The 7 Best Areas to Live in Kyoto for Foreigners
Last Updated: March 26, 2026
Explore the best areas to live in Kyoto for foreigners, including Tanoji, Gion, and the Kyoto Station area—with easy access to Higashiyama and Arashiyama.
Table of Contents
Supervised By: Hiroki Kazato
Real Estate Expert
“Fell in love with Kyoto and want to move there?”
“Would you like to know the best areas in Kyoto for foreigners to live, either as young professionals or with families?”
Many of you must have visited Kyoto, Japan’s one of the most visited tourist destinations full of historical charms.
The city attracts millions of tourists, whether international and local.
But when it comes to living there, you might wonder which area is good.
This article guides you through the 3 best areas to live in Kyoto with the reasons why they are recommended from the local’s perspectives.
I’m sure you will be well informed after reading this article and start searching for your home in Kyoto with more confidence.
Related Articles:
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🔗 The 6 Best Places to Live in Osaka for Foreigners (Umeda, Namba and More)
Where is Kyoto?
Kyoto, located in the Kansai region west of Honshu Island along with Osaka, is Japan’s cultural center with a unique charm and a global atmosphere thanks to an influx of people from around the world.
Kyoto was the ancient capital of Japan for nearly 1,000 years until 1869, when the capital moved to Tokyo. Despite this, it remains a bustling hub of tourism and culture, attracting visitors from both Japan and abroad.
Kyoto Prefecture, which includes Kyoto City, consists of 11 administrative districts and has a population of approximately 2.52 million (as of October, 2024).
Covering about 4,612 square kilometers, it continues to be a key cultural center and popular destination for tourists worldwide.
With an area of 827 square kilometers and a population of 1.44 million people (as of July 2025), Kyoto City is the capital of Kyoto Prefecture.
Kyoto is also known as a 'university town,' with students making up about 10 percent of the population.
According to the Basic School Survey 2024 conducted by the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology (MEXT), there are 29 universities and junior colleges in Kyoto, which is the second highest number after Tokyo’s 23 wards, with 102.
| FIgure 1 <Location of Kyoto> | Figure 2 <Kyoto City – Key Areas> |
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Furthermore, Kyoto is attracting attention as a destination for the relocation of capital city functions, such as the relocation of the Agency for Cultural Affairs from Tokyo, as part of the government’s decentralization and regional development plan.
This shows us that Kyoto has been considered one of the most important cities in Japan over a long time.
Which areas in Kyoto are best for foreigners to live in?
These are the areas that are worth your attention:
- Tanoji Area
- Gion
- Kyoto Station Area
- Iwakura (Kokusaikaikan Station)
- Kitaoji
- Shijo-karasuma
- Kyoto Station South
Let’s take a closer look at what makes each of these areas unique and appealing.
1. Tanoji Area
The Tanoji area is the main residential and commercial district in Nakagyo-ku, bordered north to south by Oike Dori and Gojo Dori, and east to west by Horikawa Dori and Kawaramachi Dori.
This area includes Shijo-Kawaramachi and Ponto-cho, which make up downtown Kyoto, and is a bustling place.
The area is considered one of the most central in Kyoto, with the highest land prices and the best education, making it a place many Kyoto residents aspire to live in and giving it a distinct status.
Land prices remain stable due to height restrictions on buildings, while stable rental demand and price increases can be expected due to the popularity of the area.
Nakagyo-ku, including Tanoji Area, is a convenient place to live, with daily necessities all nearby.
Daily life can often be managed on foot, and the area is well served by a reliable railroad network.
Read More
Tanoji, Kyoto: The Commercial and Cultural Core of Central Kyoto
2. Gion
As a central sightseeing area in Kyoto that attracts many tourists, Gion along with the nearby Higashiyama district, has symbolized traditional Kyoto since ancient times.
The Gion area is primarily popular among tourists, known for its charming souvenir shops, stylish cafes, and many high class Japanese restaurants.
Its popularity is evident, as the streets near major tourist spots are often bustling with visitors.
With numerous businesses catering to tourists, the area enjoys stable rental demand.
In recent years, the number of foreign buyers and sellers has also been on the rise, with interest extending beyond local real estate agents to include buyers from Tokyo, further reinforcing the area's solid investment potential.
The number of tourists is expected to continue rising.
As reported by NHK, the number of foreign tourists who visited Kyoto in 2024 exceeded the 10 million mark for the first time, and the number of overnight guests surpassed that of Japanese visitors for the first time.
According to a Kyoto City survey, the number of foreign tourists who visited Kyoto last year was 56.06 million with an increase of 5.78 million from the previous year and the second highest on record, following the peak of 56.84 million in 2015.
In addition, tourism consumption and economic ripple effects totaled 1,907.5 billion yen and 2,098.9 billion yen, respectively, both reaching record highs.
This will likely lead to increased competition for tenants and, in turn, rising land prices.
Read Also: 🔗 Top 4 Places to Live in Kyoto for Families 🔗
Gion, Kyoto: Where Old Kyoto Still Breathes
3. Kyoto Station Area
The Kyoto Station area, especially the north of Kyoto Station, along with the Gion district, is one of Kyoto’s main commercial centers and a popular tourist destination.
Until the mid-2010s, neighborhoods to the south and east of Kyoto Station were considered less safe and largely avoided by investors.
However, government efforts to improve public safety have transformed the area, which is now lined with hotels and experiencing rapidly rising land prices.
The Kyoto Station area consists of two distinct zones: traditional residential neighborhoods and newly developed areas near the station.
The latter attracts many foreign tourists who use Kyoto Station as a gateway to the city and to nearby attractions like Higashiyama and Arashiyama.
The area’s appeal stems from its role as a major transportation hub with multiple train lines, easy access to essential amenities like supermarkets, shopping malls, and medical facilities.
Despite the heavy tourist traffic and some noise due to its proximity to downtown, nearby residential neighborhoods offer a quieter, more peaceful environment, creating a harmonious blend of everyday living and vibrant tourism.
Read More
Shimogyo, Kyoto: The City’s Modern Gateway with Everyday Convenience
4. Iwakura (Kokusaikaikan Station)
The Iwakura area is rich in greenery and highly livable. Its main station, Kokusaikaikan Station, is the terminal station of Kyoto’s major subway artery, the Karasuma Line.
The station name, Kokusaikaikan, is also referred to by its English name, the Kyoto International Conference Center (often abbreviated as ICC Kyoto).
The venue is recognized worldwide as the place where the Kyoto Protocol, which commits industrialized countries to limiting and reducing greenhouse gas emissions, was adopted.
The conference center hosts a wide range of MICE events, accommodating conferences and seminars of various sizes.
The prestigious Doshisha schools (from elementary through high school) are directly connected to Kokusaikaikan Station, which also contributes to the area's popularity.
Read More
Iwakura, Kyoto: A Quiet Northern Retreat with International Access
5. Kitaoji
Kitaoji is known for its convenience—with a bus terminal, a subway station, and AEON Mall Kitaoji located directly above them.
It is one of the largest AEON malls in Kyoto.
AEON is a major shopping mall chain in Japan. Typically, an AEON mall includes a supermarket carrying both local and imported goods, as well as clothing stores, shoe shops, home appliance and home décor retailers, and various other specialty shops.
Around the AEON mall, there are lots of fashionable cafes, variety stores and restaurants.
On weekends, many people from the surrounding areas of Kyoto visit the mall, adding even more vibrancy to the area.
In recent years, the number of cram schools specializing in private junior high school entrance exams around Kitaoji Station has been increasing, making this area popular among families with elementary school children.
Read More
Kitaoji, Kyoto: Northern Kyoto’s Balanced Blend of Convenience and Calm
6. Shijo-Karasuma
Shijo-Karasuma is known as the biggest commercial district in Kyoto.
Along Shijo Street, you’ll find plenty of department stores and shopping malls, like Daimaru Kyoto, LAQUE Shijo Karasuma, and Kyoto Takashimaya, along with countless restaurants and convenience stores. It’s an area where you can easily take care of your daily errands without any hassle.
Step off the main street, and you’ll come across quiet residential neighborhoods, offering a surprisingly calm place to live despite the busy surroundings.
Even though it’s a major business and shopping area, Shijo-Karasuma does have family-friendly condominiums.
Another big draw of this neighborhood is its excellent access both around Kyoto and out to Osaka, with Shijo Station on the Subway Karasuma Line and Karasuma Station on the Hankyu Line.
From Karasuma Station, it only takes about 40 minutes to get to Umeda in Osaka without changing trains.
This makes the area especially appealing for people who want to enjoy Kyoto’s traditional atmosphere while still having an easy commute to Osaka.
Read More
Shijo–Karasuma, Kyoto: Downtown Energy with Business-Class Precision
If you are looking for the best places to live in Kyoto as a family, also read:
🔗 Top 4 Places to Live in Kyoto for Families 🔗
7. Kyoto Station South
Some people might assume that finding a place to live near a major station would be difficult, but the area just south of JR Kyoto Station is actually a comfortable residential neighborhood that makes daily life incredibly convenient.
One thing worth noting is that the average rent around here is still relatively reasonable despite being so close to Kyoto Station.
The eastern side of the station, once lined with municipal housing and known for feeling a bit unapproachable to many Kyoto residents, is now undergoing major redevelopment. This transformation has become even more noticeable since Kyoto City University of Arts relocated to the area.
And with the opening of teamLab in Kyoto (teamLab★Biovortex) in October 2025, the neighborhood is expected to become even more vibrant.
Read More
Shimogyo, Kyoto: The City’s Modern Gateway with Everyday Convenience
Our team of seasoned professionals at Property Access is dedicated to helping you navigate Japan’s real estate market with confidence.
With deep local knowledge and a commitment to personalized service, our experts are here to guide you every step of the way.
🔗Book a Free Consultation Session with Our Team🔗
Summary
We have reviewed three areas in Kyoto where foreigners can live comfortably:
1. Tanoji Area
Known for its prestige, high land value, excellent schools, and walkable lifestyle, the Tanoji Area is one of Kyoto’s most desirable residential areas.
Building height restrictions help maintain property stability, and strong rental demand reflects its ongoing popularity.
2. Gion
Gion is Kyoto’s iconic traditional district, known for its historic charm, fine dining, and vibrant tourism.
Gion stands out for its cultural richness and strong investment appeal, driven by high tourist numbers and growing interest from both local and international buyers.
3. Kyoto Station Area
The Kyoto Station Area has rapidly developed into a major commercial and residential hub, featuring excellent transport, modern amenities, and growing hotel presence, while nearby neighborhoods provide a peaceful and balanced living environment.
4. Iwakura (Kokusaikaikan Station)
Iwakura is a green, highly livable area centered around Kokusaikaikan Station, the terminal stop of the Karasuma Line. It is home to the Kyoto International Conference Center and the Kokusaikaikan Station directly connected to the prestigious Doshisha schools, which adds to its popularity.
5. Kitaoji
Kitaoji offers excellent convenience with a subway station, a major bus terminal, and AEON Mall Kitaoji located right above them. The area attracts families and weekend visitors thanks to its large shopping facilities and growing number of cram schools.
6. Shijo-karasuma
Shijo-Karasuma is Kyoto’s largest commercial district, filled with department stores, shopping malls, restaurants, and convenience stores. Despite its busy atmosphere, it has quiet residential pockets, good family housing options, and easy access to both Kyoto and Osaka.
7. Kyoto Station South
The area south of Kyoto Station is a surprisingly comfortable residential neighborhood with convenient daily living and relatively reasonable rent. Ongoing redevelopment, the relocation of Kyoto City University of Arts, and the recently opened teamLab★Biovortex are making it an increasingly vibrant place to live.
I hope this article helps you appreciate the unique charm and advantages of each neighborhood, showing why they’re wonderful places for foreigners to settle in Kyoto.
Whether you are drawn to the prestige and walkability of Tanoji, the timeless beauty and lively atmosphere of Gion, or the convenience and energy around Kyoto Station, there is a perfect spot waiting for you to settle in and enjoy life in this amazing city!
Our team of seasoned professionals at Property Access is dedicated to helping you navigate Japan’s real estate market with confidence.
With deep local knowledge and a commitment to personalized service, our experts are here to guide you every step of the way.
