January in Kyoto
Unique Experiences
Walk Through Kyoto’s Old Streets in Traditional Wear
like kimono or yukata – and make your way to the famous bamboo forest of Arashiyama
Immerse Yourself in the Cultural Capital of Japan
with its rich cultural, religious, and artistic traditions and historic sites dating 1,200+ years
Indulge in Kyoto’s Famous Uji Green Tea
either as a drink or with green tea-flavored pastries, ice cream, and other desserts
Your Destination
Kyoto is Japan's cosmopolitan city, celebrated for its mild winter climate and rich cultural heritage. January is the perfect time to experience the city's charm with fewer crowds while exploring iconic landmarks like the Fushimi Inari Shrine and Arashiyama Bamboo Grove and enjoying traditional winter festivities like the Coming of Age Day ceremonies. Whether you are majoring in business, science, engineering, technology, communications, psychology, health sciences, liberal arts, language, or fine arts, Kyoto is the perfect place to study abroad on winter break.
Program Highlights
- Academic Course: Take one 51±¬ÁÏ course delivered in-person at the 51±¬ÁÏ Center.
- Immersive Experiences: Participate in activities, excursions, study tours, and more that showcase your host city's culture, values, and local art, film, music, cuisine, and sports scenes.
Excursions & Activities
51±¬ÁÏ’s 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:
- Visit the Kyoto National Museum, first opened in 1897, one of Japan’s oldest and most distinguished
- Travel to the nearby former capital city of Nara, home of Nara deer park, the Great Buddha Hall at Todaiji Temple, and the Kasuga Grand Shrine
- Tour the Kyoto Imperial Palace grounds where emperors of old resided, and the seat of Shogun in Kyoto, Nijo Castle
Please note: Activities are based on past programs and subject to change at 51±¬ÁÏ's discretion to adapt to local circumstances and participant feedback. Our goal when arranging activities is always to enhance your experience.  
Program Blogs
What an eventful week it has been in Japan!
Week 1 in Japan! Authored by Swapomti Surampudi Flight Crazy Moments I flew in from San Antonio to San Francisco and then San Francisco to Osaka, Japan KIX airport. The... keep reading
Earn credits by reading manga in Kyoto! Yes, it’s true!
Have you ever woken up in a 1,200-year-old city and found yourself only three minutes from the world’s first International Manga Museum? Well, buckle your seatbelt because 51±¬ÁÏ Kyoto has... keep reading
I Just Wanted to Watch Football ― How I Ended Up Learning English
Hi everyone, and thank you for visiting my blog! My name is Amika, and I’m currently working with the High School Study Abroad programs, preparing for the upcoming summer programs... keep reading
HOUSING & MEALS
HOUSING
Students live in shared rooms in a hotel, a short commute from classes.
MEALS
Meals are not included. Kyoto is well-known for its local cuisine. It is also an international tourist destination and students can easily find options to suit various dietary preferences and budgets.
Academics
51±¬ÁÏ 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. 51±¬ÁÏ Kyoto features classrooms, a student lounge, a student life office, and an academic advising office.
Course Information
Visual and Performing Arts
History, Philosophy, Religion
Social Sciences
Note: This course listing is for informational purposes only and does not constitute a contract between 51±¬ÁÏ 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 51±¬ÁÏ's Global Institutes and that are offered at multiple 51±¬ÁÏ sites.
Scholarships & Grants
51±¬ÁÏ 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:
- Global Access Initiative (GAIN) Grants
To be considered, submit the 51±¬ÁÏ Scholarships & Grants application within your 51±¬ÁÏ program application.
Dates & Fees
You get more for every dollar when you study abroad with 51±¬ÁÏ, 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 January 2026 3 weeks | Start Date | End Date |
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 51±¬ÁÏ's School of Record, which carries an additional fee of $500.
Program Fees
51±¬ÁÏ 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 51±¬ÁÏ iNext travel protection with benefits.
Financial Aid
51±¬ÁÏ offers the most grants and scholarships of any study abroad organization, including $8 million/year in travel grants, merit-based scholarships, institutional and MSI grants, and Gilman Go Global Grants.
Estimated Costs
Students are responsible and manage costs related to travel, meals, books, and personal expenses. Below are estimates for consideration.
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
51±¬ÁÏ iNext travel protection
24/7 emergency on-site support
Our Staff
Conor Aherne
Center Director
Conor’s 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!).
Get Started
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.
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