Kyoto: A Student City in Japan
Kyoto is a student city par excellence in Japan. With over 50 universities and 150,000+ students, about 10% of the city's population are students. For Indonesian citizens studying in Japan, Kyoto offers a unique combination of cultural tradition, quality education, and lower living costs than Tokyo.
Universities in Kyoto with Many Indonesian Students
| University | Ranking | Popular Programs for Indonesians | Tuition Fee/year |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kyoto University (京都大学) | Top 2 in Japan | Engineering, Science, Economics | 535,800 yen (national) |
| Doshisha University (同志社大学) | Top private in Kansai | Business, Global Studies | 800,000-1,200,000 yen |
| Ritsumeikan University (立命館大学) | Top private | IR, Asia Pacific Studies | 800,000-1,100,000 yen |
| Kyoto Seika University | - | Manga, Art, Design | 1,000,000-1,400,000 yen |
| Language School (various) | - | Japanese Language | 700,000-900,000 yen |
Student Living Costs in Kyoto
| Expense | Estimate/month | Tips |
|---|---|---|
| Rent | 30,000-55,000 yen | Share houses or university dormitories are the cheapest |
| Food | 20,000-35,000 yen | Campus cafeteria (gakushoku) is 400-600 yen/meal |
| Transportation | 3,000-8,000 yen | Bicycles! Kyoto is very flat and bike-friendly |
| Mobile Phone | 1,000-2,000 yen | Student MVNO plans |
| Books & supplies | 2,000-5,000 yen | Buy secondhand from senpai |
| Entertainment | 5,000-10,000 yen | Many free temples and parks |
Total: 65,000-115,000 yen/month. 20-30% cheaper than Tokyo.
Scholarships for Indonesian Citizens
- MEXT (Monbukagakusho) - Japanese government scholarship, covers tuition + living allowance (144,000 yen/month). Very competitive.
- JASSO (Japan Student Services Organization) - 48,000-80,000 yen/month, many slots available.
- University scholarships - Each university has its own scholarship program.
- Private scholarships - Rotary, ADB-JSP, various foundations. Check at jasso.go.jp.
Bicycles: The Main Transportation for Kyoto Students
Kyoto is a city of bicycles. Almost all students in Kyoto use a bicycle:
- Buy a used bicycle: 5,000-15,000 yen at a recycle shop or from a graduating senpai
- Mandatory registration (防犯登録): 600 yen, done at the time of purchase. This is to prevent theft.
- Parking: Illegal parking can result in a fine (2,300 yen). Park in designated areas.
- Double lock: Bicycle theft is quite common. Use 2 locks.
Popular Part-time Jobs for Students
- Konbini (Convenience Store) - 970-1,100 yen/hour. Flexible shifts, night shifts available.
- Restaurant/Cafe - 1,000-1,200 yen/hour. Many in tourist areas.
- Guide/Interpreter - 1,500-3,000 yen/hour. If your Japanese/English is good.
- Indonesian language tutor - 2,000-3,000 yen/hour. For Japanese people who want to learn Indonesian.
- Hotel housekeeping - 1,000-1,200 yen/hour. Especially during tourist seasons (sakura/kouyou).
Enjoying Kyoto as a Student
- Free temples and shrines: Many small temples are free. Fushimi Inari, Kiyomizu-dera (outer area), Philosopher's Path.
- Kamo River (鴨川): A favorite spot for students to picnic, study, and hang out. Free all year round.
- Student festivals: The Bunkasai (campus festival) in November is very lively. Kyoto Univ's NF festival is famous.
- University library: The best place to study, with free AC and fast WiFi.
- Arashiyama bamboo forest: Free, a 20-minute bike ride from the city center.
Tips from Indonesian Seniors in Kyoto
- "Buy a bicycle on your first day. Life in Kyoto without a bike is incredibly difficult."
- "The campus cafeteria (gakushoku) is cheap and delicious. Eat lunch there, and cook dinner for yourself."
- "Join a campus circle (部活/サークル). It's the best way to make Japanese friends."
- "Kyoto is quiet in the winter but very beautiful. The temples covered in snow are magical."
- "Apply for as many scholarships as possible. There are many small scholarships (30,000-50,000/month) that aren't as competitive as MEXT."
Kyoto offers a student experience you will never forget. The city combines traditional beauty with a dynamic campus life. The affordable cost of living and a large international community make Kyoto an ideal choice for Indonesians who want to study in Japan.