Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
New Zealand
(
Tokyo)
South Korea
(
Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo)
UK
(
USA
(
ADDRESSES IN KYOTO
In Japan, finding a place from its address can be difficult, even for locals. The problem is twofold: first, the ad-
dress is given by an area rather than a street; and second, the numbers are not necessarily consecutive. To find
an address, the usual process is to ask directions. The numerous local police boxes are there largely for this pur-
pose.
In this guide, we use a simplified system for addresses. We either give the area (eg Higashiyama-ku, Nanzen-
ji) or we give the street on which the place is located, followed by the nearest cross street (eg Karasuma-dōri-
Imadegawa). In some cases, we also give additional information to show where the place lies in relation to the
intersection of the two streets mentioned. In Kyoto, the land usually slopes gently to the south; thus, an address
might indicate whether a place lies above or north of
(agaru)
or below or south of
(sagaru
or
kudaru)
a particu-
lar east-west road. An address might also indicate whether a place lies east
(higashi)
or west
(nishi)
of the
north-south road. Thus, Karasuma-dōri-Imadegawa simply means the place is near the intersection of
Karasuma-dōri and Imadegawa-dōri; Karasuma-dōri-Imadegawa-sagaru indicates that it's south of that intersec-
tion.
Emergency
Although most emergency operators in Kyoto don't speak English, they will refer you to
someone who does. Have your address at hand when calling for assistance.
Ambulance
(
119)
Fire
(
119)
Police
(
110)
