Kyoto Pharmaceutical University (KPU) was founded in 1884 as a pre-pharmacy course in the Private German School in Kyoto. It is one of the oldest private schools of pharmacy. Now KPU enrolls approximately 1,600 undergraduate students and 200 graduate students, including 20 foreign students (as graduate students, post-doctoral fellows and research associates).

The mission of KPU is to contribute to education and research that produce highly qualified pharmacy practitioners and pharmaceutical scientists. KPU has been committed to the development of broadly educated scholars who are well-trained in science, excel in professional practice and have the potentials to become society's leaders. In addition, KPU will improve the state of human health through the dissemination and enlightenment of knowledge in professional pharmacy practice and pharmaceutical sciences.

KPU offers graduate courses for Master of Science in Pharmaceutical Sciences or Clinical Pharmacy, Doctor of Philosophy in Pharmaceutical Sciences and post-doctoral residencies.

KPU is located in Yamashina, the eastern area of Japan's old capital Kyoto, where many traditional events and buildings still remain. Private lodgings are available in the surrounding areas.

Ken-ichi Inui, President