Student Accommodation in Kyoto

Kyoto, known as Japan's "City of Learning," is famously described as having the saying, "Study in Kyoto, earn money in Osaka, and live in Kobe." This vividly conveys Kyoto's status as Japan's academic center. Home to numerous top universities such as Kyoto University and Doshisha University, the entire city feels like a giant campus. Because it's a city built for students, Kyoto boasts Japan's most comprehensive student accommodation system. Whether it's safe student dormitories or cozy shared apartments, you can quickly integrate into the academic community.

Cultural Experience

As Japan's ancient capital, Kyoto is the only city where you can "study amidst World Heritage sites." Go to Tokyo to see Japan's present, come to Kyoto to see Japan's soul. With an astonishing density of shrines and historical sites, stepping into this city is like traveling back in time. This unique and tranquil atmosphere fosters a calm mind, making it an ideal environment for focused study and research. Imagine stepping out of your dorm on weekends and being able to stroll along Kiyomizu-dera Temple or the Kamo River – a luxury unmatched by any other city.

Modern Convenience

Some worry that living in an ancient capital might be inconvenient? Absolutely not. Beneath its traditional exterior, Kyoto boasts a highly modern core. An efficient subway and bus network crisscrosses the city, connecting major campuses with bustling commercial areas (such as Kawaramachi). More importantly, Kyoto's student apartments and dormitories (Gakusei Kaikan) perfectly combine this modern convenience. Many of our properties are not only located near transportation hubs but also equipped with modern security systems, furniture and appliances, and dining services. In Kyoto, you can enjoy the tranquility of an ancient capital while experiencing a safe, convenient, and cost-effective modern student life.

Finding suitable student accommodation in Kyoto doesn't have to be complicated. uhomes.com have a selection of top-rated apartments in Kyoto for students, fully furnished and ready to move in with just your luggage. Located near major universities and subway stations, these Kyoto student halls offer easy commutes, the buildings are safe and feature social spaces like shared kitchen, communal lounge to enhance your quality of life. Whether you're looking for a suite near Kyoto University or prefer a modern apartment in the city center, you can find the perfect place that combines convenience and budget. Here are some luxury student accommodation in Kyoto:

1. Felice Ichijoji, Kyoto
2. Student Hall Uni E’meal Kyoto Takano [Meals included]
3. マンションラクホク
4. クレセントイチジョウジ
5. グランエターナ　キョウダイセイモンマエ
6. レバンテショウゴイン, Kyoto
7. コーアシモガモヒガシ, Kyoto
8. グラン・セレブイチジョウジ, Kyoto
9. ラ・シェネガ, Kyoto
10. Student Hall BlanCanvas Kyoto Kuramaguchi [Meals included]

For international students in Kyoto who want to leave more room on budget for sushi, matcha desserts, and weekend getaways, uhomes.com offers cheap student accommodations in Kyoto under 50,000 yen per month. These apartments and buildings may lack the grand lobbies of modern skyscrapers, but they offer a safe, clean, and well-equipped environment, allowing students to live comfortably. Some budget apartments in Kyoto for students may be a little far from the subway station, but in Kyoto, where cycling is the most common mode of commuting, this distance is usually not a burden and actually brings you closer to the local pace of life. Our cozy single suites and shared houses are perfect for students who are busy with classes or exploring the city during the day and gives you private space to rest. Furthermore, all our student housing is all-inclusive, with utilities and Wifi in the rent and offer flexible options for short-term and long-term rentals, making your study abroad experience easier and less stressful. Afforadable accommodation for students in Kyoto include:

1. ササキビル, Kyoto
2. Casa Cosa, Kyoto
3. Canyon Terrace III, Kyoto
4. Chateau Frontenac, Kyoto
5. アルカディアセキ, Kyoto
6. サンメイプルハウス, Kyoto
7. メゾンアンテルナハクセン, Kyoto
8. シティパレスニシキョウゴク, Kyoto
9. カミガモスチューデントハイツ, Kyoto
10. クリーンハイツ　オンリーワン, Kyoto

There are various student accommodation in Kyoto, include school dormitories, share houses and private apartments, along with their amenities and ideal residents. Expore your Kyoto student livine option with us.

1. Student Dormitories (Student Halls / Gakusei Kaikan)

Student halls in Kyoto offer the highest level of convenience and safety, suitable for students want meal plans, making them a top choice for newcomers to Japan.

Best for: Safety-conscious students and parents seeking peace of mind.

Key Features:

Meal Plans: Cafeteria-style breakfast and dinner are often provided (Monday–Saturday), offering healthy, balanced Japanese meals.

Live-in Manager: A "house parent" (Kanri-san) is usually on-site 24/7 to help with parcels, emergencies, and security.

Facilities: Private furnished bedrooms, typically with shared large baths (Sento-style), laundry rooms, and dining halls.

Community: Easy to meet students from other universities in Kyoto.

Kyoto Student Halls Monthly Rent: ¥60,000 – ¥100,000(includes the meal plan and management fees)

2. Share Houses 

Share Houses in Kyoto offer a unique blend of privacy and socialization. Some properties are renovated Kyoto Machiya (traditional townhouses), blending historic charm with modern comfort. You get your own private room but share the living spaces with students from Japan and around the world.

Best for: Making friends, improving Japanese skills, and saving on initial costs.

Key Features:

Private Bedroom: Fully furnished with AC and storage, save money for new purchases.

Shared Spaces: Large kitchen, spacious living room, and shared showers/toilets.

Community: Regular social events, parties, and a support network.

Cost-Effective: Lower move-in costs(Key Money, Deposits, Agency Fee) compared to private apartments.

Monthly Rent of Share Houses in Kyoto: ¥40,000 – ¥75,000 (Utilities and Wi-Fi are often included)

3. Private Apartments

Private apartments are ideal for tudents who value independence and privacy. Kyoto private apartments range from cost-effective wood-frame units (Apāto) to modern concrete condominiums (Mansions). Standard layouts are 1R (Studio) or 1K (Studio with separate kitchen), giving you a quiet sanctuary to study and relax after exploring Kyoto.

Best for: Independent living, quiet study environments, and complete privacy.

Key Features:

Private bedroom, kitchenette, and bathroom (unit bath or separate).

Fully Furnished: Includes bed, desk, chair, washing machine, and fridge.

High-speed internet ready (essential for online classes).

Kyoto Student Apartments Rent Price: ¥50,000 – ¥90,000/ month (Rent varies by building type and proximity to universities like Kyoto University)

When looking for apartment in Kyoto for students, it’s important to choose the right area. The living environment, property characteristics and resident demographic structure vary greatly in different regions. For example, Sakyo-ku is known as a famous student hub. If you want to live near the city's transportation and shopping centers the central areas of Nakakyo and Shimokyo wards are also very convenient. Here are some popular neighborhoods to rent Kyoto student housing.

1. Sakyo Ward & Hyakumanben (The Academic Hub)

Best for: Kyoto University & Kyoto University of the Arts students.

If you are attending Kyoto University (Kyodai), this is where you want to be. The areas around Hyakumanben and Demachiyanagi are legendary "student towns."

• Vibe: Academic, laid-back, and filled with cheap cafeterias and second-hand bookstores.
  Pros: Extremely convenient, all student services are within a 5-minute walk. Rent is affordable, and the area is safe and quiet.
  Housing: Mostly older apartments (Apāto) and student dorms.
  Key Spots: Yoshida Campus, Tetsugaku-no-michi (Philosopher's Path).

2. Kamigyo & Nakagyo Wards (Central Convenience)

Best for: Doshisha University & Ritsumeikan University students. Located in the heart of the city, areas like Imadegawa, Nijo, and Marutamachi offer the perfect balance of city life and study.

• Vibe: Historic yet modern. You are close to the Imperial Palace and subway lines.
  Pros: Excellent access to Downtown (Kawaramachi) and part-time job opportunities.
  Housing: A mix of modern private apartments (Mansions) and stylish Share Houses.
  Key Spots: Nijo Castle, Kyoto Imperial Palace, Karasuma Line Subway.

3. Saiin & Nishioji Area (West Kyoto)

Best for: Kyoto University of Foreign Studies & Ritsumeikan University (Kinugasa Campus). This area is specifically the hub for students in Western Kyoto, amenities like Targe supermarkets (Fresco), multiple shopping streets, dollar stores, and restaurants surrounded.

• Vibe: Local, energetic, and practical.
  Pros: Nishioji and Saiin are famous for lower rent and great transport links (Hankyu Line) to both central Kyoto and Osaka.
  Housing: Many affordable private apartments and "Dormy" style managed dormitories.

4. Kyoto Station & Minami Ward (The Transport Hub)

Best for: Ryukoku University & Students traveling to Uji/Osaka. Areas south of Kyoto Station (Minami-ku) and Fushimi are budget-friendly alternatives.

• Vibe: Urban, slightly industrial, but rapidly developing with international student centers like the Mukaijima Gakusei Center.
  Pros: Unbeatable transport access (JR, Kintetsu, Subway). Rents here are often cheaper than in Sakyo or Nakagyo, the supermarkets here are also larger and prices for daily necessities (especially food) are often more competitive. T
  Housing: Larger concrete mansions and international dormitories.

5. Downtown & Higashiyama (City Life & Culture)

Best for: Students who value nightlife and culture over quiet. Areas like Kawaramachi, Gion, and Kiyomizu Gojo are for those who want to live inside the action.

• Vibe: Bustling, touristy, and never boring.
  Pros: Surrounded by shops, restaurants, and part-time job options.
  Cons: This is Kyoto's commercial, tourist, and traditional cultural center, with land prices and rents among the highest in the city. Suitable for students with ample budgets. 
  Housing: Mostly high-end apartments and hotels, share houses and student apartments are limited.

The following are the top and most distinctive national, public, and private universities in Kyoto. uhomes.com offers convenient and furnished student halls, apartments, houses near these universities.

1. Kyoto University
2. Kyoto Institute of Technology
3. Kyoto Prefectural University
4. Kyoto City University of Arts
5. Doshisha University
6. Ryukoku University
7. Kyoto University of Foreign Studies
8. Kyoto Seika University
9. Kyoto Pharmaceutical University

Kyoto is a city brimming with history and cultural charm, offering many attractions that even first-time visitors can thoroughly enjoy. Our students accommodations in Kyoto are close to famous sightseeing spots, allows you to easily explore the ancient capital and switch freely between academic pursuits and leisure activities!

Iconic Heritage Sites

Kiyomizu-dera Temple: The most famous temple in Kyoto with a massive wooden stage offering panoramic city views.

Kinkakuji Temple: The Golden Pavilion, a stunning Zen temple covered in gold leaf, reflecting beautifully in the pond.

Fushimi Inari Taisha Shrine: Famous for its thousands of vermilion torii gates stretching up the mountain. Great for hiking!

Nijo Castle: A UNESCO World Heritage site known for its "nightingale floors" that chirp when walked upon to warn of intruders.

Byodoin Temple: Located in Uji, this temple is featured on the 10-yen coin and is famous for its Phoenix Hall.

City Vibes & Culture

Gion District: The traditional entertainment district where you might spot a Geisha (Geiko/Maiko). Full of historic wooden tea houses.

Yasaka-jinja Shrine: Located at the end of Shijo Street, this shrine is the heart of the Gion Matsuri festival.

Nishiki Market: Known as "Kyoto's Kitchen." A lively covered market perfect for trying local street food and buying ingredients.

Kyoto Tower: The modern landmark standing in front of Kyoto Station, offering a 360-degree view of the city.

Nature & Relaxation

Arashiyama: Famous for its towering Bamboo Grove, the Togetsukyo Bridge, and scenic mountain views.

Philosopher's Path: A peaceful stone path along a canal lined with cherry trees. Ideal for a quiet walk near Kyoto University.

Kamo River: The river flowing through the city center. A popular spot for students to sit, relax, and enjoy a picnic.

Art & History

Kenninji Temple: The oldest Zen temple in Kyoto, located near Gion, famous for its powerful dragon ceiling painting.

Kyoto Railway Museum: A massive museum showcasing Japan's history of trains, from steam locomotives to the Shinkansen.

Kyoto is a compact, grid-layout city that is easy to navigate. While tourists rely heavily on day passes, students typically rely on a mix of bicycles for daily commutes and a rechargeable IC card for weekends.

1. Bicycles (The Student Essential)

Most cost-effective way to live in Kyoto. For university students, a bicycle is not just a hobby—it is a necessity. The city is mostly flat, making it easy to cycle from Sakyo Ward (student housing area) to Kawaramachi (downtown) in about 20 minutes.

• Strict Parking Rules: Never park on the street. Kyoto City aggressively impounds illegally parked bikes. 
  Insurance: Bicycle liability insurance is mandatory in Kyoto.

2. Public Transportation (Subway & Bus)

Best for: Rainy days and traveling across the city.

Subway: Kyoto has two main lines that intersect at Karasuma Oike Station:

• Karasuma Line (North-South): Essential for students attending Doshisha University or visiting Kyoto Station.
  Tozai Line (East-West): Connects to Yamashina and Nijo areas.
  Student Tip: The subway is faster than the bus but more expensive.

City Bus: Unlike Tokyo, where subways and trains rule, Kyoto’s public transportation system is dominated by city buses. The green Kyoto City Buses cover almost every corner of the city, including areas the subway doesn't reach, like Kinkakuji or parts of Sakyo Ward.

Fares: Flat fare of ¥230 within the central zone. (Use your IC card to pay).

3. Trains (Inter-City Travel)

Best for: Weekend trips to Osaka or Nara.

• Hankyu Line: The cheapest and most stylish way to go to Osaka (Umeda) for shopping.
  Keihan Line: Runs along the Kamo River; convenient for students living in Demachiyanagi or Fushimi.
  JR Lines: Best for fast access to Kyoto Station, Osaka, or Nara.

4. Walking:

Areas like Gion and Arashiyama are best explored on foot.

5.Taxis & Ride-Sharing:

Taxis are plentiful but expensive. Uber is available in Kyoto, but it functions primarily as a taxi-hailing app, not a cheap ride-share service like in other countries. 

3. Smart Commuting: Passes & IC Cards

• IC Cards (ICOCA / SUICA): These are rechargeable smart cards used for buses, trains, and even convenience stores. They save you time and the hassle of counting coins.
  Where to get: Buy one at any subway or JR station ticket machine (¥500 deposit required).

  Commuter Pass (Teikiken): Must-have for students. If you take the train or bus to campus every day, buy a Student Commuter Pass.
  Savings: Offers huge discounts (approx. 50-60% off regular fares) for unlimited rides between your home and university.
  Requirement: You need your Student ID and a "Commuter Certificate" from your university office to buy one.

Student life in Kyoto is a unique journey that blends a world-class academic atmosphere, an incredibly cost-effective living experience, and hardcore outdoor adventure. Here, you can not only study at top-tier universities with 10% international students, but also explore hidden mountain retreats and stunning coastlines at a lower cost of living than in Tokyo.

Here's a glimpse into studying in Kyoto:

1. World-Class Academic Quality

Don't worry about the quality of education; Kyoto truly lives up to its reputation as an academic capital. For example, Kyoto University was once ranked number one in the Times Higher Education Japan University Rankings, representing the pinnacle of Asian academia.

International Community: Kyoto University currently has over 2,700 international students from 110 countries and regions worldwide. No matter which university you attend, the large international student community will quickly make you feel a sense of belonging.

2.High Cost-Effectiveness

Many people mistakenly believe that living in Japan is expensive, but that's outdated.

A Price Haven Among Developed Countries: With the adjustment of the yen's exchange rate, Japan is now one of the regions with the lowest cost of living among developed countries.

More Affordable than Tokyo: Rent and prices in Kyoto are significantly lower than in Tokyo. With the same budget, you can only afford a cramped single room in Tokyo, while in Kyoto you can have a spacious and comfortable apartment, significantly improving your quality of life.

Tokyo is bustling, but Kyoto possesses a "soul"

People often ask, "Which is better, Tokyo or Kyoto?" The truth is, neither is interchangeable.

Tokyo is the political and economic heart, representing modernity and busyness.

Kyoto, on the other hand, is the soul repository of Japanese culture. If you want to experience the purest traditional Japan while enjoying an undisturbed academic environment, Kyoto is the only choice.

4. Hidden Mountain Retreats and Beachcombing Adventures

Kyoto is more than just temples and shrines; it's a paradise for outdoor enthusiasts. Use your saved living expenses to join our diverse Student Clubs:

Mountain Exploration: Weekends spent canyoning and hiking in the valleys and waterfalls around Kyoto, or exploring hidden mountain retreats.

Ocean Adventures: Many student clubs offer monthly trips to sunset beaches for thrilling seafood catching.

To balance studies and adventure, you need the perfect "base camp." Kyoto offers a wide range of affordable accommodations, from international share houses to private student apartments, to suit your needs. Find your home in Kyoto with uhomes.com.