Kyoto digital nomad guide: cost, vibe & internet

🌍 Overview

As a seasoned digital nomad, I’ve had the privilege of calling Kyoto, Japan, my home for several months. This enchanting city has a way of captivating your heart with its unique blend of traditional and modern culture. With a Nomad Score of 86/100, Kyoto is an attractive destination for remote workers, offering a high level of safety, rich cultural experiences, and a thriving food scene. As a Kyoto digital nomad, you’ll find yourself immersed in a city that seamlessly blends ancient temples, gardens, and traditions with modern amenities, coworking spaces, and a vibrant nightlife.

I’ve fallen in love with Kyoto’s distinctive vibe, which is both serene and energetic at the same time. The city’s historic Gion district, with its traditional Japanese architecture and geisha culture, is a must-visit for any digital nomad. The city’s many temples, shrines, and gardens, such as the famous Fushimi Inari Shrine and Arashiyama Bamboo Grove, offer a tranquil escape from the hustle and bustle of city life. With a population of 1,463,723, Kyoto is a city that’s large enough to offer a wide range of amenities and activities, yet small enough to feel intimate and welcoming.

🏘️ Best Neighborhoods for Digital Nomads

When it comes to choosing a neighborhood to live and work in Kyoto, there are several areas that stand out as particularly suitable for digital nomads. Here are three of my favorites:

1. Gion: This historic district is famous for its traditional Japanese architecture, geisha culture, and traditional tea houses. While it can be a bit pricey, Gion offers a unique and unforgettable living experience. Rent for a one-bedroom apartment in Gion can range from ¥250,000 to ¥400,000 (approximately $2,300-$3,700 USD) per month.
2. Kiyamachi: Located just north of Gion, Kiyamachi is a charming neighborhood that offers a more laid-back atmosphere and a wider range of accommodation options. The area is home to many small cafes, restaurants, and shops, and is within walking distance to several major temples and shrines. Rent for a one-bedroom apartment in Kiyamachi can range from ¥180,000 to ¥300,000 (approximately $1,600-$2,700 USD) per month.
3. Nishijin: This up-and-coming neighborhood is located just west of the city center and offers a more modern and trendy vibe. Nishijin is home to many young professionals, startups, and coworking spaces, making it an ideal spot for digital nomads who want to be part of a thriving community. Rent for a one-bedroom apartment in Nishijin can range from ¥150,000 to ¥250,000 (approximately $1,300-$2,300 USD) per month.

Cost of Living Breakdown

The cost of living in Kyoto can vary depending on your lifestyle and accommodation choices. Here’s a breakdown of typical expenses for a digital nomad in Kyoto:

• Rent: ¥180,000 to ¥400,000 (approximately $1,600-$3,700 USD) per month for a one-bedroom apartment
• Food: ¥500 to ¥1,000 (approximately $4-$9 USD) per meal for a mid-range restaurant, ¥200 to ¥500 (approximately $2-$4 USD) per meal for a convenience store or street food
• Transportation: ¥200 to ¥400 (approximately $2-$4 USD) per ride for a taxi, ¥220 (approximately $2 USD) per day for a public transportation pass
• Coworking: ¥2,000 to ¥5,000 (approximately $18-$45 USD) per day for a coworking space, ¥10,000 to ¥20,000 (approximately $90-$180 USD) per month for a membership

Overall, the cost of living in Kyoto can range from ¥250,000 to ¥500,000 (approximately $2,300-$4,500 USD) per month, depending on your lifestyle and accommodation choices. As a Kyoto digital nomad, you’ll find that the city offers a high quality of life, with access to modern amenities, cultural experiences, and a thriving food scene.

Internet & Coworking

Kyoto has a well-developed internet infrastructure, with average speeds of 47 Mbps. As a digital nomad, you’ll find that the city has a wide range of coworking spaces and cafes with reliable internet and comfortable working environments. Some popular coworking spaces in Kyoto include:

• Impact Hub Kyoto: a modern coworking space with high-speed internet, meeting rooms, and a community of like-minded professionals
• Coworking Kyoto: a shared office space with desk rentals, meeting rooms, and a relaxed atmosphere
• Nest Kyoto: a coworking space with a focus on community and collaboration, offering events, workshops, and networking opportunities

Some popular cafes with good internet and a comfortable atmosphere include:

• % Arabica: a specialty coffee shop with high-quality coffee and a relaxed atmosphere
• Kissa Zouen: a traditional Japanese cafe with a cozy atmosphere and a wide range of tea and coffee options
• Verve Coffee Roasters: a modern coffee shop with a wide range of specialty coffee drinks and a comfortable working environment

Digital Nomad Community

Kyoto has a growing digital nomad community, with a range of meetups, events, and networking opportunities. Some popular groups and events include:

• Kyoto Digital Nomads: a Facebook group for digital nomads living and working in Kyoto, with regular meetups and events
• Kyoto Startup Community: a community of entrepreneurs and startups, with regular events and networking opportunities
• Kyoto Expats: a group for expats living in Kyoto, with regular meetups and events

As a Kyoto digital nomad, you’ll find that the city offers a unique and welcoming community, with a wide range of cultural experiences and activities to explore.

Culture & Lifestyle

Kyoto is a city that’s deeply rooted in tradition and culture. As a digital nomad, you’ll find that the city offers a wide range of cultural experiences, from traditional tea ceremonies to modern art exhibitions. The city’s food scene is also legendary, with a wide range of delicious and unique dishes to try, from sushi and ramen to kaiseki and shojin-ryori.

When it comes to dating and relationships, Kyoto is a city that values tradition and respect. As a digital nomad, you’ll find that the city offers a range of opportunities to meet new people, from language exchange events to social gatherings and meetups.

The nightlife in Kyoto is also vibrant and exciting, with a range of bars, clubs, and live music venues to explore. Some popular areas for nightlife include:

• Gion: a historic district with a range of traditional bars and restaurants
• Kiyamachi: a charming neighborhood with a range of small bars and clubs
• Nishijin: a trendy neighborhood with a range of modern bars and live music venues

Visa Information

As a digital nomad, you’ll need to obtain a visa to live and work in Japan. The most common type of visa for digital nomads is the Tourist Visa, which allows you to stay in the country for up to 90 days. However, if you plan to stay in Japan for an extended period, you may need to apply for a Work Visa or a Special Activities Visa.

Japan also offers a range of visa options for digital nomads, including the Startup Visa and the Innovation Visa. These visas are designed to support entrepreneurs and startups, and offer a range of benefits, including access to funding, mentorship, and networking opportunities.

💡 Practical Tips

Here are some practical tips for digital nomads living and working in Kyoto:

• SIM cards: you can purchase a SIM card at most convenience stores or electronics shops, with prices starting from ¥2,000 (approximately $18 USD) per month
• Transportation: the city has a well-developed public transportation system, with buses and trains connecting most areas of the city
• Safety: Kyoto is a very safe city, with low crime rates and a strong sense of community
• Weather: Kyoto has a humid subtropical climate, with hot summers and mild winters. The best time to visit is in the spring (March to May) or autumn (September to November)