Students gather on stage during the TEDx TUJ event at TUJ Kyoto on April 9, 2026.
- TUJ Kyoto is rapidly expanding, with enrollment tripling, alongside new programs, added classrooms and expanded student housing
- Building a vibrant global community, highlighted by its first TEDxTUJ event, featuring diverse voices and strong student engagement
- TUJ Kyoto continues to grow its academic offerings, with six majors now available to complete entirely in Kyoto
Launched just over a year ago, Temple University, Japan Campus Kyoto (TUJ Kyoto) is expanding rapidly. With a growing student body, now more than triple its original size, TUJ Kyoto is introducing new academic programs, increasing classroom space and upgrading facilities to support continued demand. TUJ Kyoto was also recently granted a license to host TEDx event and held its first TEDx TUJ event on April 9, 2026.
In January 2025, TUJ established its second major location in Japan in Kyoto, near the world-famous Fushimi Inari Shrine. Since opening, enrollment has climbed steadily and expected to continue growing in the coming semesters. To accommodate this growth, the university has added an additional floor of classrooms and expanded its student housing inventory to more than 300 apartments, many within walking distance of campus.
As it continues to grow, TUJ Kyoto is also fostering a vibrant intellectual and cultural community. TUJ Kyoto hosted its first TEDxTUJ, titled “Shoshin （初心, Beginner’s mind）,” this month. Student-led, the event highlighted the campus’s unique global community, bringing together voices and ideas that reflect TUJ’s role as a bridge between international perspectives. Through a range of compelling stories, TEDxTUJ celebrated humanity, curiosity and perseverance — qualities that mirror the TUJ experience.
A world-renowned influencer, opera performer, TUJ staff, TUJ faculty and TUJ graduate student took part in the event. Featuring thought-provoking explorations of topics ranging from the origins of life to personal and cultural expression, the program marked a captivating moment for the TUJ Kyoto community.
Following the program, students and participants gathered for a post-event networking session. The space featured sponsor booths along with complimentary food and snacks, creating a warm and welcoming atmosphere for conversation. It offered attendees a chance to connect, meet new people and form meaningful relationships.
New Academic and Summer Programs
Looking ahead, TUJ Kyoto plans to add more classrooms by the summer semester by expanding within its current location. This growth follows the launch of new academic programs, including the Honors Program and the Master of Science in Communication Management, both introduced in September 2025.
Starting in May 2026, TUJ Kyoto will launch its new Adult Study Abroad program. This four-week, in-residence experience offers adult learners the opportunity to engage with Japanese language and culture through structured coursework with Temple faculty, combined with cultural immersion activities and curated field trips.
The Adult Study Abroad program does not require university admission, making it accessible to a broader audience, including Temple alumni, parents, retirees, global travelers and lifelong learners interested in exploring Japan. A similar program has already proven successful at Temple University’s Rome campus.
Also beginning this summer, TUJ Kyoto will introduce a Summer Intensive Japanese course focused on elementary-level language acquisition. This eight-week program, equivalent to a year of coursework and considered full-time summer study. Students will engage in a combination of classroom instruction, lab work and group study sessions.
Expanded Degree Opportunities in Kyoto
Since its opening, TUJ Kyoto has evolved quickly, expanding its academic offerings to allow students to complete their degrees entirely in Kyoto.
Undergraduate students majoring in artificial intelligence, communication studies, computer science, general studies, international business studies, as well as tourism, hospitality and event management (THE) can now complete their entire degree at TUJ Kyoto. This provides a unique opportunity to study in the historic city of Kyoto, an ideal setting where coursework integrates economics, culture, language, and technology with practical business skills.
Beyond academics, TUJ Kyoto continues to invest in student life and infrastructure. The university has expanded its housing capacity to more than 300 units and recently purchased a new multi-story apartment building, the “International House,” dedicated exclusively to TUJ Kyoto students.
Other related stories
- From Philly to Japan: Temple Jazz Band, 2026 U.S. National Collegiate Jazz Champion, Swings Across Kyoto, Nara and Tokyo (March 4, 2026)
- Temple University Japan Launching Adult Study Abroad Program in Kyoto (November 14, 2025)
- Temple University Marks Historic Opening of New Kyoto Location (January 24, 2025)