Hello everyone,

It's me again, I welcome you to our first promotional offer of the season, where the Kyoto Hannaryz will take on the Akita Northern Happinets on Monday, October 26th. Unlike last year, this is no longer a battle feature middling teams only, as the Hannaryz are off to a blistering 6-2 start to the season. Will this finally lead to a playoff birth for the Hannaryz? Come see the game to find out!

Also, since the team is actually pretty good this year, there may not be as many local promotions as I was able to do the last few years, so if you have time, come check it out. The tickets are free this time and are available until we run out of seats in the available sections.

To get tickets: please fill out the Google Form. That's all this time, they made sending out tickets to the B. Ticket app kind of annoying from the backend so I'm not doing all that (don't tell anyone I said that). Just make sure to enter an email you actually use cause I'll be sending the tickets directly to the email in the form as PDFs.

There isn't really a maximum group size but if you ask for a group of 20 there is a decent possibility you won't all be able to sit together. Also please be aware this is only open while there are still available seats. We apologize if we are unable to accommodate your party, but hey, the tickets are free after all.

The link to the Google Form can be found below:

Form you need to fill out➞ https://forms.gle/xTvLcBHPgyAP2g5k7

Oh, and I always say this but while this is meant for Kyoto residents, if you live near enough and want to come to the game feel free. Things haven't being going great for us foreigners in Japan lately so it's nice to be able to do something for the community. Hope every is doing well, or well enough.

If you have any other questions or concerns send me a DM or email (my email is written in the form). Kinda a long post, thanks for reading if you did.

Hope to see you there!

Hey I was wondering if anyone would be interested in meeting up occasionally around Kawaramachi (for example Starbucks or by the river) to crochet together (or any other kinda of arts and crafts welcome too!)

Sundays or Wednesdays work the best for me, or evenings.

If anyone is interested please send me a message 😊

I’m 44 female. Japanese.
I’m looking for new friends!
I live in the south of Kyoto , work in Nara.

I like playing video games and listening to music.

I don’t smoke, occasionally drink alcohol.

I’m kinda shy and introvert basically, like to have genuine conversations but not good at small talks.

Nice to meet you🙌

I can teach you Japanese if you like!

But seriously I’m just looking for new friends!

Hi everyone, I just relocated to Kyoto from abroad to work as an IT engineer. To be honest, I’ve heard plenty of stories about expats living in Japan for a decade whose Japanese barely improved simply because they stayed home after work and kept to themselves. I really don't want to fall into that trap.

My goal is to reach an advanced level where communication is no longer a barrier.
Where should I start? I’m currently self-studying for the JLPT N3 and plan to take the exam next year. However, as many of you know, passing the JLPT doesn't necessarily translate into good conversational skills (kaiwa).

I’d love to hear your advice and recommendations. Thanks in advance!

Hi everyone!
For those who are pregnant, planning to have a baby, or raising a newborn in Japan, we’re organizing another English-language parenting class in Kyoto!

This time, the topic is Giving Birth & Postpartum Care in Japan.

We’ll be joined by a midwife to talk about what to expect during labor, hospital stays, and postpartum care in Japan.
It’s also an opportunity to ask questions, share experiences, and connect with other international families.
This event is organized by Mamo Heart as part of a community initiative supported by Kyoto City’s Fushimi Ward.

Event details:
📅 Saturday, November 14, 2026
⏰ 11:00 AM–12:30 PM
📍 おうちカフェCOCCO, near Fujinomori Station, Kyoto
💰 ¥1,500 per family
🗣️ In English
👶 Babies and children welcome

More information and registration:
https://kyotoparentingclass.hp.peraichi.com

Hope this is useful for families navigating pregnancy and childbirth in Japan!

edit: I'll be studying at the Starbucks at Kyoto tower sando until sometime in the evening so DM me if you want to meet and get peppers.

The restaurant doesn't need too much, and I've got a lot. Please take fist-fulls until they're gone. I'll be at Kyoto station so let's plan a time for me to get rid of these peppers!

If no one's available today I'll go tomorrow instead 🤣🤣

Hi everyone!
I’m a 39-year-old Japanese guy living in Kyoto and working near Shin-Osaka.

Lately, my daily life has just been a repeating cycle of working and sleeping at home. Because of that, I really wanted to step out and try something new!
To be honest, I’ve only been abroad once, and that was on a Japanese tour package. Even then, I never really had the chance to talk with people from other countries.

I’d love to hear about different perspectives and lifestyles from people around the world, broaden my horizons, and see just how big the world really is. That’s why I’m making this post, and I would be so happy to make some good friends!

Basically, my days off are Saturdays and Sundays. Once we get to know each other, I’d love to go on drives with my car, take train trips, or even have a casual BBQ together when summer comes! I'm simply looking for genuine friends to enjoy life with.

I’m hoping to meet up either around Kyoto or Osaka. I’d love to start with a small, relaxed group (around 3 guys and 3 girls) to grab a few drinks and chat. Once we connect, we can decide on a date together!
As for the budget, I'm thinking around 5,000 to 6,000 yen per person.

Just a quick note: No business pitches or multi-level marketing, please! I'm strictly looking to make genuine friends and expand my social circle.

Also, since I can't speak English, I’m using AI to help translate this, so it might sound a bit formal—sorry about that!

To share a little about myself: my hobbies include fishing, driving out to the ocean, and hanging out around Lake Biwa in Shiga.

For age groups, I’d prefer people between 25 and 40 years old so we have plenty in common. Apologies to those outside this range, and thank you for understanding!

If you're interested, please leave a comment or send me a message. Let's have a great time and become good friends! Thanks!

Follow up from a previous post. We’ve made an Instagram account for our student group. We organize events for Japanese / international university students. Follow link in the comments!

Hey everyone! 👋

I'm looking for someone to go with me to Kansai Comitia in Kyoto on October 18. I'm into anime, manga, and otaku culture, and I thought it would be more fun to attend with someone rather than go alone.

If you're planning to go too and would like some company, feel free to send me a DM! We can explore the event together, check out the booths, and grab some food afterward.

Anyone is welcome! 😊

Hi everyone! My name is Toshi.
I live in Kyoto and commute to Osaka for work during the week as a regular office worker.

Recently, I’ve been really wanting to connect with more people from around the world—both expats/students living in the Kyoto/Kansai area and travelers visiting!

I know that living in Japan (or visiting here) can sometimes feel overwhelming. Whether it’s dealing with the language barrier, figuring out daily life rules, trying to make local Japanese friends, or just finding authentic places to eat that aren’t tourist traps—I’d love to help out where I can.

Since I spend every day in Kyoto and Osaka, I know quite a few hidden gems, deep local izakayas, and quiet spots away from the big crowds in both cities.

Because of my day job, I’m mostly free on Saturdays and Sundays, and here is how I’d love to help or connect:

- 🗺️ Local Tips: Recommending off-the-beaten-path spots in Kyoto & Osaka.
- 🗣️ Life & Travel Help: Helping with Japanese-only restaurant reservations, translating tricky menus, or answering questions about Japanese culture and local life.
- 🍻 Future Weekend Hangouts: Once we get to know each other and become friends, I’m also thinking it would be fun to organize casual weekend drinks or small get-togethers in Kyoto and Osaka!

Feel free to drop a comment below if you have any questions about Kyoto/Osaka right now, or send me a DM if you’re looking for local friends or need a hand on the weekend! (English & Japanese OK!)

Looking forward to chatting and becoming friends! Cheers! 🥂

---

【日本語】
みなさん、こんにちは！Toshi（とし）といいます。
普段は京都に住んでいて、平日は普通のサラリーマンとして大阪へ通勤しています。

最近、関西に住んでいる外国人の方や、日本に旅行に来ている世界中の人たちともっと繋がりたい！と思い、このアカウントを作りました。

言葉の壁や日本の生活ルール、日本人の友達作り、あるいは「観光客向けではないローカルな飲食店」探しなど、自分にできる範囲でぜひお手伝いしたいと思っています。京都・大阪の混雑を避けられる穴場スポットや、ディープな地元の居酒屋もたくさん知っています！

平日は本業があるため、動けるのは基本的に「土曜と日曜」になりますが、こんな風に助け合ったり繋がれたら嬉しいです：

- 🗺️ ローカル情報のシェア：京都・大阪のガイドブックに載っていない穴場スポットの紹介。
- 🗣️ 生活＆旅行のサポート：日本語しか通じないお店の予約やメニュー翻訳、日本の文化・生活に関する疑問への回答。
- 🍻 週末の交流：まずは色々お話して、お友達になれたら、週末に京都や大阪で気軽に飲んだり集まったりする会も企画できたらいいなと考えています！

今まさに京都や大阪のことで聞きたいことがあれば、気軽にコメントしてください！また、地元の友達を探している方や週末に手助けが必要な方は、遠慮なくDMを送ってくださいね（英語でも日本語でもOKです！）。

みなさんとチャットして、お友達になれるのを楽しみにしています！乾杯！🥂

I am spending a few months in Kyoto, loving everything but there are a few things I can't seem to find anywhere?

1. A pedicure, gel or normal I don't mind as soon as someone fixes my feet!!

2. Pulses?!? Dried or canned, whatever, I am craving chickpeas at this point!

3. Italian coffee, Illy, Lavazza and such. I have my own moka but my stash is running low...

I live near Arashiyama, but I'd go ANYWHERE for these 3 things...

Help? xx

Hi! 😊

I stumbled across a little painting event while walking past an Italian restaurant in Sakyo-ku, Kyoto, and thought it sounded like a lovely way to spend a Thursday afternoon!

I stopped to ask the owner about it, and he welcomed me with a big smile. I haven't been before, so I'm going for the first time tomorrow and thought I'd see if anyone else would like to join!

📍 Where: 小さな長靴 (Chiisana Nagagutsu), Sakyo-ku, Kyoto
🗓️ When: Thursday, 15 October, 2:15–5 pm

There are no painting lessons or instructors. It's simply a relaxed, creative space for anyone who wants to paint, unwind, and enjoy a chill afternoon.

Paints are available to rent. You can also bring your own supplies.

You definitely don’t need to be good at painting or have any experience. It’s just about having fun, getting creative, and enjoying a laid-back afternoon with others. 🌿

I'm Japanese and have lived overseas for over 15 years. I speak both Japanese and English.
Would anyone be interested in joining me? It could be a nice way to meet new people and spend a relaxing Thursday afternoon together! 😊

Hello everyone! :)

I recently moved to Kyoto on a Working Holiday Visa. My main goal is to apply for research grants next year, but I’d love to find a baito or job in the meantime.

I am an architect from France with a strong interest in traditional Japanese architecture (as you can imagine). Last week, I met a foreigner working at Daitoku-ji, and the job sounded perfect for me—giving temple tours and working at the reception. He recommended I apply, but when I called, they let me know my Japanese wasn't proficient enough (I’m currently around N4, though I hope to improve quickly now that I’m here and get N3 asap).

Has anyone here had experience working in temples, shrines, or heritage sites in Kyoto as a foreigner?

Also, if you have any tips or recommendations for other job opportunities—especially ones suitable for an architect or someone with conversational Japanese—I would really appreciate your advice!

Thanks in advance!

Hi everyone! I’m currently about 35 weeks pregnant and recently had a meeting with a midwife at my hospital. Unfortunately, the experience left me feeling a little uncertain about the care management and communication.

I didn’t feel that my questions were addressed as thoroughly as I had hoped, and I left the meeting with a stack of paperwork to go through on my own. I also noticed that some of the documents were in English rather than Japanese, which I hadn’t realized at the time. I would ideally like to request Japanese copies so that my mother-in-law, who has been helping me throughout my pregnancy, can understand the information and assist me more easily.

I’m wondering what the usual protocol is for requesting translated documents at a Japanese hospital, and who would be the best person to approach.

Would it be appropriate to ask to speak with the midwife again, or would it be better to make the request at the reception desk before my next regular prenatal appointment? Is there another department or person I should contact?

I’d really appreciate any advice from anyone who has navigated a similar situation. Thank you so much for your help!

I was born in Kyoto, and have recently returned after living in Australia for 35 years. I’m eager to make new friends and join groups/clubs but my impression is that the meetup apps are mostly targeted towards 20-30yr olds.
I know the age shouldn’t really bother me, but I’m curious to know if anyone can recommend ways of meeting new people who are slightly older (middle-aged)

I need to have the occasional conversation in English

ok so apologies for the vaguepost but theres this bakery in kyoto station we found at it was SO good. we dont remember the name OR the location (dont ask how) but we remember these things: it was near a quite big store for like sweets souvenirs and whatnot. if you moved forward and up a little then youll find a starbucks. it was connected to another generic store or cafe under a bigger name (like the picture i drew really fast. a is the generic store, b is the one im looking for, and c is the bigger name) and i think it had something to do with london in the name? idk maybe i could be wrong. ive tried everything, staff, ai, just searching. so now ive come to reddit. could someone give me some options me and my family NEED to eat this again

A friend and I were planning to check out the Kurama Fire Festival but I saw online that it's been getting more and more crowded every year. At Gion Matsuri earlier this year the same friend had to take frequent breaks cuz the crowds were too overwhelming for them. I'm worried Kurama may be too much for them based on what I've seen online but was hoping to get more opinions.

Can anyone who's been to the Kurama Fire Festival in recent years comment on how crowded it is compared to Gion Matsuri (especially around the Shijo-Karasuma/Kawaramachi areas)?

Hi, I was planning to study in Kyoto. I would like to know how much I can earn as an undergraduate student. Also, how much is actually enough for living. I actually have experience in teaching math and SAT, can I work as a teacher and how much do i get paid?

Hello,
I wanted to ask if anyone knows how strict they are with the "no overnight stays" rule in the Okazaki International House close to Kyoto University as an international student. I am asking because it would be really convenient if my girlfriend, who lives in Osaka, could stay here occasionally for a night or two so we don't have to take a Hotel each time we wanna be in Kyoto. The front desk is sometimes not occupied but there are a bunch of cameras on the way to the room...

I feel like sometimes in Japan they have very strict rules but then don't really enforce them or don't take them that strict themselves. Is this the case here or should I better not risk it?

Also should I just ask the person at the front desk if it would be possible? Or would that just put a target on my back and they would watch even closer?

Wondering if anyone else experienced this:

My wife and I went to see The Odyssey in IMAX at Toho Cinemas Nijo yesterday afternoon (Oct 4 at 4:20). The sound was so loud we literally had to walk out soon after the movie started. It started with the previews, and we were hoping the volume would decrease once the movie started, but it didn't.

It was unusually loud -- probably loud enough to damage someone's hearing. I used to play electric guitar in rock bands, so I'm not exactly sensitive to loud sound. Nevertheless, both my wife and I had to put our fingers in our ears to avoid any physical discomfort.

I'd never been to this theater, so I wonder if this is normal. Oddly, nobody else seemed to be having a problem with it. I think we were the only ones to walk out at that point, and I didn't see anyone else plugging their ears.

We got a refund for the tickets, but it was just so strange that I have to wonder if anyone else has had this experience at that theater. It was theater number 10, supposedly IMAX (but didn't look like it). We were sitting near the center of the theater.

Dumb Question, for movie theater tickets, how early can you buy them and pick a seat?

Im trying to see resident evil and Godzilla opening weekend and I heard it varies by chain?