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I'm moving to Kyoto next month, I don't know anyone there, and it would be useful to have IRL connections to help with the lay of the land. My Mormon colleague (I'm in Utah!) jokingly suggested I join the church, because that would totally provide those types of connections, and he's not wrong: something like that - without the religion angle - would be ideal. What other IRL groups could I consider joining to create connections in Kyoto?
posted by my log does not judge around Kyoto, Japan at 11:00 AM - 10 answers

This is a bit of a Hail Mary: I'm enrolled in a Japanese language course in Kyoto starting in July, I was intending to hand in my notice at work and for my apartment tomorrow, and last night I learned that the apartment agencies affiliated with the broker I'm using (Go Go Nihon) are all fully booked, at least until September. Staying in an airbnb for a few months seems the obvious answer, and I asked the Go Go Nihon agent about this last night but they did not reply. Could there be any issue with doing this?
posted by my log does not judge around Kyoto, Japan at 11:10 AM - 4 answers

Myself and my wife have been saving towards a trip to Japan in 2020. Our schedules might line up around the middle of the year, and this happens to be the time of the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games. We have no interest in attending the games but I'm curious to know if we can take advantage of the country's and city's investment in tourism to get a good deal either before or after the games. More details below. [more inside]
posted by McNulty around Kyoto, Japan at 12:39 AM - 4 answers

I'm lucky to be visiting a friend who's living in Kyoto for two weeks in early March, and will be staying with him. [more inside]
posted by elsmith around Kyoto, Japan at 8:03 AM - 6 answers

We're visiting family in Japan next month and will have a week in Kyoto. We've got historical/cultural/tourist sites figured out, but would like recommendations for food. [more inside]
posted by SirNovember around Kyoto, Japan at 9:23 AM - 8 answers

It's been a couple years since this last question, so I figured it was worth a renewal. My two travel partners and I will be arriving in Kyoto this afternoon and I wanted to ping the hive mind for suggestions. [more inside]
posted by Cogito around Kyoto, Japan at 4:56 PM - 16 answers

I'm going to Kyoto for a two-day visit in November, but with only an iPod Touch 4 in my jacket pocket as I'd like to avoid bringing a heavy guidebook/backpack as I walk around exploring all day. What PDFs/docs/apps/downloads can help make my visit amazing, or at least easier? [more inside]
posted by mdonley around Kyoto, Japan at 9:14 PM - 11 answers

Completely lost about planning my Kyoto trip. Please help me to plan [more inside]
posted by kirikara around Kyoto, Japan at 1:11 PM - 14 answers

I'm trying to identify an art gallery that I stumbled upon in Kyoto 4 years ago close to the Philosopher's Path. [more inside]
posted by rabidsegue around Kyoto, Japan at 8:22 PM - 3 answers

Where can I find places in Kyoto to shop for used/vintage clothing? In Tokyo, I love going to Harajuku and wandering around their used/vintage clothing shops with random old items, like Kinji for really cheap and unique clothing. Is there a similar like place in Kyoto? I've spent 3 days in Kyoto in the past and all I recall for shopping were department stores and other Big Generic Imposing Chain Shops that you can find anywhere else in the world. [more inside]
posted by peachtree around Kyoto, Japan at 12:29 AM - 7 answers

Planning a trip to Tokyo/Kyoto towards the end of May and I'm looking for suggestions for great places to stay for two nights in Kyoto (inexpensive to moderately priced) as well as don't miss sights/restaurants in Tokyo and Kyoto. We will be there for about two weeks.
posted by mhaw around Kyoto, Japan at 3:29 PM - 21 answers

Family comming to visit me in Japan. I live in Yokohama, would like to spend one or two days in Tokyo, and 5-7 days in Kyoto. I've only been down there briefly for buisness and have no contacts and no solid idea where to stay and what to see. Check to see [more inside]
posted by nintendo around Kyoto, Japan at 8:58 AM - 13 answers

I'm going to Japan in a few weeks and I'm wondering about the differences in electrical outlets and how my laptop (powerbook g4) will be able to handle it, and if there is a special kind of adapter I need because it's a computer. All the power adaptor kits i've found thus far have been for hairdryers and what not. Anyone know?

And while I'm at it, anyone know anything good to do in Kyoto, especially for New Years? heh.
posted by atom128 around Kyoto, Japan at 9:38 PM - 17 answers

My wife and I are heading back to Japan for a few weeks this October. I lived for many years in Japan, but have not been to Kyoto. We are planning only a day and a half there, so I was wondering which temples/castles are on your "Do Not Miss Under Any Circumstances" List (I'm guessing Ryoanji, Kinkakuji, and Kiyomizudera for starters)? Any advice? Im planning a full day and need to make sure I make this worthwhile.
posted by Dantien around Kyoto, Japan at 9:42 PM - 3 answers