🔥 Hotspots

🥘 Food

Kyoto is the capital of traditional Japanese cuisine, known for its seasonal ingredients and beautiful presentation. Here are some must-tries:

Nishiki Market (錦市場) $ – Known as “Kyoto’s Kitchen,” this market offers local snacks like yuba (tofu skin), mochi, matcha sweets, grilled squid, and more.

Omen Ginkakuji (おめん 銀閣寺本店) $$ – Famous udon restaurant near the Philosopher’s Path, known for handmade noodles and fresh veggie toppings.

Izuju Sushi (いづ重) $$ – Try saba-zushi (cured mackerel sushi), a Kyoto specialty, right near Yasaka Shrine.

Yudofu Sagano (湯どうふ さがの) $$ – A unique Kyoto experience: hot tofu cuisine served in temple-like settings near Arashiyama.

Gion Kinana (祇園きなな) $ – Famous for handmade kinako (roasted soybean flour) ice cream and traditional desserts.

☕ Cafés

% Arabica Kyoto – Higashiyama – Iconic café with minimalist design and excellent espresso, right next to historic temples.

Wife & Husband – A small, charming café where you can rent picnic baskets and enjoy coffee by the Kamo River.

Weekenders Coffee – Hidden specialty coffee shop tucked behind a parking lot in downtown Kyoto.

🍾 Going Out

Kyoto is more peaceful than Tokyo or Osaka, but there are still some great nightlife spots for students:

Kiyamachi Street – The main nightlife hub with izakayas, bars, karaoke, and student-friendly restaurants by the canal.

Pontocho Alley (先斗町) – Narrow alley filled with traditional restaurants and upscale bars — perfect for an atmospheric evening.

ZAZA Pub / Rub a Dub – Popular bars among students and travelers for music, beer, and a casual vibe.

Karaoke Kan / Big Echo – Karaoke is a big part of the culture. Many locations are open until the early morning.

⛩️ Kyoto also shines in its night temples and light-up events, like at Kiyomizu-dera or Kodai-ji in spring and autumn.

⛰ Activities

Kyoto is packed with cultural, natural, and peaceful sites. A slower pace than Tokyo, but deeply immersive:

Fushimi Inari Taisha (伏見稲荷大社) – Famous for its 10,000 red torii gates — best visited early morning or at sunset.

Kinkaku-ji (金閣寺) – The Golden Pavilion, one of Japan’s most iconic sights.

Arashiyama Bamboo Grove – A magical bamboo forest walk, paired with a visit to the Iwatayama monkey park.

Philosopher’s Path – A peaceful walking trail along a canal, lined with cherry trees and small temples.

Gion District – Historic area known for geisha culture, traditional wooden houses, and tea ceremonies.

Kyoto International Manga Museum – A fun indoor visit for manga fans with thousands of titles to browse.

💶 Cost of Living

🏠 Rent

Kyoto is more affordable than Tokyo or Osaka, especially for students:

Guesthouses / Share houses: 300–500 EUR/month — very popular among exchange students.

Private studio (one-room): 500–800 EUR/month depending on district and furnishings.

📱 Platforms: Sakura House, GaijinPot Housing, Leopalace21, Borderless House

🛒 Groceries

Supermarkets: Aeon, Fresco, Co-op, Don Quijote

Konbinis (FamilyMart, 7-Eleven, Lawson) everywhere

Monthly grocery budget: ~150–200 EUR

Buying seasonal vegetables and rice locally is very affordable — fruits and cheese are more expensive.

🚇 Transportation

Kyoto’s subway system is small but well-connected. Buses and bikes are essential:

IC Cards: ICOCA (works just like Suica or Pasmo)

Bus and subway day passes available for tourists and students (around 5–7 EUR/day)

Bike rental is very popular and affordable — many student areas are flat and cycle-friendly.

📱 Apps: Google Maps, NAVITIME Japan, Bus Navi Kyoto

✈️ Airports

Kansai International Airport (KIX) – Main international hub ~75–90 minutes away by train or bus.

Itami Airport (ITM) – Domestic flights; ~1 hour by bus or train.

✈️ Tip: From KIX, use the Haruka Limited Express for a direct and discounted ride to Kyoto with an IC card or JR Pass.