Living in Kyoto, Japan. Neighborhoods, coworking, and what to expect.
Welcome to our comprehensive digital nomad guide to Kyoto, Japan, with monthly cost of living around $1,318 and average internet speeds of 150 Mbps. Whether you're planning a short stay or considering Kyoto as your next long-term base, this guide covers everything remote workers need to know.
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.
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:
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:
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.
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:
Some popular cafes with good internet and a comfortable atmosphere include:
Kyoto has a growing digital nomad community, with a range of meetups, events, and networking opportunities. Some popular groups and events include:
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.
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:
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.
Here are some practical tips for digital nomads living and working in Kyoto:
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