Kyoto, Japan 🇯🇵
Nomad Score:
68%
Essentials
| 🏙️ City | Kyoto is a historic city in Japan known for its classical Buddhist temples, as well as gardens, imperial palaces, Shinto shrines, and traditional wooden houses. |
| 👥 Population | Approximate population is 1.46 million. |
| 💻 Internet Speed | Average internet speed is around 100 Mbps. |
| 💸 Currency & Banking | 1 JPY ≈ 0.007 USD, cash is commonly used, and credit cards are accepted in many places. |
| 🚰 Tap Water | Drinkable and safe to consume. |
| 🔌 Power | 100V, 50Hz, 🔌 Type A/B sockets. |
| 📶 SIM Card | Providers include NTT Docomo, SoftBank, and au. Rental SIM cards available at Kansai International Airport. |
| 💳 Banking for Expats | Major banks include Shinsei Bank and MUFG, with international services available. |
| 🛌 Accommodation | Variety of options including guesthouses, hotels, and traditional ryokans. |
| 💳 Cashless Friendly | Yes, though cash is still preferred at small shops and markets. |
| 🏠 Short Term Rentals | Airbnb and local guesthouses offer short-term rental options. |
| 🛏️ Budget Accommodation | Capsule hotels and hostels like K's House Kyoto offer affordable lodging. |
Working and Networking
| 🏢 Best Coworking Space | The Hatch, located near Kyoto Station, offers great workspace with amenities. |
| ☕ Best Cafe for Work | % Arabica Kyoto is a popular and work-friendly cafe with fast Wi-Fi. |
| 💼 Networking Events | Meetups Kyoto organizes events for locals and expats to connect. |
| 🥂 Social Events for Expats | International Meetup groups in Kyoto offer various community gatherings. |
Transportation
| 🚕 Best Taxi/Ride App | JapanTaxi and Uber are widely used for on-demand transportation. |
| 🚲 Bike/Scooter Rental | Kyoto offers bike rental services from companies like Kyoto Cycling Tour and Rental. |
| 🏖️ Best Beach Nearby | Kuwana Beach, about 2.5 hours away by train. |
| ✈️ Top Regional Airline | ANA (All Nippon Airways) and JAL (Japan Airlines) provide regional flights. |
| ✈️ Top International Airline | Several including ANA, JAL, and Emirates fly into Kansai International Airport. |
| 🛣️ Highway Access | Access to the Meishin and Daini Meishin Expressways. |
| 🚉 Main Train/Transit Hub | Kyoto Station serves as the main transport hub for the city. |
| 🚍 Public Transport Passes | ICOCA card for convenient access on trains and buses. |
| ✈️ Regional Travel | Frequent Shinkansen (bullet trains) and local trains to Osaka, Nara, and Kobe. |
Health and Wellness
| 🏥 Best Hospital | Kyoto National Hospital offers comprehensive healthcare services. |
| 🧘 Yoga & Wellness Centers | Yoga Studio Kyotan and Aerial Yoga Kyoto. |
| 🏋️ Gyms & Fitness Centers | Anytime Fitness and Gold's Gym are popular choices. |
| 🧺 Laundry Services | Local laundromats like Laundry Bar Kyoto provide washing services. |
Food and Drink
| 📱 Best Food Delivery App | UberEats and Demae-Can offer delivery services. |
| 🍽️ Best Local Dish to Try | Kyoto-style Yudofu (tofu hot pot). |
| 🍱 Vegan/Vegetarian Options | Vegan restaurant choices include Osettai and Mikoan. |
| 🍫 Best Dessert Spots | Nishiki Warai for delicious matcha desserts. |
| 🛒 Affordable Shopping Spots | Nishiki Market offers budget-friendly local foods. |
| 🛒 E-commerce/Online Store | Local online marketplaces include Rakuten and Yahoo! Shopping. |
| 🛒 Grocery Delivery | PEAKS and AEON offer grocery delivery services. |
| 🍸 Bar/Nightlife Area | Gion district is popular for nightlife and bars. |
| 🍻 Local Brewery | Kyoto Brewing Co. offers local craft beers. |
| 🍷 Wine Bars | Wine bar Mizuho offers a selection of international wines. |
| 🍲 Street Food Stalls | Takoyaki and Yakitori stalls are popular at Nishiki Market. |
| 🍕 Popular International Cuisine | Italian and Thai restaurants are available across the city. |
Culture and Attractions
| 🎟️ Must-See Landmarks | Kinkaku-ji (Golden Pavilion) and Fushimi Inari Taisha Shrine are essential to visit. |
| 🏛️ Museums & Art Venues | Kyoto National Museum showcases historical artifacts. |
| 🏰 Historical Sites | Nijo Castle and Arashiyama Bamboo Grove are rich in history. |
| 🕍 Religious Sites | Kiyomizu-dera is a famous Buddhist temple with stunning city views. |
| 🎉 Annual Events | The Aoi Matsuri Festival takes place every May. |
| 🎨 Cultural Districts | Gion district known for its traditional wooden machiya houses. |
| 🎭 Theater Venues | Minami-za Theatre offers performances of traditional Kabuki. |
| 🛍️ Local Markets | Nishiki Market is a vibrant food market. |
| 🎼 Music Scene | Live music venues like Metro host local bands and events. |
| 🎨 Street Art | Kyoto's urban landscapes display various artistic murals. |
| 🧑🍳 Cooking Classes | Kansai Cooking Class offers traditional Japanese cooking experiences. |
| 👩🎨 Art Galleries | The National Museum of Modern Art showcases contemporary works. |
| 🕰️ Historic Buildings | Kyoto Tower reflects the modern side of this historic city. |
| 🏴 Local Heritage | Kyoto’s Gion Matsuri is a symbol of the city’s rich cultural heritage. |
Nature and Outdoor Activities
| 🌅 Nearby Nature Escapes | Arashiyama National Park offers beautiful nature walks and the famous bamboo grove. |
| 🏞️ National Parks Nearby | Kozanji National Park is accessible within a short trip. |
| 🚲 Cycling/Walking Paths | The Kamo River path provides scenic routes for cyclists and walkers. |
| 🌄 Scenic Viewpoints | Observatory at Kiyomizu-dera provides stunning views over the city. |
| 🦉 Birdwatching Locations | Kyoto's many rivers host a variety of bird species, particularly by the Kamo River. |
| 🔥 Bonfire-Friendly Spots | Designated areas in the Kurama region are perfect for outdoor bonfires. |
Other Services and Amenities
| 📦 Parcel Delivery Service | Yu-Pack and Kuroneko Yamato offer reliable delivery services. |
| 🛠️ Tech Repair Services | Apple Kyoto and local repair shops in the Shinkyogoku shopping area. |
| 🏓 Table Tennis Spots | Community centers often have table tennis tables available. |
| 🧑🏫 Language Classes | The Kyoto International Community House offers various language classes. |
| 📚 Libraries & Study Spots | Kyoto Prefectural Library is a great place to study. |
| 🏘️ Community Centers | The Kyoto International Community House organizes various activities. |
| 🕹️ Gaming Lounges | Loan places like GameSpot Viridian cater to gamers. |
| 🎰 Casino & Gaming Halls | Gaming halls are limited due to local laws, but Pachinko parlors are popular. |
Business
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. ¥500,000 per m² (e.g., 25 m² = ¥12,500,000) |
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. ¥300,000 per m² (e.g., 25 m² = ¥7,500,000) |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. ¥600,000 per m² (e.g., 40 m² = ¥24,000,000) |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. ¥400,000 per m² (e.g., 40 m² = ¥16,000,000) |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. ¥700,000 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = ¥42,000,000) |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. ¥500,000 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = ¥30,000,000) |
| 💼 Corporate Tax | 23.2% for corporations. |
| 💵 Dividend Withholding Tax | 20.315% applies to dividends. |
| 🏦 Tax System | Japanese residents are taxed on global income. |
| 📈 Highest Income Tax Bracket | Maximum personal income tax rate is 45%. |
| 🧾 VAT | The standard consumption tax rate is 10%. |
| 🌐 Controlled Foreign Company (CFC) Rules | Yes, strict rules exist for CFCs. |
| 🏠 Property Tax | Property tax is levied on land and buildings. |
| 🏠 Property Transaction Tax | Approx. 3% to 7% depending on the property type. |