Essentials
| 🏙️ City | Kyoto is a historic city known for its classical Buddhist temples, as well as gardens, imperial palaces, Shinto shrines, and traditional wooden houses. |
| 👥 Population | approximately 1.46 million |
| 💻 Internet Speed | average download speed is around 90 Mbps |
| 💸 Currency & Banking | 1 JPY ≈ 0.007 USD, major cards accepted |
| 🚰 Tap Water | Drinkable and safe |
| 🔌 Power | 100V, 50/60Hz, 🔌 Type A/B sockets |
| 📶 SIM Card | Local providers include SoftBank, NTT Docomo, and AU |
| 💳 Banking for Expats | Major banks: Shinsei Bank, Seven Bank, and Japan Post Bank |
| 🛌 Accommodation | Options include Airbnb, Guesthouses, and traditional Ryokans |
| 💳 Cashless Friendly | Yes, cards accepted widely but cash is still common |
| 🏠 Short Term Rentals | Airbnb and local rental sites like Minpaku |
| 🛏️ Budget Accommodation | Hostel K's House Kyoto, prices starting around ¥3,000 per night |
| 🏙️ Best Area to Stay for Tourists | Gion and Higashiyama districts are popular for their historical charm |
| 🏙️ Best Area to Stay for Digital Nomads | Central Kyoto offers many coworking spaces and cafes ideal for work |
Working and Networking
| 🏢 Best Coworking Space | The Hive Kyoto located in central Kyoto, with memberships starting at ¥5,000/month |
| ☕ Best Cafe for Work | Weekenders Coffee, known for its fast Wi-Fi and quiet atmosphere |
| 💼 Networking Events | Kyoto International Community House hosts regular expatriate meetups |
| 🥂 Social Events for Expats | Kyoto Expat Community Facebook Group has frequent gatherings |
Transportation
| 🚕 Best Taxi/Ride App | JapanTaxi and Uber operate in the city |
| 🚲 Bike/Scooter Rental | Kyoto Bike Share offers convenient rentals across the city |
| 🏖️ Best Beach Nearby | The nearest beach is about 2 hours away at Maiko Beach |
| ✈️ Top Regional Airline | ANA and Japan Airlines are major carriers |
| ✈️ Top International Airline | All Nippon Airways and United Airlines operate international flights |
| 🛣️ Highway Access | Accessible via the Meishin Expressway |
| 🚉 Main Train/Transit Hub | Kyoto Station is the primary transport hub |
| 🚍 Public Transport Passes | IC cards like Suica and ICOCA can be used on trains and buses |
| ✈️ Regional Travel | Train services (JR West) connect to nearby cities such as Osaka and Nara |
Health and Wellness
| 🏥 Best Hospital | Kyoto University Hospital offers comprehensive medical services |
| 🧘 Yoga & Wellness Centers | Yoga Loft Kyoto provides various classes |
| 🏋️ Gyms & Fitness Centers | Tipness and Anytime Fitness are popular with expats |
| 🧺 Laundry Services | Coin laundry facilities are widely available like Laundromat 24 |
Food and Drink
| 📱 Best Food Delivery App | Uber Eats and Demae-can are popular for food delivery |
| 🍽️ Best Local Dish to Try | Kaiseki Ryori, a traditional multi-course Japanese dinner |
| 🍱 Vegan/Vegetarian Options | Miyama Café and Aju offer great plant-based meals |
| 🍫 Best Dessert Spots | Tsujiri, famous for its matcha desserts |
| 🛒 Affordable Shopping Spots | Nishiki Market offers a variety of local food and goods |
| 🛒 E-commerce/Online Store | Rakuten and Amazon Japan provide extensive online shopping options |
| 🛒 Grocery Delivery | Seiyu and Aeon offer grocery delivery services |
| 🍸 Bar/Nightlife Area | Pontocho Alley is known for its vibrant nightlife |
| 🍻 Local Brewery | Kyoto Brewing Company offers a range of craft beers |
| 🍷 Wine Bars | Wine Bar Aida features a selection of local and international wines |
| 🍲 Street Food Stalls | Gion Corner has various street food vendors |
| 🍕 Popular International Cuisine | Café Alps offers delicious European cuisine |
Culture and Attractions
| 🎟️ Must-See Landmarks | Kinkaku-ji (Golden Pavilion) and Fushimi Inari Taisha Shrine are must-visits |
| 🏛️ Museums & Art Venues | Kyoto National Museum and The National Manga Museum are notable |
| 🏰 Historical Sites | Nijo Castle and Ryoan-ji are examples of historical significance |
| 🕍 Religious Sites | Kiyomizu-dera and Ginkaku-ji are famous temples |
| 🎉 Annual Events | Gion Matsuri, held every July, is a major festival |
| 🎨 Cultural Districts | Gion district is rich in traditional culture |
| 🎭 Theater Venues | Minami-za Theatre for Kabuki performances |
| 🛍️ Local Markets | Nishiki Market is a vibrant place for local goods |
| 🎼 Music Scene | Live music venues can be found in Central Kyoto |
| 🎨 Street Art | Urban art is gaining popularity in various Kyoto districts |
| 🧑🍳 Cooking Classes | Cooking Sun in Kyoto offers hands-on cooking classes |
| 👩🎨 Art Galleries | Kyoto Art Center showcases local artists |
| 🕰️ Historic Buildings | Sanjusangendo Temple is an architectural marvel |
| 🏴 Local Heritage | Kyoto is famous for its many traditional arts and crafts |
Nature and Outdoor Activities
| 🌅 Nearby Nature Escapes | Arashiyama Bamboo Grove offers stunning nature trails |
| 🏞️ National Parks Nearby | Kyoto is near the scenic Kurama and Kibune area |
| 🚲 Cycling/Walking Paths | Philosopher's Path is a picturesque walking trail |
| 🌄 Scenic Viewpoints | Kiyomizu-dera offers panoramic views of the city |
| 🦉 Birdwatching Locations | Kyoto Imperial Palace Park is popular for birdwatching |
| 🔥 Bonfire-Friendly Spots | Designated spots in the outskirts, more strictly regulated |
Other Services and Amenities
| 📦 Parcel Delivery Service | Japan Post and Yamato Transport offer reliable delivery |
| 🛠️ Tech Repair Services | Many local stores provide repair services, like Yamada Denki |
| 🏓 Table Tennis Spots | Public parks and community centers often have tables |
| 🧑🏫 Language Classes | Kyoto Language School offers Japanese language courses for foreigners |
| 📚 Libraries & Study Spots | Kyoto Prefectural Library is a quiet place for study |
| 🏘️ Community Centers | Kyoto International Community House hosts various events |
| 🕹️ Gaming Lounges | Gamers' Café in Kyoto offers a variety of games and setups |
| 🎰 Casino & Gaming Halls | No dedicated casinos, but pachinko parlors are common in the city |
Business
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. ¥700,000 per m² (e.g., 40 m² = ¥28,000,000) |
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. ¥500,000 per m² (e.g., 40 m² = ¥20,000,000) |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. ¥800,000 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = ¥48,000,000) |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. ¥600,000 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = ¥36,000,000) |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. ¥900,000 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = ¥72,000,000) |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. ¥700,000 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = ¥56,000,000) |
| 💼 Corporate Tax | 23.2% |
| 💵 Dividend Withholding Tax | 15% for resident shareholders |
| 🏦 Tax System | Progressive income tax based on worldwide income |
| 📈 Highest Income Tax Bracket | 45% |
| 🧾 VAT | 10% |
| 🌐 Controlled Foreign Company (CFC) Rules | Yes, applicable regulations exist |
| 🏠 Property Tax | Based on the assessed value of the property |
| 🏠 Property Transaction Tax | 3% for residential property purchases |
| 💻 Attractive Tax System for Digital Nomads | Substantial deductions available for business expenses |