Kyoto has a well-earned reputation as the cultural heart of Japan. For international visitors, the Ancient Capital’s historic districts, ancient temples and shrines, and vibrant cultural traditions offer a glimpse of a romanticized version of Japan’s past. Still, this understanding of Kyoto describes only a fraction of the city’s true character and can overlook the ways that Kyoto continues to shape contemporary culture in both Japan and overseas.

 

This program offers students an opportunity to consider the cultural, historical, and social contexts of Kyoto’s world-famous landmarks and traditional industries. Doing so will reveal the ways in which the city has reinvented itself throughout the years while simultaneously maintaining cultural and artistic traditions that continue to impact the lives of everyday people. Participants will be asked to consider their own relationship to Kyoto, both as short-term visitors and as members of a contemporary global community. By reimagining our definition of Kyoto, we also expand the possibilities of what Kyoto can teach us.

IMPORTANT: All participants will be expected to give a presentation at the conclusion of the program, in addition to maintaining a daily journal/sketchbook.

Program content falls into two main categories:

Lectures – provided by experts in various fields of Japanese art and culture, including Zen Buddhism, Manga, incense, tea, and more

Field trips – to the Kyoto International Manga Museum, Entsuji Temple, Ippodo Tea, Shoyeido Incense Co., Seiwasou, World Cultural heritage sites, and more

*Program content is subject to change

This program is open to university students and recent graduates living outside of Japan. Priority will be given to students from our partner institutions. All majors and fields of study are welcome to apply.

Kyoto Seika University is a private four-year university in Japan founded in 1968. The university's founding mission is to train people who can make a contribution to the world through art and scholarship based on a philosophy committed to "the principles of respect for humanity" and "the spirit of freedom and autonomy." Please see the introductory video below for more information.