Engagement Day Schedule

TUJ KYOTO’s academic schedule is designed so you can explore Kyoto and the Kansai area to the fullest, with NO CLASSES on Fridays! Every Friday will be designated as TUJ KYOTO Engagement Day, where we will have an activity planned with you in mind.

Here are some activities already in the works for you to explore Kyoto and the Kansai area!

Cultural Experiences Right on Campus

Did you hear? Breaking news: TUJ KYOTO campus has its own traditional Japanese Tea Room!

  • Traditional Tea Ceremony Experience: Participate in an authentic Japanese tea ceremony to learn about the cultural significance of tea in Japan.

  • Japanese Calligraphy Experience: Learn and try your hand at traditional Japanese calligraphy from local experts!

  • Karuta Game Challenge: Karuta is a traditional Japanese card game that combines elements of memory, speed, and literary knowledge. Join us in this fun game of Karuta and brush up on your Japanese!

Field Trips to Classic Kyoto Spots

  • Visit Kinkaku-ji (Golden Pavilion): Explore this iconic Zen Buddhist temple, covered in gold leaf, set amidst beautiful gardens.

  • Explore Fushimi Inari Shrine: Walk through the thousands of red torii gates that lead up Mount Inari, a must-see Shinto shrine. It’s right next to TUJ-Kyoto!

  • Discover Arashiyama Bamboo Grove: Wander through the serene bamboo forest in the Arashiyama district and visit the nearby Tenryu-ji Temple.

  • Stroll through Gion District: Experience Kyoto's famous geisha district with its traditional wooden machiya houses and tea houses.

  • Tour Nijo Castle: Visit this UNESCO World Heritage Site, known for its beautiful gardens and historical significance.

  • Visit Kiyomizu-dera Temple: Enjoy panoramic views of Kyoto from this historic temple, famous for its wooden stage that juts out from the hillside.

  • Walk the Philosopher’s Path: Take a leisurely stroll along this scenic path lined with cherry trees, especially beautiful during cherry blossom season.

  • Explore Nishiki Market: Sample local foods and buy souvenirs at this bustling market known as “Kyoto’s Kitchen.”

Participate in Community Service

TUJ has a long history of community relations, pursuing various activities with the overall goal of deepening exchanges between our students and staff and the people of the area.

TUJ KYOTO will also be participating in multiple community service projects as a group. Stay tuned for more information on these opportunities to get involved and give back!

  • Clean Up Kamogawa Project: Join our Office of Student Services and Engagement TUJ KYOTO staff, May, for a day of cleaning up our cherished Kamogawa! Help clean up our beloved river while getting to know local people who are also passionate about maintaining our beautiful Kyoto city!

  • Get Involved with Local Festivals and Events: Volunteer with Kyoto International Community House (Kyoto YMCA) for international events, festivals, and community programs.

  • Volunteer Your Time with Animal Refuge Kansai (ARK): ARK operates shelters that rescue and rehome animals – they are always looking for volunteers to help with animal care, adoption events, and more!

  • Learn by Assisting with Cultural and Historical Preservation: Organizations such as Kyoto Center for Community Collaboration and NPO Kyomachiya Revitalization Study Group focus on projects related to preserving Kyoto’s cultural and historical sites, including Kyoto townhouses (machiya).

  • Combat Food Insecurity: Volunteer with Kyoto Food Bank by collecting, sorting, and distributing food to those in need.

Experience Kyoto through the Classroom

TUJ KYOTO will also welcome local experts as faculty members to teach and engage with students. As part of our Global Leadership Program, there will be multiple cultural excursions embedded as part of experiential learning outside of the classroom. With developing curriculums that embed experts from our local community, students will be able to experience activities not available to everyday tourists!

Experience the Greater Kansai Area with Day and Overnight Trips

Let us take you on a trip to visit Todaiji Temple and roam with the world-famous deer at Nara Park. Let’s adventure together to Osaka and go on a food tour to experience Kuidaore (literal translation: drop dead from eating too much!). Let’s stroll the streets of Kobe – a port city that provides a unique blend of modernity and tradition. There are many more cities and places to visit just a train ride away from Kyoto. Not to mention, let’s go camping at Biwa Lake (Japan’s largest lake) in Shiga Prefecture and enjoy nature and some BBQ!

The activities at TUJ KYOTO are endless! Schedule and detailed information coming soon – Stay tuned for updates!

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