Open Campus Block

Excursions & Activities

Ample activities and daytrips will enliven your life in Kyoto and its surrounding cultural destinations. Sample excursions include: 

• A hike up Mt. Hiei (cable car/ropeway and bus trip are easier options!) to World Heritage Site Enryaku-ji, head temple of the Tendai Sect of Buddhism – with vistas of Lake Biwa, Japan’s largest, and the whole Kyoto valley;
• A one-car train ride north of town to Kurama or a bus ride to nearby Ohara village, with two breathtaking temples (Jakko-in and Sanzen-in), after a hot footbath, traditional meal or relaxing hot-spring dip;
• A day-trip to Nara – Japan’s capital before Kyoto – with its great seated Buddha in Todaiji temple, the world’s largest wooden structure, Kasuga Taisha Shrine with its thousands of stone lanterns, and the Deer Park, where they will “bow” in thanks as you offer the deer biscuits;

Projects

• Volunteering. Give back and create a deeper connection to Kyoto.  Opportunities are being developed for students to volunteer at local organizations, youth centers, schools, and more.  As long as the local health and safety regulations permit, in-person volunteering will be offered.
• Internships. Build new skills and intercultural competencies through the CIEE Academic Internship, and become an active member of Kyoto’s cutting-edge high-tech environment.
• Research. Pursue a research project of your own design incorporating independent, local field work – possibilities include religion, history, traditional art-forms, Manga & popular culture.
• Service-learning projects. Combine course-based learning with practical, relevant project experience to meet a community-defined need.  These projects are under development.