Learn Japanese in Kyoto: Social Life
All students are encouraged to make the most of their time in Kyoto by participating in the guided excursions and activities offered by the Japanese Language School. These social activities enable students to get to know Kyoto, the people, their fellow students and the surroundings.
Examples of activities offered (some at additional costs):
City Tour: Every week there is a tour of the city for new students. The staff will show you the best places to visit, the most delicious restaurants, and the cheap shops that all the locals use!
Friday party: Every Friday, the school staff take students to a different local restaurant to experience Japanese cuisine at its finest!
Movie Night: Watch a Japanese movie (different genres) every week in the student lounge. Movies are a mix of live action and animated features. From Akira to Moonchild, there is something for everyone!
Weekend outings: On some weekends, the school offers outings to local festivals, shows, and famous places. For example, regularly visiting Mt. Aso (the largest active volcano in Japan), Nagasaki, a pottery workshop for hands-on practice, and a soba noodle workshop.
Special classes: Whenever possible the school run special “one-off” additional classes, taught by visiting lecturers on Japanese cultural topics, open to all students to attend. Recently, they have offered classes on Japanese flower arranging, tea ceremony, and calligraphy.
To do list:
~ Visit the (golden) Kinkakuji Temple
~ Participate in a tea ceremony
~ Visit the Kiyomizu-dera Temple – a UNESCO heritage site
~ Explore the red torri gated paths of the Shinto Fushimi Inari-taisha shrine
~ Enjoy a panoramic view of the city at the Kyoto Tower
~ Explore the length of the Nishiki Market (food stalls galore)
~ Walk down the the Philosopher’s Path in Arashiyama
~ Enjoy the Kyoto International Manga Museum
~ Smell cherry blossoms at Maruyama Park, in Spring
~ See the Kannon statues in Sanjusangendo Temple
~ Wander through the Gion District – a hub for artists, theatres, and geishas
