Kyoto, Japan 🇯🇵
Nomad Score:
68%
💰 Cost & Affordability
💸 Cost of Living
62%
Weight: 150
Moderate cost of living compared to other major Japanese cities, but can be high for certain expat lifestyles.
🏠 Accommodation Cost
54%
Weight: 80
Rent prices are reasonable for shared accommodations, but can be steep for private apartments in central areas.
🍎 Food & Groceries
71%
Weight: 40
Diverse food options available at various price points, with affordable local markets.
🚌 Transportation Cost
80%
Weight: 20
Public transportation is efficient and reasonably priced, with discounts for longer-term passes.
🎟️ Entertainment Cost
65%
Weight: 15
Entertainment options are plentiful, but costs can add up for frequent outings.
🏋️ Gym Membership Cost
58%
Weight: 10
Gym memberships are available at various price points, but higher-end gyms can be pricey.
💱 Currency Stability
85%
Weight: 30
The Japanese Yen is stable, making it a reliable currency for long-term stays.
💻 Digital Nomad Essentials
🚀 Internet Speed
90%
Weight: 100
Excellent internet speed with widespread fiber-optic coverage.
👥 Coworking Spaces Availability
73%
Weight: 40
A growing number of coworking spaces catering to digital nomads, especially in urban areas.
☕ Cafes with WiFi
84%
Weight: 30
Many cafes offer free WiFi, making it easy to work remotely.
💻☕ Digital Nomad Friendly Cafes
78%
Weight: 30
Several cafes are popular among digital nomads, providing a conducive work environment.
🌟 Digital Nomad Popularity
55%
Weight: 100
Kyoto is less popular than Tokyo for digital nomads, but still has a small community.
🌟 Quality of Life
⚖️ Work-Life Balance
70%
Weight: 30
A good balance with a culture that values leisure and family time.
🌳 Environmental Quality
82%
Weight: 15
Kyoto is known for its beautiful natural surroundings and efforts in sustainability.
🧼 Cleanliness
90%
Weight: 10
The city is very clean, with a strong emphasis on public cleanliness.
🗨️ Language Barrier
45%
Weight: 30
Limited English proficiency can pose challenges for non-Japanese speakers.
💨 Air Quality
80%
Weight: 15
Generally good air quality, though urban areas can experience pollution.
🏥 Healthcare
🏥 Healthcare Quality
90%
Weight: 20
High-quality healthcare services available, with modern facilities.
💉 Healthcare Affordability
75%
Weight: 25
Healthcare is affordable due to the national insurance system, but costs can vary.
🌿 Climate & Environment
☀️ Weather
68%
Weight: 80
Mild climate with four distinct seasons, though summers can be hot and humid.
🌪️ Natural Disaster Risk
60%
Weight: 10
Moderate risk of earthquakes and typhoons, but infrastructure is generally resilient.
🏞️ Green Spaces
85%
Weight: 10
Numerous parks and gardens, providing ample green spaces for relaxation.
❄️ Air Conditioning
70%
Weight: 15
Common in urban areas, but not universally available in all accommodations.
🍂 Seasonal Variety
80%
Weight: 10
Distinct seasons with beautiful autumn leaves and cherry blossoms in spring.
🎭 Culture & Entertainment
🎭 Culture
95%
Weight: 20
Rich cultural heritage with temples, festivals, and traditional arts.
🌃 Nightlife
60%
Weight: 15
Nightlife is quieter compared to larger cities, with a focus on bars and izakayas.
🏞️ Outdoors & Nature
87%
Weight: 15
Proximity to mountains and nature trails makes it great for outdoor activities.
🗣️ Language Learning Opportunities
65%
Weight: 10
Language schools are available, but options may be limited compared to larger cities.
🧭 Local Experiences & Tours
88%
Weight: 10
Rich in historical sites and guided tours, offering immersive local experiences.
🎳 Indoors Fun
62%
Weight: 10
Limited indoor entertainment options compared to larger cities.
🍎 Food & Fitness
🍽️ Food Scene
84%
Weight: 25
Diverse food offerings, from traditional kaiseki to modern cafes.
🧠 Yoga Studios
65%
Weight: 10
Several yoga studios available, but not as many as in larger cities.
🏋️ Fitness Facilities
70%
Weight: 15
Good variety of fitness facilities, though some may be expensive.
🥗 Healthy Food Options
75%
Weight: 15
Increasing availability of healthy food options, including vegetarian and vegan.
💼 Work Environment
🕰️ Time Zone Favorability
50%
Weight: 20
Japan's time zone can be challenging for communication with Western countries.
🤝 Networking Opportunities
55%
Weight: 25
Limited networking events compared to larger cities, but some opportunities exist.
💻 Remote Job Opportunities
40%
Weight: 20
Fewer remote job opportunities compared to larger cities like Tokyo.
🆓 Freelance Ecosystem
45%
Weight: 20
A developing freelance ecosystem, but still limited compared to larger urban centers.
🏢 Coworking Quality
70%
Weight: 30
Coworking spaces are generally well-equipped and comfortable.
📈 Business & Economy
🚀 Startup Scene
50%
Weight: 15
A nascent startup scene, with more activity in nearby Osaka.
💳 Local Payment Services
65%
Weight: 10
Cash is still widely used, but digital payment options are increasing.
🔗 Blockchain & Crypto Adoption
40%
Weight: 15
Limited adoption of blockchain and crypto compared to larger cities.
🚆 Transportation
✈️ Airport Connectivity
75%
Weight: 30
Good connectivity via Kansai International Airport, though not as many direct flights.
🚇 Public Transit
85%
Weight: 20
Excellent public transit system with trains and buses covering the city well.
🚶 Walkability
78%
Weight: 20
Many areas are pedestrian-friendly, especially in the city center.
🚗 Ride-sharing Services
50%
Weight: 15
Limited ride-sharing options compared to larger cities.
🚲 Cycling
65%
Weight: 10
Cycling is possible, but infrastructure is not as developed as in other cities.
🚄 Intercity Travel Options
80%
Weight: 15
Excellent train connections to other cities, including Tokyo and Osaka.
🛵 Scooter/Bike Rental Availability
60%
Weight: 10
Rental options exist, but not as widespread as in larger cities.
📡 Connectivity
📱 Mobile Network Coverage
90%
Weight: 20
Excellent mobile network coverage throughout the city.
🔒 VPN Reliability
85%
Weight: 20
Reliable VPN services available, with good internet infrastructure.
⚡ Power Grid Reliability
90%
Weight: 15
Highly reliable power grid with minimal outages.
📶 Public WiFi Availability
65%
Weight: 10
Public WiFi is available in some areas, but not widespread.
⚖️ Legal & Administrative
🛂 Visa Ease
50%
Weight: 40
Visa processes can be complex and lengthy for foreigners.
📊 Tax Friendliness
45%
Weight: 30
Tax rates can be high, impacting overall affordability.
🗣️ Freedom of Speech
60%
Weight: 15
Moderate freedom of speech, but some restrictions exist.
🏛️ Political Stability
80%
Weight: 20
Japan is politically stable, contributing to a safe living environment.
🏦 Ease of Opening Bank Account
55%
Weight: 15
Opening a bank account can be bureaucratic and requires documentation.
📄 Ease of Business Registration
50%
Weight: 10
Business registration can be complex and time-consuming.
📄✈️ Digital Nomad Visa Availability
30%
Weight: 35
No specific digital nomad visa, making it challenging for long-term stays.
🌍 Digital Nomad Community
🌍 Nomad Friendly
60%
Weight: 50
Some amenities for nomads, but not as developed as in larger cities.
🤝 Nomad Events & Meetups
45%
Weight: 25
Limited events and meetups for digital nomads compared to larger urban centers.
🌐👥 Online Community Presence
50%
Weight: 20
Some online communities exist, but not as active as in larger cities.
🛡️ Safety & Tolerance
🛡️ Safety
95%
Weight: 100
Extremely safe city with low crime rates.
♀️ Female Friendly
80%
Weight: 50
Generally safe and welcoming for women, with a respectful culture.
✊ Racial Tolerance
60%
Weight: 50
Japan is relatively homogenous, and while generally tolerant, some foreigners may experience cultural barriers.