Kyoto University

This post can contain affiliate links, which means that we may receive a small commission if you make a purchase using these links.

Facts & Figures

Kyoto University is located in the beautiful Sakyo Ward in Kyoto. It is the second oldest university in Japan. It ranks only behind the University of Tokyo in prestige and academic excellence. On a world scale, it ranks at 46th place. Many Nobel Prize and Fields Medal-winning researchers came from here, like Hideki Yukawa (1907 - 1981) in Physics (1949), Shinichiro Tomonaga (1906 - 1979) in Physics (1965), Kenichi Fukui (1918 - 1998) in Chemistry (1981), and many more. No other university in Asia came even close to this success. At the moment there are ten different departments/faculties established, which are engineering, science, economics, medicine, law, letters, education, agriculture, pharmaceutical sciences, and integrated human studies. The university is attended by approximately 22400 students with 2600 international students from more than 110 countries. The three main campuses are Katsura, Uji, and Yoshida. You will be surprised by how many students use bicycles at these huge campuses. The business hours of all campus offices are from 8:30 am to 5:00 pm on weekdays.

History

Kyoto University was founded in 1897. It was one of the former imperial universities. Students had in the beginning programs available for science and engineering, later in 1898 the field of law was added. Five Japanese Prime Ministers, Hayato Ikeda (1899 – 1965), Kijūro Shidehara (1872 – 1951), Tetsu Katayama (1887 – 1978), Prince Fumimaro Konoe (1891 – 1945), Osachi Hamaguchi (1870 – 1931) attended this university. In 2017 it got the status of a Designated National University by the Japanese government.

Sightseeing spots

Top:

Entrance - You will find a huge tree planted during the foundation of this institute at the entrance gates of Kyoto University. This tree is also displayed in the logo of the university.

Kyoto University Museum - The museum displays three main sections, which are Cultural History, History of Technology, and Natural History.

Yoshida Campus (Sakyo Ward) - It is the oldest campus of Kyoto University and forms its center. The mixture of huge brick buildings and state-of-the-art research facilities is worth a visit.

Uji Campus(Uji Ward) - Known for its state-of-the-art research facilities with a focus on energy and natural sciences.

Katsura Campus (Nishikyo Ward) - The campus was established in 2003 and is called the Techno-Science Hill, because of its modern approach to research, engineering, and informatics education.

Kyoto University Shirahama Aquarium - The aquarium opened its doors to the public in 1930. A special highlight is the over 500 examples of marine invertebrates, like lobsters and crabs. Come here if you are interested in the sea life on planet Earth.

Festival & Events in Kyoto (dates can change without notice)

March

Higashiyama Hanatouro Festival (Early - Mid March)
The illumination of local temples and roads by thousands of lanterns in the Higashiyama neighbourhood last for 10 days and starts at 6pm until 9:30pm. It is an unforgettable experience.

April

Miyako Odori (1st - 31st)
The traditional annual spring dance of the Kyoto district Gion Kobu performed by Geiko and Maiko is a must-see on your Kyoto visit. Don't miss the most popular dances the Miyako Odori "Cherry Blossom Dances" or "Dances of the Old Capital" at the Gion Kobu Kaburenjo Theater (located close to Gion Corner).

May

Aoi Matsuri (15th)
The highlight of this festival is a large parade from the Imperial Palace through the Shimogamo Shrine and ends at the Kamigamo Shrine (Kamigamo-jinja). More than 500 people wearing aristocratic costumes from the Heian Period (794 - 1185). The Aoi Matsuri belongs with the Gion Matsuri and Jidai Matsuri as the three most famous festivals in Kyoto.

July

Gion Matsuri (whole month)
The month of July is full of different events like the Yoiyama - Kyoto's Magical Night (locals in kimonos look at the giant Gion floats the day before the parade) or the famous Yamaboko Junko (float procession on the 17th of July).

October

Jidai Matsuri ("Festival of Ages") (22nd)
People celebrate with a large parade between Imperial Palace to Heian Shrine the anniversary of the foundation of Kyoto. App. 2000 participants wearing historical costumes from different time periods. Enjoy this great festival which lasts around 2 hours.