Kyoto in Numbers
Learn about the real Kyoto through data
Explore the true essence of Kyoto through data.
Gain insights into its demographics, living environment, employment opportunities, and educational resources to get a picture of your future life here.
Kyoto in Numbers
Kyoto is known for its rich culture and peaceful lifestyle. As an international resident, you'll find a vibrant community here, truly showcasing a remarkable melting pot of cultures where diversity is embraced.
Number of Universities, Student Population, and Student Ratio
1
st
Kyoto City Leads All Major Cities Nationwide in Number of Universities, Student Population, and Student Ratio
※Source: School Basic Survey (as of December 2024)
SDGs Progress
2
nd
A city that looks to the future, where you can safely live for a long time.
※Source: Kyoto City Information Center (as of January 2025)
Cities with a Large Foreign Resident Population
4
th
Kyoto is a city that embraces diversity and is a welcoming place for international residents like you.
※Source: Nikkei Shimbun (as of July 2024)
※Ranking within Japan (by municipalities)
Basic Information
The Foreign Residents of Kyoto
About 1 in every 20 people in Kyoto is a foreign resident. With so many expats living here, you can live safely in an international environment.
Percentage of Foreign Residents
1 in every 20 residents
is a foreign resident
Number of Foreign Residents in Kyoto
64,457
※Source: Kyoto City Information Center (as of July 2025)
Ranking of Foreign Citizens by Nationality
Kyoto is home to people from 157 countries and regions, creating a truly multicultural community.
157
different nationalities and regions are represented in Kyoto.
※Source: Kyoto City Information Center (as of December 2024)
Kyoto's Four Seasons and Climate
Kyoto is situated in a basin surrounded by mountains. While it experiences hot and humid summers and cold winters, the city is known for its four distinct seasons, offering you varied experiences throughout the year. During the summer, you can cool off on the riverside terraces, and in the winter, you can enjoy warming dishes, such as yudofu (boiled tofu).
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter
※Source: Japan Meteorological Agency (Avg. values from 1991 to 2020)
Transportation
Access to Other Cities in Japan
Kyoto offers excellent access to the Shinkansen, Kansai International Airport, and Osaka International Airport (Itami Airport), making your domestic and international travel convenient for business or sightseeing. The Kansai region also has a well-developed JR and private railway network, making it easy for you to travel to neighboring prefectures.
Transportation within Kyoto City
Getting around Kyoto is simple, thanks to its compact size and excellent public transport. A comprehensive network of trains, subways, and buses connects you to every corner of the city. Bicycling and walking are also convenient options.
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Working Environment for Foreign Citizens
Percentage of Foreign Workers
International talent is a vital part of Kyoto's economy. About 1 in 23 workers in Kyoto City is an international resident.
About
1 in every 30 residents
is a foreign resident.
Number of Foreign Workers in Kyoto
27,294
※Source: Ministry of Health, Labor and Welfare, Kyoto Labor Bureau (as of October 2024)
Percentage of Foreign Workers by Residence Status
About 1 in 3 foreign workers in Kyoto City are employed as skilled professionals. You'll find international professionals thriving in nearly every sector in Kyoto City. The city's workforce is supported by people from all backgrounds, creating a diverse and inclusive environment for you.
About
1 in every 3 foreign workers
are employed as skilled professionals.
※Source: Ministry of Health, Labor and Welfare, Kyoto Labor Bureau (as of October 2024)
Percentage of Foreign Workers by Industry
You'll find international professionals thriving in nearly every sector in Kyoto. While manufacturing and hospitality are two of the largest employers, they are many other industries that also offer strong opportunities based on your skills and experience.
※Source: Ministry of Health, Labor and Welfare, Kyoto Labor Bureau (as of October 2024)
Education & Child Rearing
A City with No Children on School Waiting Lists
Kyoto City has maintained zero waiting lists for childcare, thanks to careful adjustments and the development of a wide variety of facilities. With 419 childcare facilities currently in the city, you can raise your children with peace of mind.
Number of Children on School Waiting Lists
0 consecutive years with 11
※0 people since 2014
Number of Childcare Facilities
419
※Source: Kyoto City Information Center (as of June 2024)
Kyoto: A City of Students and Universities
Kyoto boasts one of the highest numbers of universities and student populations in Japan, making it a city of learning where talented people gather and active academic and research activities thrive. As an international student, you'll find a high proportion of fellow international students here, creating a truly international environment where multicultural exchange flourishes.
Number of Universities and Students, and Percentage of Students in the Population
Among the Major Cities Nationwide
1 st
※Kyoto City has the most among designated cities
Number of universities
36
※Including junior colleges
Percentage of Students
In the population
1 in every 10
is a student
Number of Students
154,422
※Source: School Basic Survey (as of December 2024)
Percentage of International Students
Among students
1 in every 8
are international students
Number of International Students
19,668
※Source: School Basic Survey (as of March 2023)
The Charms of Living in Kyoto
A Town that Supports Japanese Traditions
Kyoto is home to many national treasures, important cultural properties, and traditional crafts that have been passed down through the generations and are still a part of everyday life today, along with its long history.
Number of national treasures, important cultural properties, and traditional crafts designated by the government
Nationwide 2 nd
National Treasures of Kyoto Prefecture
239
Kyoto Prefecture Important cultural properties
2,222
Kyoto Prefecture Traditional Crafts
17 Crafts
※Source: Agency for Cultural Affairs (as of July 2025) *Source: Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (as of June 2024)
Kyoto City's Traditional Industries
Kyoto City has designated 74 traditional industries. These industries use traditional techniques and methods to create products deeply connected to Japanese culture and life.
74 Crafts
※Source: Kyoto City Information Center (as of April 2020)
A Town Rich in Nature
Kyoto is surrounded by abundant nature. Despite being a city, it's an environment that allows you to live with nature.
Ratio of Forest Area to City Area
74 %
※Source: Kyoto City Information Center (as of September 2022)
A City of Gourmet Food Recognized Worldwide
You'll find a high concentration of Michelin-starred restaurants in Kyoto.
World City Rankings
1 st
※Ranking of cities in the world with the highest concentration of Michelin-starred restaurants relative to their population
Michelin-star-rated Kyoto Restaurants
100
※Source: Compiled based on Michelin publication information and public data (as of June 2024)
