STUDY JAPANESE IN KYOTO
Learn Japanese in Japan’s cultural capital. Compare four Kyoto schools, 2027 prices and courses, then get free help choosing the right one.
Which Kyoto school fits you?
Kyoto Japanese Language School (KJLS) has taught students since 1950 and offers intensive, summer, private and online courses. ISI Kyoto, in Nakagyo Ward and 7 minutes from Emmachi Station, focuses on academic Japanese for students heading to Kansai universities. ARC Academy Kyoto is a 5-minute walk from Marutamachi Station, near Nijo Castle and the Kyoto Imperial Palace. Kyoto JaLS offers short-term intensive courses in classes of up to 8 students, one minute from Shijo and Karasuma Stations.
What does it cost to study in Kyoto?
Kyoto JaLS starts at ¥42,000 per week (about US$265). ISI Kyoto’s 10-week short-term course is ¥248,750 for 2027 (about US$1,570), and its first-year Academic Japanese Course is ¥1,015,000 (about US$6,420). ARC Academy Kyoto starts at ¥202,000 for 3 months (about US$1,280), and KJLS lists ¥376,200 for Intensive Course tuition (about US$2,380). US dollar amounts are estimates at about ¥158 = US$1.
Living and working in Kyoto
Kyoto has about 2.5 million people and 38 universities, with easy access to Osaka, Nara and Shiga. Its minimum wage is ¥1,180 per hour from November 16, 2026, and student visa holders can work up to 28 hours per week. Long-term courses typically start in January, April, July and October, and KJLS enrolls in April or October.
Kyoto study guides
Read more before you choose a school.
Kyoto · 4 schools
Learn Japanese in the heart of Japan’s traditional culture.
Kyoto
Kyoto Japanese Language School
An established Japanese language school connecting students through language.
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Kyoto
ISI Kyoto
Japanese study and academic guidance for students pursuing higher education.
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Kyoto
ARC Academy Kyoto
Flexible short-term and long-term Japanese language programs.
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Kyoto
Kyoto JaLS
Short-term intensive Japanese courses in small classes.
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