offers a range of day trips and excursions that will take you outside Kyoto and deepen your social, historical and cultural understanding of Japan. Previous excursions have included:

A deer on a street in Nara, Japan.

Nara

Enjoy a guided day trip to the historic city of Nara where you can see the free-roaming deer and visit Todai-Ji Temple, home to the Great Buddha Hall, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

  • Japan
  • Day Trip
  • Included in Program Fee
Barcelona,Spain
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A view of Prague.

Cultural Resources

One of the best things you can do before departure is enter into the journey knowing that your time abroad will be unique to this experience. The resources, community, and support available to you when abroad will likely be different as well. In order to help you prepare for your experience, we have compiled the General Cultural Resources and Site Specific Cultural Resources for you to review. Your program staff will also provide you with more details during pre-departure and orientation.

Learn more

Important Dates & Deadlines

Request Info

Open

Dates & Deadlines

Details

  • Early Application Deadline*
  • Visa Deadline****
  • Application Deadline
    March 1, 2027
  • Scholarship Deadline
    March 1, 2027
  • Deposit Deadline
    March 20, 2027
  • Balance of Fees Payment Deadline
    April 1, 2027
  • Optional Departure Flight from US***
    June 15, 2027
  • Program Begins
    June 16, 2027
  • Optional Return Flight to US***
    July 17, 2027
  • Program Ends
    July 17, 2027
  • *** Included for students on AIFS Abroad travel package.
  • **** AIFS Abroad offers visa processing services to applicants who enroll into the program by this date. All other applicants who enroll after this date will be responsible for securing their own visa with guidance from AIFS Abroad.

Optional Travel Package

Participants can select an optional transportation package for all AIFS Abroad programs that includes a round-trip flight from 25 U.S gateways and airport transfers to and from campus. Participants who choose to book their own flights will be responsible for connecting with the group at the program location and will need to make their own ground transportation arrangements from the airport.

Below are fees by departure city based on average historical costs and subject to change. If you select this option on your application, the total travel package price will be confirmed approximately one month prior to departure. Your program fee is guaranteed, and the optional travel package is an additional fee. Please note that once we have finalized the pricing for your flights the cost may change, and you will be responsible for making the additional payment if you want to participate in the travel package. Your program advisor will be in touch should there be any changes in the price of your flights.

Departure City

Fee

  • Atlanta
    $2,560
  • Boston
    $2,420
  • Buffalo
    $2,420
  • Charlotte
    $2,420
  • Chicago
    $2,420
  • Cincinnati
    $2,420
  • Columbus
    $2,420
  • Dallas
    $2,460
  • Denver
    $2,520
  • Des Moines
    $2,460
  • Detroit
    $2,560
  • Houston
    $2,340
  • Los Angeles
    $2,520
  • Miami
    $2,460
  • Minneapolis
    $2,620
  • New York
    $2,420
  • Newark
    $2,420
  • Orlando
    $2,460
  • Philadelphia
    $2,420
  • Phoenix
    $2,520
  • Pittsburgh
    $2,420
  • Raleigh/Durham
    $2,460
  • San Francisco
    $2,520
  • Seattle
    $2,520
  • St. Louis
    $2,460
  • Washington/Dulles
    $2,420
  • View more View less

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Ready to Study Abroad in Kyoto?

For more dates or questions, contact your program consultant:
(203) 399-5163 or email: aifsabroad@aifs.com

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