“I just bought a house in Kyoto.”  This is the third time in a year that one of my foreign friends purchased a property in Kyoto.  It seems like everyone around me is buying a property in Kyoto for personal or business purposes.  So, what’s so great about living or investing in Kyoto? 

Anyone can Buy!

This may come as a surprise to you, but anyone can purchase a property in Japan.  In Japan, you can buy property regardless of your nationality or country of origin.  In addition, there are no residency requirements for buying real estate in Japan.  So, why Kyoto?! 

Kyoto Brand

After living abroad for many years, I realized that the “Kyoto Brand” is very appealing to both international and domestic clients.  Kyoto is known for its history and culture, as well as business innovations.  Kyoto was used as the capital of Japan for more than 1,000 years (from 794 to 1868) until the imperial household moved to Tokyo.  Kyoto is not just a historical city in Japan, but it is “the world’s Kyoto.”  Kyoto is the center of traditional Japanese culture, religion, and Japanese products.  Both international and domestic travelers try to go to Kyoto at least once in their lives and ended up revisiting again.  Kyoto Real Estate is strong because of this “Kyoto Brand.”  While living abroad, I have always answered “I’m from Kyoto” instead of saying “I’m from Japan.”  Even though I had lived in the United State for many years, I still consider myself a “Kyoto-jin” (Kyoto person).   and there is truly something special about Kyoto. 

Easy Access 

I am ashamed to admit that I had to take a driving license test 8 times before getting a license in California.  So, when I moved back to Japan, I did not want to drive ever again.  I have been living in Kyoto for 7 years now without driving.  I love that I have so many public transportation services to choose from in Kyoto.  If I want to get around Kyoto, I often take a bus.  In Kyoto, there is a bus stop almost every block, and the bus comes in every 5-10 minutes.   

If I have to go to neighboring prefectures, such as Osaka, Kobe, Shiga, and Nara, I can just take a train (such as Hankyu-Line, JR-Line, Keihan-Line, Subway-Line, and other local lines) and get to my destination within an hour.  I am too tired to take a train or a bus, I can pick up a taxi within a minute. 

Innovation

Believe it or not, Kyoto is one of the most diverse and innovative places.  Although Kyoto is known for its traditional culture and history, it is also known for innovation and new technologies.  After living in Silicon Valley for a decade, I often consider Kyoto to be the “Silicon Valley” of Japan.  For example, Nintendo, the world-famous gaming company, was established, and has its head office, in Kyoto.  While the majority of top companies often move their head offices to Tokyo once the businesses take off, business owners in Kyoto will always have their head offices in Kyoto.  Just to name a few, Omron Company, ROHM, Murata Manufacturing, Kyocera Company, Shimadzu Corporation, and the list will go on. Interestingly, many companies in Kyoto often collaborate with Kyoto University, which is ranked #54 in World University Rankings, to produce new technologies and products. Despite the population decline in Japan, Kyoto will continue to grow because of its job opportunities.  

World Heritage Sites

I am not sure if you are interested in World Heritage Sites, but I love living in Kyoto because of the number of World Heritage Sites.  As a former history major, I love visiting temples and exploring traditional architectural styles.  My favorite is Tenryu-ji Temple in Arashiyama. Even during busy seasons, this place is big enough that I can enjoy the site without feeling too crowded.  Other famous sites are Kinkaku-ji (Gold Temple), Ginkaku-ji (Silver Temple), and Kiyomizu-dera, and such.  Within Kyoto city, there are 14 World Heritage Sites to explore.  Even though you are not into history or cultural sites, World Heritage Sites have a positive effect on your property value.  First, World Heritage Sites often attract both international and domestic tourists.  In addition, World Heritage Sites must be well kept in order to remain on the list, so that neighborhoods are often maintained very well.  As a result, you can easily lease or sell sale your property. 

Exquisite Food 

Kyoto is famous for traditional Japanese cuisine called Kaiseki.  When I had my first Kaiseki dinner in Kyoto, I was amazed at how beautiful it was.  Later, I learned that Kyoto is famous for producing vegetables, specifically the Kaiseki.  I fell in love with Kaiseki so much that I served Kaiseki at my wedding reception in Kyoto.  A majority of Japanese chefs had been trained in Kyoto throughout history.  Interestingly, I think Kyoto offers the most diverse range of food, from traditional Japanese food to plant-based food.  When I was growing up in California, the idea of plant-based living/food was gradually becoming popular.  Now, you can find vegan restaurants, halal ramen noodle shops, and vegan udon shops in Kyoto city.  I was even able to find a vegan pastry shop so that my daughter’s vegan friends can enjoy a birthday cake.  

Regardless of your diet restriction, you can always find a place to eat in Kyoto.  

The Seasons 

I am not going to lie, living in Kyoto can be challenging when it comes to the weather.  My first winter in Kyoto after living in California was brutal.  I rushed to the nearest UNIQLO shop and bought the warmest down jacket I could find.  We call Kyoto winter Sokobie (chilling from below).  I was looking forward to my summer, but I was disappointed. Kyoto summer is very humid so even though the temperature is around 30 degrees, I am constantly sweating.  Despite these weather conditions, Kyoto people have learned to appreciate all seasons.  As a result, you can always enjoy seasonal events in Kyoto.  During the spring season, you can enjoy cherry blossoms in historic temples, followed by the world-famous Gion-Matsuri (Summer Festival).  As the weather gets cooler, you can enjoy the breath-taking view of leaves changing colors.  If you are looking for a holiday house, I highly recommend the spring and fall seasons for your stay.  However, I have been a Kyoto resident for 7 years now, so I learned to appreciate all seasons because there is always something to enjoy in Kyoto throughout the year!

Now or Never

If you are thinking about buying a house in Kyoto, right now is the buyer’s market.  Due to COVID-19, the majority of inbound businesses are either closed or barely operating.  As a result, there are a lot of great properties on the market night now.  From 2018 to 2019, the number of tourists increased tremendously in Kyoto, and different types of accommodation increased as well.  Particularly, “Machiya (traditional townhouse)” style accommodation was very popular among foreigners because of its location, privacy, and traditional architecture. Currently, there are a lot of “Machiya” style houses on the market.  Even though “Machiya” kept its traditional architecture, it is usually renovated for a modern lifestyle.  In addition, such “Machiya” is usually in prime locations (mostly in central Kyoto, Nakagyo-ku, Kamigyo-ku, Shimogyo-ku) at relatively reasonable prices.  I hope I have convinced you that real estates in Kyoto are great for all purposes.  If you are looking for a home away from home, thinking about becoming a Kyoto resident, or hoping to acquire investment properties, right now is a perfect time!