General Information Archives

KPIC is a free resource and information center for foreign tourists and residents in Kyoto. The friendly staff speak fluent English and there is also a free counselling service available in five different languages for those needing advice about employment, housing, medical care or… pretty much anything really. Whether you need to find an English speaking doctor, or you are interested in practising zazen, they have all the info you need. There is a library of books, magazines, videos and DVDs available for your perusal. And in the Exchange Salon you will find a very useful message board with information on language exchanges, homestays and items for sale. Internet access will set you back ￥100 for 15 minutes but you can watch world news on the wide-screen TV for free! Counselling is available from 13:00 ~ 17:00 in English (Monday), Spanish (Wednesday), Portuguese (Thursday), Chinese (Friday), and Korean (Saturday). Their spiffy little website (also in five languages) is worth a look too. KPIC is on the 9th floor of the Kyoto Station building. Use the elevator on the south-east side of Isetan department store. It’s cramped, but it gets you there.
Open: 10:00 ~ 18:00
Closed: Every 2nd and 4th Tuesday of the month and from December 29th ~ January 3rd.
Tel: 075-342-5000
Here is a handy map.

Situated in eastern Kyoto, not far from Nanzenji is Kyoto International Community House, an essential stop for all foreign visitors to the city. Here you can ask at the information desk for any information you might need; whether you are looking for an English speaking dentist or a martial arts dojo, they can help you. Other facilities include: a library, internet access (￥２００ for 30 minutes), a lobby area with a TV screening international news, and a large lounge area looking out onto some pleasant gardens. KICH also organizes various language and culture courses both within and without the building itself. Probably most useful of all however, is the message board where you can advertize goods for sale, accomodation, language exchanges or private lessons. I have actually found a lot of very profitable work this way. Many people also use the lounge area for teaching. Here are some pictures.