The Fourth Kyoto Tourist and Culture Certification Test

Kyoto Kentei or the "Kyoto Tourist and Culture Certification Test" was held for the fourth time on December 9 last year. I took part as a newbie in the Third Level test. Last week the results came out - I passed! I did not have much time for studying, but was certainly helped by my frequent blogging about Kyoto!

The test was introduced in 2004 by the Kyoto Chamber of Commerce and Industry in order to certify knowledge about Kyoto's history and culture, and so generate more interest in the old capital.

That has proved a shrewd move. This test has become extremely popular among Kyoto residents as well as history buffs around the country.

As regards the Third Level test of last year, 3,888 persons participated in it. 1,508 people, or 38.8% succeeded. There were 100 multiple choice questions, good for 1 point each - 70 points were the minimum needed to pass.

This year I want to challenge the Second Level, but as that is considerably more difficult than the Third Level, I will have to do some serious study...

The Kyoto Shimbun has the questions and answers of all Kyoto Kentei tests online (Japanese)