About KyotoJapan.info

This website is for those who want to to know what it's like to live in Kyoto. I lived in Kyoto for a year in the 1990s. My job was at a private prestigious girls' high school and lived right in the city. I didn't know any Japanese before I arrived, and I hardly knew anything at all about the country I was traveling to for my first full time teaching position.

This website is created for those who want to know what it's like to visit and live in Kyoto, through the eyes of someone who experienced these things.

I did lots of sightseeing around Kyoto on my days off, because I hardly left the city due to time constraints. I usually took day trips only, with my only overnight trip lasting just a few days. That trip was to Miyajima. I was just so busy...like everyone around me! Therefore, I learned a lot about hidden corners of Kyoto, the surrounding mountains, and neighboring towns and cities as far as Osaka. I love walking, so I would walk for hours and hours, discovering things and soaking up the city. I walked along the river a lot, especially. It's a main artery through the city, and it makes the place easy to navigate. '

I lived in an apartment building that specialized in renting to students and young office workers. I got to know what it's like to live in what seemed like the world's smallest apartment. I also ate out a lot and explored the restaurants of Kyoto and discovered all sorts of Japanese food.

I guess what you could say is, I know a lot about Japanese culture, and tons more about living in Kyoto. I hope my life in Kyoto, Japan can bring a special insight into this travel and culture guide. I certainly had lots of fun living there, and I enjoyed creating this website so I could share it all.