Kyoto Imperial University was founded by Imperial Ordinance on the 18th of June 1897, the second university to be established in Japan. The Imperial University was later renamed to Kyoto University in 1947. Kyoto University celebrated its centennial in 1997. With its 15 graduate schools offering 81 major programs, 10 faculties (undergraduate departments), 12 research institutes and 21 research centers, it is the second largest national university in Japan. The university currently has approximately 13,500 undergraduates, 8,000 graduate students, and 3,000 academic members.

Kyoto University offers high quality of education and research. International activities are flourishing. The university faculty members travel frequently for research and meetings, and more than 1,500 overseas researchers visit Kyoto University in each year. Various exchange agreements have been established with other universities worldwide in order to enhance the international exchange and cooperation in both educational and academic domains. Kyoto University is prominent not only in scientific research but also in the humanities, including the well-known and admired Kyoto School. Kyoto University has two main campuses - Yoshida Campus located in the northeast part of the city of Kyoto and Uji Campus in the south of the city. The university operates numerous facilities throughout Japan and overseas. It is presently moving forward with the construction of a new campus Katsura Campus in the western part of the city of Kyoto. Conceived as a "Techno-science Hill", the Katsura Campus becomes a locus where the latest technology and science facilities are equipped. As shown by the fact that the university has produced five Nobel laureates, Kyoto University is known to be one of the foremost research universities. Today, the university has been challenging to study yet-to-be recognized research themes from a creative and unique standpoint.