By participating in kokoka’s events and programs, you can also have opportunities to interact with residents and other international students, which can lead to a sense of community and belonging. For example, the kokoka Family Program allows international students to meet and build a relationship with local residents of Kyoto. Find the link below.

kokoka Family Program

As someone who has experienced it firsthand, I can say that the PICNIK (Program for Inter-Cultural Nexus in Kyoto) is truly a fantastic program. Visiting local elementary and junior high schools as an international student and sharing my country’s culture with Japanese students was an incredibly fulfilling and rewarding experience. It’s a rare opportunity that not many international students get to experience. Seeing the excitement and curiosity in the Japanese students’ eyes as we shared our stories and cultures with them was truly heartwarming. It’s just one of the many ways that kokoka helps foster a sense of intercultural understanding and appreciation, leaving everyone involved feeling enriched and inspired. If you are an international student in Kyoto, you can join here!

PICNIK

Apart from the above, kokoka also offers other valuable chances for international students, which improves our overall experience studying in Kyoto. The program I love most is the Symphony Orchestra tickets provided free by kokoka. You can find such events and opportunities on the website.

Kyoto International Students Information Site

As I’ve already mentioned above, many programs are available at kokoka. I had a chance to join one of the cultural programs, “Experience Chado (the Way of Tea).” I was a little bit nervous but I had a fantastic time there. I highly recommend it to anyone looking for a unique and enriching cultural experience.

The tea lesson is held at a beautiful Japanese-style tea house connected to kokoka’s main building. As a foreigner, it was initially quite difficult to understand all of the rules and traditions in the first place. However, with the guidance and patience of the tea master, I began to appreciate the beauty of the ceremony and understand the reasons behind each step. The master was very kind and attentive, taking the time to explain the significance of each movement and how it contributes to the overall ambiance of the tea ceremony.

I also noticed that many other students in the class were international students. It was wonderful to see people from different cultures coming together to appreciate and learn about Japanese traditions and culture.

Just like the tea ceremony, kokoka offers international students the opportunity to deepen their understanding of Japanese culture, history, and philosophy while providing a unique and memorable experience. I have been making the best of these opportunities, and my life in Kyoto has been fruitful because of kokoka. That is why this is the place I love most in Kyoto, and I recommend you give it a visit!

（Text: Charoenkijkajorn Possanunt, Kyoto Institute of Technology）

Kyoto City International Foundation