Google Sites is available as part of the Google Workspace services provided by the Institute for Information Management and Communication (IIMC) for Kyoto University faculty and staff using their University Google accounts (*@kyoto-u.ac.jp).

This article introduces Google Sites and explains how to use the Custom URL feature to give your website a more official and recognizable web address.

What Is Google Sites?

Google Sites is an easy-to-use website creation tool that allows you to build and publish websites without any programming knowledge.

It can be used for a variety of purposes, such as creating departmental information portals, project websites, or shared resources for collaborative work.

Depending on your needs, you can choose from the following three visibility settings for your site.^1,2

• Restricted – Only users you explicitly share the site with can view it.
• Kyoto University – Accessible only to faculty and staff with an SPS-ID.
• Public – Accessible to anyone on the Internet.

¹ Beginning in April 2026, an additional visibility option for students will also become available.

² In addition to visibility settings, Google Sites allows you to control who can edit your site. Incorrect sharing or editing permissions may unintentionally expose sensitive information. Before publishing a site, please ensure that both the visibility and editing permissions are configured appropriately for your content.

Enhance Your Site with a Custom URL

By default, websites created with Google Sites use a URL in the following format:

https://sites.google.com/kyoto-u.ac.jp/your-site-name

Since January 2025, it has been possible to assign a Custom URL to Google Sites. A custom URL provides a shorter, more recognizable web address and can help improve the visibility and official appearance of your website.

• Custom URL Requirements

  Custom URLs must use either a subdomain or a second-level subdomain of kyoto-u.ac.jp.

  Examples:
  - example.kyoto-u.ac.jp
  - example1.example2.kyoto-u.ac.jp

• Prerequisite

  To use a Custom URL, your Google Site must be published with its visibility set to "Public."

• How to Apply

  If you would like to assign a Custom URL to your Google Site, please submit a request through the following workflow.

  [Google Sites Custom URL Request]
  https://ku1.cybozu.com/g/workflow/send.csp?cid=701

Learn More

More detailed instructions are available in the Kyoto University Google Workspace Manual for Faculty and Staff.

[Kyoto University Google Workspace Manual for Faculty and Staff]
https://docs.google.com/document/d/1l-Yp7oIR92VsSOyqM686B07FpULRb2RN_xVnu4WnDMI/

[Chatbot]
https://notebooklm.google.com/notebook/22a347e6-a761-44bd-97ca-284bf0a03a32

We encourage you to make use of these resources and take advantage of Google Sites to create and share information more effectively.