Known as the center of traditional Japanese culture, Kyoto is a place where you can find historical heritages and traditional cultural practices such as temples shrines, kimono dressings, and tea ceremony. With a combination of both ancient and modern city structure, Kyoto has become a popular place for not only tourists but also foreigner expats. However, visiting and living in Kyoto is a very different experience. Today, we are going to take a deeper exploration of living in Kyoto.
Amazing historical sites
In order to know about the whole face of Kyoko, it is important to learn a bit of its history. Throwing back to the Endo era, Kyoto had become the former imperial capital since 794. Several of well-known temples, Zen temples and shrines had been built throughout the time, until Meiji government moved away from Kyoto and settled in Tokyo in 1868.
Today, Kyoto has become one of “ the world’s greatest cities to visit,” and its famous for, Kiyomizu temple, Shiminnari (Inari) Shrine where are ranked the highest tourists rate. Visitors can rent kimonos and take pictures around this area while enjoying the ancient atmosphere along the deigned route. Rental Kimono and traditional dessert business have dramatically increased to respond the demand.
Kyoto government has continuously been putting a lot of effort in the Tourism industry, whereas, people may not notice that the Manufacturing industry also plays an important role in Kyoto prefecture. Well-known companies like Omron Corporation, Kyocera Corporation, Shimadzu Corporation, Nidec CORPORATION, Nintendo Co., Ltd are located here; Companies like Aiful, Nissan Holdings, Sagawa Express, Wacoal have headquartered in Kyoto.
One of the main reasons is that there are many educational institutions located in Kyoto such as, Kyoto University, which is ranked the second among universities in Japan, following after University of Tokyo. With a total number of 38 public, National, and private universities, that make Kyoto not only the traditional cultural center but also the educational center of Japan.
Modern areas in Kyoto
Rich with historical heritages and ancient style streets in the city, the modern constructions in Kyoto have also drawn people’s attention. With the most modern shopping malls, high-end brand’s stores, and shopping districts, the intersection of Shijo Street and Kawaramachi is one of the most popular spots for shopping. Both locals and tourists visit this area to get the latest fashion items here. There are two well-known department stores, which are Takashimaya, and Marui (with all the junior women brands and clothing stores). Besides department stores, Kyoto has many individual creative shops where you can find some special items, gifts, and souvenirs.
Speaking of the Northern part of Kyoto, Kitayama is the place where is ranked the top of “ the best living area in Kyoto” lined with nice restaurants, bakery and sweets shops, and luxury brand stores. The Kyoto Botanical
Karasuma Oike is another commercial and shopping is that rank as one of the best areas to live is Kyoto is probably because of the convenient location. Sanjogai Shotengai (shopping Arcade) is a lively shopping area that has around 180 shops along the street, where people can get everything they need for their daily lives there. Karasuma line (which runs north-south) and Tozai line (which runs east-west) are available that eventually makes Karasuma Oike a popular living area.
Overall, Living in Kyoto gives you an experience of both ancient and modern atmosphere. The city is full of traditional Japanese cultural atmosphere while enjoying the benefit of modern infrastructures.
Transportation
As a large tourist attraction, Kyoto’s transportation system is well organized and it’s easy to access.
Subway:
There are two subway lines in Kyoto: Karasuma line (north-south) and the Tozai line (East-west) that operated 5:30- 23:30.
Trains:
There are several trains that connect Kyoto and other cities. Hankyu line, Keihan line, and JR line connect Kyoto and Osaka. JR is also connected to Nara. Randen (Keifuku) Line is running to the north-western of Kyoto and the Ezan line is running around the northern edges of Kyoto
Buses:
Bus fare is 230 yen in the designed central area in Kyoto. Enter at the back door and pay in the front. Clear schedule and easy to success.
Surrounding areas
Kyoto is an amazing city that full of historical and traditional atmosphere, however, the cities around Kyoto are also worth visiting such as, Osaka, Kobe, and Nara. Within an hour from Kyoto, Osaka, the city that has the second largest population in Japan will bring you back to the modern atmosphere.
Osaka is the representative of commerce center in Kansai area. (the West part of Japan includes Kyoto, Kobe, Nara…etc.) Many companies and institutions have headquartered here. Known as the second largest population among all the cities in Japan, Osaka is only an hour away from Kyoto. There are fewer historical sites comparing to Kyoto, however, the tourist's number is not lower here. Then you may start wondering that what attracts a large number of tourists? Firstly, the Universal Studio!!! With the variety of amazing cartoons and movie charters theme, the visitors are approximately 8 million every year (include the local visitors). Besides enjoying your time in the exciting amusement park.
Food in Osaka cannot be neglected, Takoyaki (fried octopus flour balls), Okonomiyaki (cabbage pancakes that come with the different style). Blissed with the geographical location, Kuromon market (黒門市場) provides the freshest seafood and other food ingredients. Both locals and tourist like to visit there to enjoy the amazing food. Therefore, Kuromon market has received the title “ Osaka’s Kitchen”. In addition, Osaka may be one of your best options if you want to experience the city atmosphere in Kansai area.
Nara, people may find the atmosphere really familiar to Kyoto regarding the temples and shrines whereas, one of the famous tourist spots that draw people’s attention is The Nara Park. The Nara Park is also known as the “deer park” where people can feed the deer with Senbei (Japanese cookies). People can relax and enjoy the nature while coming into contact with animals.
The other signature activity in Kobe is “ Arima Onsen” (Arima hot spring) and “ Kinosaki Onsen”. Arima Onsen is one of the largest onsens among the top three onsen places in Japan. The signature food in Kobe is the Kobe beef. The soft texture and the high quality have made it really famous.
In addition, Kyoto is definitely one of a great place to live in Japan. Investing in the real estate is a smart option too if you travel to Japan regularly or if you are looking for a resident.
Here at SEKAI PROPERTY, we offer many properties for sale in Kyoto, so make sure to check them out by clicking the blue link below.
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