Kyoto ratings & opinions
How our students rated their experience in Kyoto
What our students said about Kyoto
Kyoto is the ideal city to get an impression of Japan. In addition to sightseeing within Kyoto, you can take countless excursions into the surrounding area from there, as Kyoto is well connected: Omihachiman, Kobe, Osaka, Nara, Nagahama, Lake Biwa, Uji, Himeji Castle to Amanohashidate in the west or Wakayama in the east of Japan, can all be reached for day and weekend trips. My personal tip: buy or rent a bicycle and cover most of the distances. Although the bus connections are incredibly good (and there's also the underground), you get to know a city in a different way by bike. And cycling along the Kamogawa, surrounded by the mountains in the early morning or at sunset... Priceless.
Germany
Kyoto is a great city. It is truly the cultural center of Japan and it's location allows you to easily go to other interesting cities and equally enjoy city life and beautiful hikes.
Netherlands
I have an existing connection with Kyoto as my wife and family live here. I have been to Kyoto many times in the last and love this place.
If you want to get to know traditional Japan more. Is Kyoto perfect. You can also reach other places like Osaka, Biwa Lake, ... quickly.
Germany
I have had a long history with Kyoto. My wife is from Kyoto and I stay with her family on my frequent visits here.
Very traditional, quiet and varied. The locals are rather reserved and quiet.
Switzerland
I think it is a place where travel and Language training can go hand in hand.
South Korea
It is a quiet city with lots of cultural activities and sights.
Japan
One of the most beautiful and interesting cities in Japan
Germany
I love this city... I would have loved to stay there.
Germany
I love Kyoto! I am so happy to have chosen this city.
Germany
Best city in Japan for cultural sight seeing.
Germany
Kyoto, the most beautiful city ever visited.
Hong Kong
What school directors said about Kyoto
Kyoto is a famous historic city, which was selected as one of the world’s top 3 cities to visit! Great place for those who like Japanese traditional culture.
Most recent student reviews of language schools in Kyoto
Many activities are offered and organized, facilities offer space to study and relax, staff are super kind.
30 September 2023
Course: Standard Course - 6 weeks
Student age: 31 years
It was nice to be able to speak English and Japanese together with various foreigners.
19 September 2023
Course: Standard Course - 4 weeks
Student age: 54 years
School was great, small classes and the excursions were also very interesting.
13 July 2023
Course: Standard Course - 5 weeks
Student age: 37 years
It is very friendly. The building is modern. The teachers are mostly pretty good.
12 June 2023
Course: Standard Course - 2 weeks
Student age: 66 years
Very sympathetic, very good teachers with high motivational potential
very pleasant
29 May 2023
Course: Standard Course - 8 weeks
Student age: 67 years
The teachers were so nice and motivating. The size of the class is absolutely brilliant!
23 May 2023
Course: Standard Course - 7 weeks
Student age: 32 years
Very hard-working teachers and an incredibly nice headmistress. // Additional worksheets are available on request. // There is a lot of emphasis on practising speaking, so that after a while you lose your shyness and dare to ask questions in shops or restaurants. // All teachers could speak at least basic English, so that in (what I consider) the right situations, they insisted on Japanese, but the teaching staff also sometimes used brief English. // The reception is great and always approachable, and they speak really good English. That's important, because the reception also helps you with non-school-related problems such as SIM cards, tickets, translations of information, emails, websites (if you want to buy concert tickets, for example) or ( alleged) problems with your accommodation. // You were allowed to stay longer within the school's premises in order to study there. //
I took part in two free bank holiday substitute activities. One was a waste of time and one was really good. I was positive about the (paid!) weekend activities, but I'm glad I didn't book them. Because some of these activities could also be done on weekdays, so I didn't "waste" weekends doing them. And I preferred to have my own schedule instead of having to follow someone else's, especially since I then had to "fight" my way through it myself and was forced to talk myself. However, especially if you're only there for 2-4 weeks, it might be nice to get things organised and not have to worry about it. // The location of the school is unbeatable. // The class size is limited to 8 people. Most of the time, the class size according to plan was between 6-8 people (minus sick leave). // The way of teaching varies a lot, for better or worse. However, I noticed positively that the teachers often made an effort to adapt the work materials to the students, e.g. setting a date for the coming weekend or including the names of the class members. // The teaching staff has a relatively un-Japanese teaching style. Compared to German teaching, it may still seem old-fashioned, but anyone who knows how teaching is done in a typical Japanese school will agree with me. So the teaching staff has clearly attuned itself to its western audience, which is very positive. // Extremely flexible start, i.e. on any Monday of any week and of any length (in contrast to other schools that, for example, only start every quarter and/or only offer >12 week courses). // There is the possibility to change between Tokyo, Kyoto and Fukuoka relatively easily. This gives you much more impressions. (However, it is not worth it if you cannot stay in one place for at least 2, rather 3 weeks => minimum stay of 4, rather 6 weeks. Reason: The period of acclimatisation to a new place is harder than many think).
My personal conclusion: Many of the positive and negative points I mentioned are simply two sides of the same coin. You have to be clear about what you want. I chose this school because of its flexible start and end times and because of its location. These points were so irrefutable for me that I would retrospectively choose everything exactly the same again today. But I would not choose this school again under different circumstances. The negative experiences with the expected equalisation of learning levels were too bad for me. The constant reshuffling of classes and the fact that I only knew the timetables for the following weeks on the Friday beforehand were also acceptable this time, but next time I would prefer to have lessons at the same times throughout (even if it would only be in the afternoon) in order to be able to bring a permanent routine into my day, and in addition always be in class with the same people and have planning security for the weeks to come. So if you only want to take lessons for a few weeks, I can definitely recommend the Genki School. There are hardly any other schools that offer such flexible weekly starts. For those who want to stay for three months or longer, I would recommend looking for another school. For me, the negative aspects of the flexible concept outweigh the positive ones.
23 May 2023
Course: Standard Japanese - 10 weeks
Student age: 33 years
I like the school very much. I would like to go back to Kyoto or another JaLS location for a week or two next year!
Very good concept
15 May 2023
Course: Standard Course - 1 week
Student age: 52 years
I was very impressed with everyone at the school. They are a class act. Staff will be checking constantly to see how you are doing and staff visiting from other JaLS schools also walked around just to introduce themselves and to see how you are doing. I have only the highest regards for all staff and all sensei. I plan to return to Kyoto JaLS later this year.
They are the best. I miss the school already.
2 May 2023
Course: Standard Course - 2 weeks
Student age: 67 years
Nice and friendly teachers. Are always open to help you.
20 March 2023
Course: Standard Japanese - 24 weeks
Student age: 24 years
The teachers are all very empathetic and very attentive to the individual student, despite the fact that it is a large class.
The teachers are wonderful, competent and interested in the individual student.
6 January 2023
Course: Japanese Language Course Short-Term - 5 weeks
Student age: 28 years
The staff, the teachers (4 out of 5 were really great) and the food.
29 February 2020
Course: Japanese Language Course Short-Term - 6 weeks
Student age: 37 years
Small flat, small classrooms without windows
21 October 2019
Course: Standard Course - 2 weeks
Student age: 54 years
Nice lounge where students, teachers, and staff can meet.
2 August 2019
Course: Standard Course - 8 weeks
Student age: 46 years
I really liked the overall vibe. Most of the students love Japan and are taking these classes because they genuinely want to learn Japanese. The teachers I had were all enthusiastic which is always encouraging.
28 July 2019
Course: Practical Japanese Course Short-Term - 4 weeks
Student age: 26 years
I really liked the studying environment of the school. Teachers were switched a lot so that I could experience different types of teaching which I loved it. They provide many courses that you have lots of course choices in your level.
The lounge was perfect place to making friends.
17 February 2019
Course: Standard Course - 2 weeks
Student age: 47 years
I loved the diversity and methods used by the teachers. In addition, the premises were clean and pleasant. The cafeteria's low prices were very welcomed.
14 August 2018
Course: Practical Japanese Course Short-Term - 4 weeks
Student age: 21 years
Nice and friendly teachers who cared about their students.
Good location, good accommodation. Kyoto has a lot to offer, and the school showed us many things.
13 August 2018
Course: Practical Japanese Course Short-Term - 4 weeks
Student age: 52 years
Information about Kyoto
Key Facts about Kyoto
- Price index excluding rent: 86* (14% cheaper than New York)
- Price index including rent: 115* (15% more expensive than New York)
- Price index food only:85* (15% cheaper than New York)
- Big Mac price (Japan average):
429.67 ¥ (45% cheaper than in USA)
- Residential voltage: 100 V
- Frequency: 60 Hz / 50 Hz
Events in Kyoto
22 October 2024A traditional parade starting at the Imperial Palace celebrating the history of Kyoto. Participants wear costumes representing historical figures.
Q&A - Questions and answers about Kyoto
- I am looking for a school in Kyoto that is as close as possible to a skating rink. Can you help me?“In winter, there are several skating rinks, but they are designed more for amateurs. There is a professional rink just outside the city, but it takes about 1 1/2 hours to get there from the city centre. ”Lisa Saskia Schiwy, LanguageCourse.Net - Mar 22, 2023I am a tourist in Japan. Could I book a course?“Yes, you can book a Japanese course while you are in Japan.”Sawsan Zein, LanguageCourse.Net - Dec 05, 2022
FAQ about schools in Kyoto
- I want to study a one-month Japanese language course in Kyoto next year.“We have several partner schools in Kyoto. It's a good idea to book well in advance in Japan, due to the high demand for these courses. Contact our agents who will be happy to help you find the best school for you. ”Veronica Romualdi, Language Travel Consultant from LanguageCourse.Net - Mar 27, 2024Didn't find what you are looking for?Interested in a specific type of course? See our reviews of Japanese courses & camps for teenager and children in Kyoto or other 8 different Japanese course types in Kyoto.Interested in language travel to other cities? Have a look at Japanese language schools in other cities in Japan such as Fukuoka, Gyoda, Kobe, Nagano ..., Nagoya, Nishinomiya, Ogori, Osaka, Sapporo, Shinjuku, Tokyo, Utsunomiya, Yokohama or see our list of all schools in Japan. You may also want to consult options outside Japan for learning Japanese.Show more