FAQ

Application

• Who can apply?

  The program is open to students and graduates with particular interest in Japanese culture, first from Seika’s partner art & design schools, but also from other institutions worldwide. We expect to have up to 20 participants.

• Is there an age limit?

  In principle, applicants should have already graduated from high school, or expect to soon. There is no strict upper age limit.

• What is the total cost of the program?

  The program itself costs 140,000 yen, including dorm accommodation and local field trip transportation, entry fees, and some meals. Participants are responsible for international travel, transportation between the airport and dorm on arrival and departure, also for taking out their own travel insurance if required — and of course, personal expenses including transportation etc. on free days. Basic personal expenses (meals, drinks, additional transportation) will probably cost an additional 25-30,000 yen.

• When will application results be announced?

  Applicants will be notified by April 30.

• When do I have to pay?

  By May 15. This will allow us to confirm participation, and participants to make their travel reservations in advance.

Program

• Can I receive credit?

  Kyoto Inspiration is an extracurricular program, so we can’t directly confer academic credit. We will provide a Certificate of Completion, and if you need to certify the content of the program for independent study requirements we will provide a transcript based on evaluation of a presentation and essay.

• Do I need to speak Japanese?

  Almost all lectures will be in English, and when necessary (for example on some field trips), translation from Japanese will be provided. In your free time, you’ll find it’s quite easy to get around Kyoto with a very basic “survival Japanese” vocabulary.

• What kind of support will be provided?

  Kyoto Seika prepares local maps and a bus/subway guide (in English) and on- and off-campus information, with a detailed day-by-day schedule in a comprehensive program clear-book. All program field trips will be accompanied by a coordinator. We will also give advice on places to go and things to do in free time. We aim to make this whole program a truly illuminating and memorable Kyoto experience!

Arrival

• Do I need a visa?

  Many countries have a visa exemption agreement with Japan, allowing visits of up to 90 days. Check here. We will assist accredited students of our partner institutions to obtain the necessary visa if one is required. 

  [IMPORTANT NOTE: As of January 2022 Covid precautions do not allow non-residents to enter Japan, so all former immigration procedures are currently on hold. If the situation changes we will post relevant details here]. 

• Does Kyoto have an airport?

  No, it doesn’t. The closest international airport is Kansai (KIX), in Osaka Bay.

• How do I get to the dorm?

  The simplest way is to prebook a shuttle van direct to the dorm. Or take the Haruka express or “limousine” bus to Kyoto Station, and then subway up to Iwakura (Kokusai-kaikan Station), then Seika’s free shuttle bus. Check our Access page, scroll down more details.

• Can I arrive via Tokyo?

  Yes, if you prefer. But with the additional transportation costs, you won’t save money.

  Details of travel options from Nagoya are here.

  Details of travel options from Tokyo are here.

• When is check-in?

  Please plan to check in in the afternoon or evening of Friday July 1. The program will begin from 9am on Saturday July 2.

Dorm

• Where will I stay?

  Included in the program fee is accommodation at our group dorms, the Dohokan and e-Box.
  

• Are Kyoto Seika’s dorm rooms shared?

  Yes, most rooms are doubles. We have only two single rooms.

• Is wi-fi available in the dorms?

  Yes, unlimited.

• When is checkout?

  On the morning of July 16 or 18, if preferred (to stay on for the Gion Festival; additional rent will be charged).

• If I want to stay on, how much is the additional dorm charge?

  Just 1,000 yen per night — way cheaper than a hotel or even a backpacker’s hostel!

Kyoto Seika University

• Where is Kyoto Seika University’s campus?

  Kyoto Seika is located in a valley in the green northern hills of Kyoto.

• What transportation is available?

  We have a free regular shuttle bus to Kokusai-kaikan, the northern terminus of the north/south Karasuma Line subway (about 8 minutes away) on weekdays and Saturdays. We also have our own station on the Eiden Kurama line, and a Kyoto bus route runs past the university. Central downtown is about a 15-minute ride from Kokusai-kaikan. Access

• What facilities are available on campus?

  Our cafeteria is open for lunch and evening meals. In addition to active Art/Design/Manga studios and classrooms, we have two Family Mart convenience stores, a well-stocked art supplies store, an on-campus gallery, and a first-aid clinic. We also have a restaurant (Reata) just off-campus. And if you play keyboards, we have a grand piano available for practice in the cafeteria building. We also have bamboo forest, peacocks, some deer, and occasional cute wild monkeys.

  More here.