Living in Uji

A historic and tourist city in southern Kyoto famous for the World Heritage sites Byodoin and Ujigami Shrine, which date from the Heian period, and for Uji tea production, and also a neighborhood that grew as a commuter bedroom town from the 1960s. Kyoto Station is within 20 minutes without transfers by rapid train, and it is clearly cheaper than the city center. However, reaching the entertainment districts of both Osaka and central Kyoto requires transfers, so it takes time.

17 minutes to Kyoto Station by Miyakoji Rapid on the JR Nara Line. Rent for a 1K is on the cheap side compared with Kyoto city, and since it is a bedroom town that has grown since the high-growth era, there are many retirees and families. However, the aging rate exceeds 30% and the shopping district is not as lively as it used to be, and it takes about 1 hour to 1 hour 10 minutes to central Osaka including transfers. It suits families and retired newcomers who put access to Kyoto first, accept some burden in the commute to Osaka, and want to settle quietly.