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There are two major points that make ".kyoto" a unique TLD:
As a result, ".kyoto" domains signal credibility and local authenticity to users.
Holders of a ".kyoto" domain may enjoy recognizability as bona fide entities operating legitimately in the domain of Kyoto Prefecture, and users may rest assured that they interact with a reliable party.
".kyoto" was created to establish a trusted and meaningful digital identity closely connected to Kyoto and its community.
Many existing TLDs, such as ".com" or ".jp", have become extremely broad and unrestricted spaces. As a result, domains are often registered and used without regard to their original meaning or purpose, and harmful content, fraudulent activity, and illegal websites may coexist alongside legitimate services within the same namespace.
".kyoto" was established with a different philosophy.
By maintaining strict eligibility requirements, active oversight, and responsible governance, the ".kyoto" registry aims to create a clean, reliable, and trustworthy domain environment. Registrants are carefully verified for their connection to Kyoto, and abusive activities such as fraud, phishing, spam, or other malicious conduct are not tolerated.
In this way, ".kyoto" serves not only as a domain name, but also as a symbol of authenticity, accountability, and connection to Kyoto.
A ".kyoto" domain offers more than just a web address.
".kyoto" domains are available only to individuals and organizations with a verified connection to Kyoto. In addition, the registry actively monitors and enforces policies against fraud, phishing, spam, and other abusive activities.
As a result, users can have greater confidence that a ".kyoto" website represents a legitimate and responsibly operated entity.
".kyoto" domains are typically used by businesses, organizations, educational institutions, cultural groups, and individuals with a strong connection to Kyoto Prefecture.
They are especially suitable for entities wishing to emphasize their local presence, authenticity, and relationship with Kyoto's community and culture.
Registration is open to:
Applicants must satisfy the registry's eligibility criteria and pass verification.
Yes — individuals, as well as non-official groups, such as hobby/interest groups, events, etc., may register a ".kyoto" domain, subject to the requirement that they have a relation with or a presence in Kyoto Prefecture.
Certainly, subject to the requirement that they have a relation with or a presence in Kyoto Prefecture.
Current examples include:
A "significant presence" generally refers to ongoing business, organizational, educational, cultural, or other substantial activities connected to Kyoto Prefecture.
Examples may include:
Applications are evaluated individually by the registry.
Yes — non-official groups, such as hobby/interest groups, events, etc., may register a ".kyoto" domain, subject to the requirement that they have a relation with or a presence in Kyoto Prefecture.
Yes — eligible individuals and organizations may register multiple ".kyoto" domains, provided that each registration complies with the registry's policies and verification requirements.
Applicants are generally required to submit documentation supporting their connection to Kyoto Prefecture.
Typically:
Applications are evaluated individually by the registry.
".kyoto" domains can be obtained through accredited domain registrars authorized to provide ".kyoto" registrations. A list of registrars is available on the Acquisition method page.
Each application is individually reviewed by the registry to maintain the high standards and trustworthiness of the ".kyoto" domain space.
Verification may take up to two weeks, depending on the application and supporting documentation.
Yes — a website does not need to be operational at the time of application. You may register a ".kyoto" domain before developing or launching your website.
No — a ".kyoto" domain is registered only after the application and eligibility verification process have been successfully completed. Domain names cannot be reserved in advance without verification.
If an application is rejected, the domain will not be registered. Applicants who believe there has been an error or who wish to provide additional information may contact the registry at info@ckl.kyoto.
".kyoto" domain names must comply with standard domain syntax rules. In general:
".kyoto" also supports Japanese internationalized domain names (IDNs) in accordance with IDNA2008 standards.
Further, applicants are responsible for ensuring that their domain name does not infringe upon the rights or trademarks of third parties. ".kyoto" registrations are subject to established dispute resolution mechanisms, including UDRP and the registry's Nexus Enforcement and Dispute Resolution Policy.
Yes — certain domain names may be reserved or restricted by the registry, including some two-character labels, country and territory names, and other protected or policy-restricted terms. See the Character strings prohibited from registration page for details.
In addition, domain names that infringe upon the rights or trademarks of third parties may be subject to dispute resolution procedures or cancellation.
Yes — ".kyoto" supports Japanese internationalized domain names (IDNs), allowing the use of Japanese characters in domain names in accordance with IDNA2008 standards.
Certain technical and character usage rules apply to ensure stability and compatibility of the domain system.
See the IDN Policy (PDF).
No — underscore characters ("_") are not permitted in ".kyoto" domain names.
If your desired domain name is already registered, you may consider:
".kyoto" domain registrations are subject to established dispute resolution procedures, including UDRP and the registry's Nexus Enforcement and Dispute Resolution Policy.
See the Nexus Enforcement and Dispute Resolution Policy (PDF).
".kyoto" is a carefully managed and restricted domain space rather than a mass-market TLD.
The registration fee reflects the costs of eligibility verification, ongoing nexus enforcement, manual review processes, abuse prevention, and active management aimed at maintaining a clean, trustworthy, and Kyoto-focused online environment.
By limiting registrations to entities with a genuine connection to Kyoto and enforcing strict policies against fraud, spam, phishing, and other abusive activities, ".kyoto" seeks to provide greater credibility and reliability than many unrestricted domain spaces.
".kyoto" domains may be registered for periods ranging from 1 to 10 years, subject to renewal through the registrar.
See the Domain Name Registration Policies (PDF).
".kyoto" domains must be renewed through the sponsoring registrar before the registration period expires. Domains may be renewed for periods within the allowed registration term limits.
Registrants must continue to satisfy the ".kyoto" eligibility ("nexus") requirements at the time of renewal and throughout the registration period. Failure to renew or maintain compliance may result in suspension or deletion of the domain.
If a ".kyoto" domain is not renewed before its expiration date, it may be suspended and eventually deleted, after which it may become available for registration by another eligible party.
Specific grace periods and recovery procedures may vary depending on the registrar.
Yes, subject to the policies of the registry and the participating registrars.
Transfers to another registrar are generally possible. Transfers of ownership may require the new registrant to independently satisfy the ".kyoto" eligibility ("nexus") requirements and complete any necessary verification procedures.
Certain restrictions may also apply shortly after initial registration.
Renewal pricing is determined by the registrar and may differ from the initial registration price. Registrants should confirm current renewal fees directly with their chosen registrar.
Grace periods and domain recovery procedures after expiration may vary depending on the registrar. Registrants should contact their registrar promptly if a domain expires to avoid suspension or deletion.
Yes — to maintain the integrity and trustworthiness of the ".kyoto" domain space, the registry may continue to verify compliance with the eligibility ("nexus") requirements even after registration.
The registry conducts periodic spot checks and may also investigate complaints submitted by third parties. Registrants must continue to maintain a valid connection to Kyoto Prefecture at all times.
If a domain is found to no longer satisfy the nexus requirements, it may be placed on hold for up to 30 days while the registrant is given an opportunity to correct or update the relevant information. Failure to comply may result in suspension or deletion of the domain.
".kyoto" registrants must continue to satisfy the eligibility ("nexus") requirements throughout the registration period.
If an organization no longer maintains a qualifying connection to Kyoto, the registry may request updated information or documentation. Domains found to no longer satisfy the nexus requirements may be placed on hold and, if the issue is not resolved, may ultimately be suspended or deleted.
Yes — registrants are responsible for keeping their registration and contact information accurate and up to date at all times.
Changes affecting eligibility or nexus information, such as address or organizational status, should be updated through the registrar promptly. Failure to maintain accurate information may affect compliance with the ".kyoto" registration requirements.
Yes — ".kyoto" domains may not be used for illegal, fraudulent, or abusive activities, including phishing, malware distribution, spam, hacking, or other harmful conduct.
The registry actively monitors abuse and reserves the right to suspend, lock, or delete domains that violate its policies in order to maintain a clean and trustworthy domain space.
See the Acceptable Use Policy (PDF).
Certainly, yes — ".kyoto" domains may be used for commercial, organizational, personal, educational, and other lawful purposes, provided that the registrant satisfies the eligibility requirements and complies with the registry's policies.
The acceptable use rules for ".kyoto" domains are described in the official ".kyoto" Domain Name Registration Policies, including provisions regarding prohibited activities such as fraud, phishing, spam, malware distribution, and unlawful or abusive content.
The policies are available from the official registry website: Acceptable Use Policy (PDF).
A ".kyoto" domain may be suspended, locked, or terminated if it is used for illegal, fraudulent, abusive, or policy-violating activities.
Examples include phishing, spam, malware distribution, hacking, deceptive practices, distribution of prohibited content, providing false registration information, or failure to maintain the required connection ("nexus") to Kyoto.
Suspected abuse or misuse involving a ".kyoto" domain may be reported to the registry's abuse contact at abuse@nic.kyoto.
Reports may include activities such as phishing, spam, malware distribution, fraudulent conduct, or other violations of the registry's acceptable use policies.
A suspended domain may temporarily stop resolving or become inaccessible until the issue is resolved. In some cases, the registrant may be given an opportunity to correct the violation or provide updated information.
If a domain is terminated or deleted, the registration is canceled and the domain may eventually become available for registration by another eligible party.
Public institutions, schools, nonprofits, and other organizations may register ".kyoto" domains provided they satisfy the applicable eligibility ("nexus") requirements and comply with the registry's policies.
Certain names associated with public institutions or protected entities may be reserved or subject to additional review by the registry.
Yes — ".kyoto" supports modern domain security standards and is operated with a strong emphasis on safety and trustworthiness.
The registry actively monitors for threats such as phishing, malware, botnets, pharming, and DNS abuse, and may suspend or terminate domains involved in malicious activity.
In addition, ".kyoto" supports internationalized domain names (IDNs) and operates in compliance with recognized technical standards such as IDNA2008.
No special hosting requirements apply specifically to ".kyoto" domains beyond standard Internet and DNS requirements.
Registrants may use their preferred hosting provider and DNS infrastructure, provided that the domain is configured in compliance with applicable technical standards and registry policies.
Yes — ".kyoto" domains can be used for email addresses in the same way as other domain names, provided that appropriate email hosting and DNS records are configured. For example, a registrant may use addresses such as info@example.kyoto or contact@example.kyoto.
Yes — ".kyoto" domains function like other standard domain names and fully support normal website hosting, email hosting, DNS configuration, SSL/TLS certificates, and related Internet services.
No — ".kyoto" domains are standard Internet domain names and are supported by modern browsers, email systems, and search engines in the same way as other generic top-level domains.
Search engine ranking depends primarily on website content, quality, and relevance rather than the choice of TLD itself.
The ".kyoto" top-level domain is operated and governed by The Kyoto College of Graduate Studies for Informatics (KCGI), an educational institution based in Kyoto and the official registry operator for ".kyoto".
The registry is responsible for domain registration policies, eligibility verification, technical operation, abuse prevention, and enforcement of the ".kyoto" rules and standards. The ".kyoto" TLD operates under agreements and oversight frameworks established by the Kyoto Prefectural Government, ICANN, and KCGI.
The Uniform Rapid Suspension System (URS) is applicable to all ".kyoto" registrations for trademark owners who seek a rapid system to take down domain names which infringe on their rights.
All domain name registrations in ".kyoto" are subject to UDRP.
".kyoto" maintains strict eligibility ("nexus") requirements, requiring registrants to demonstrate a genuine connection to Kyoto Prefecture. Applications are individually reviewed, and the registry may conduct ongoing spot checks and investigations after registration.
In addition, the registry actively monitors and enforces policies against phishing, fraud, spam, malware distribution, and other abusive activities, and reserves the right to suspend or terminate domains involved in misconduct.
Through active management and responsible governance, ".kyoto" aims to provide a cleaner and more trustworthy domain space than many unrestricted TLDs.
For issues related to registration, renewal, transfers, billing, or DNS configuration, registrants should first contact their domain registrar.
For matters involving eligibility verification, policy enforcement, abuse, phishing, fraud, or disputes related to ".kyoto" domains, the registry can be contacted through the official ".kyoto" website or via the registry abuse and support contacts.
Official information and contact details are available at the .kyoto official website.
Special programs or promotional initiatives may occasionally be offered through participating registrars or through registry-led initiatives such as the "Founders Program."
In addition, ".kyoto" actively supports Kyoto's local community, startups, cultural organizations, and businesses as part of its mission to strengthen the Kyoto brand and promote a trusted local digital ecosystem.
For current pricing, campaigns, or special programs, applicants should check with accredited registrars.
For questions regarding applications, eligibility, policies, abuse reports, or other matters related to ".kyoto", you may contact the registry through the .kyoto official website.
Yes — the official ".kyoto" website provides information in both Japanese and English, and key policies and registration documents are available in English.
Support availability may vary depending on the registrar, but the registry itself supports international users and applicants.
Official ".kyoto" policies, registration rules, dispute resolution procedures, and technical documents are available on the official ".kyoto" registry website:
These resources include the Domain Name Registration Policies, Acceptable Use Policy, Nexus Enforcement and Dispute Resolution Policy, IDN Policy, and related technical requirements.
