Colive Kyoto will take place from November 3rd to 10th, 2023. This week-long coliving retreat is designed for international digital nomads.
Attendees will have the opportunity to reside in a coliving space situated in the picturesque heart of Kyoto, work in a coworking environment adorned with traditional Japanese architecture and explore some of Kyoto’s most iconic landmarks.
It is a unique opportunity to experience the historic city of Kyoto and connect with digital nomads from around the world.
What is Colive Kyoto?
Colive Kyoto is a week-long retreat in Kyoto designed for digital nomads. Participants can stay in a coliving space with fellow nomads, engage in various activities, go on sightseeing trips, and work from a coworking space housed in a 400-year-old traditional Japanese house.
The program welcomes both international and Japanese digital nomads, and is conducted entirely in English. Dedicated community managers facilitate daily activities and help you throughout the program.
• Duration: November 3th -10th, 2023
• Location: Kyoto, Japan
• No. of participants: around 8 to 10
Daily Schedule
Colive Kyoto offers a structured daily schedule that includes various activities. A morning with yoga and breakfast, followed by coworking sessions in spaces like Taikoukyo Coworking, which is a national registered tangible cultural property.
The program includes day trips to scenic locations like Arashiyama, cultural experiences such as rice cooking in a historical Japanese kitchen, and social events like welcome and farewell parties.
November 3rd (Friday): Check in and Welcome party
November 4th (Saturday): Cooking session
November 5th (Sunday): Yoga & Breakfast
November 6th (Monday): Coworking Day (@Unknown Kyoto), Hot spring & Craft beer bar
November 7th (Tuesday): Day trip to Arashiyama
November 8th (Wednesday): Coworking Day (@Sights Kyoto),
November 9th (Thursday): Kyoto indigo dyeing experience, Farewell party
November 10th (Friday): Check out
Welcome and farewell parties, Cooking session, Yoga & breakfast, Coworking at Unknown Kyoto workspace are included in the program fee.
As you can see, Colive Kyoto has very relaxed schedule. You have plenty of time to work or explore Kyoto, or just hang around with fellow nomads.
During the program, participants can use Taikoukyo Coworking Space free of charge. The workspace is situated in a beautiful Japanese heritage house with a lush garden.
Optional Activities & Experiences
Besides the activities included in the community fee, Colive Kyoto offers optional activities for an additional charge. These include a day trip to Arashiyama, Kyoto Indigo Dyeing experience, craft beer stands, and visits to Japanese hot springs.
Accommodation at Colive Kyoto
Participants of Colive Kyoto are accommodated within a three-minute walk from the Taikoukyo Coworking Space. They have their private rooms with shared amenities like bathrooms, a kitchen, and laundry facilities on the same floor. The rooms are designed to accommodate the individual needs of the digital nomads, ensuring comfort and privacy.
Program Fees
Colive Kyoto participant fee consists of 250 USD accommodation fee, and 250 USD for community fee – total 500 USD.
Accommodation Fee: 250 USD (1 room for a couple: +100 USD)
If you want to book extra nights before or after Colive Kyoto, it costs 50 USD/night. You can also stay for 1 month for 700 USD.
Community Fee: 250 USD
The community fee includes the following:
- Taikoukyo Coworking Space
- Welcome Party
- Cooking Lesson at Japanese historical kitchen
- Yoga & Breakfast
- Coworking Day at UNKNOWN
- Farewell Party
- Memorial T-shirts
How to Join
Joining Colive Kyoto requires an application through their website. Once accepted, participants will be onboarded to the Colive Kyoto Discord Community, where they can start interacting with other members and receive updates on upcoming schedules.
Kyoto for Digital Nomads
Kyoto is probably the most popular tourist destination in Japan. Located in the heart of Honshu island, it’s a city with a rich history.
Once the capital of Japan for many centuries, Kyoto offers a unique blend of old and new. Traditional wooden houses can be found alongside modern buildings, reflecting the city’s deep-rooted heritage and its adaptation to contemporary times. The city is also home to numerous temples, each telling a story of its own and offering a glimpse into Japan’s spiritual and architectural traditions.
With distinct seasonal changes, Kyoto provides varied sceneries throughout the year, from spring blossoms to autumn leaves. It’s a place where history, culture, and modernity come together seamlessly.
Places to Visit in Kyoto
There are so many places to visit in Kyoto, but if you are staying there just for a few days, here are the top picks.
Fushimi Inari-Taisha
Famous for its thousands of red torii gates, this Shinto shrine is dedicated to Inari, the god of rice. The gates create a path up the mountain, and walking through them is a unique and spiritual experience.
Kiyomizu-dera
A UNESCO World Heritage site, Kiyomizu-dera is a historic temple that offers stunning views of Kyoto. The temple’s wooden terrace is especially famous, and it’s said that if you survive a jump from this terrace, your wish will be granted.
Kinkaku-ji (Golden Pavilion)
This Zen Buddhist temple is one of Kyoto’s most iconic landmarks. Covered in gold leaf, the temple shimmers in the sunlight, reflecting beautifully on the pond below.
Arashiyama
Located on the western outskirts of Kyoto, Arashiyama is known for its scenic beauty, especially during the cherry blossom and autumn foliage seasons. The iconic Togetsukyo Bridge and the bamboo groves are among the most photographed spots in the region.
Gion District
Kyoto’s most famous geisha district, Gion is characterized by its traditional wooden machiya houses. It’s a great place to experience the old-world charm of Kyoto, with its narrow alleys, tea houses, and the chance to spot a geisha or maiko on their way to an engagement.
Community and Networking
Colive Kyoto isn’t just about work and culture; it’s about people. The initiative is run by a team of experienced digital nomads and entrepreneurs, and there’s a strong emphasis on community building. Residents are encouraged to network, collaborate, and share their experiences, contributing to a vibrant community that extends beyond their stay in Kyoto.
Local Team at Colive Kyoto
Kengo Miki
An entrepreneur who has launched multiple businesses. In 2019, he founded Colive Kyoto, a concept of slow living using cultural heritage in the suburbs of Kyoto City. In 2021, he was featured as an entrepreneur practicing van life in a documentary program on NHK BS. He also sells ethnic food “Biryani” online.
Akina Shu
3-year digital nomad veteran. Nomads Giving Back Ambassador. Speaker at global events. Guest speaker on Digital Nomad Visa in Japan. Keynote speaker at major nomad event. Conducted 50+ interviews through “Nomad University”.
Shingo Shibata
Shingo provided a wide range of consulting services at Accenture and KPMG FAS, including system implementation, M&A, and strategic planning, and then founded Edutech Partners.LTD. While supporting other companies’ new business planning and DX promotion using AI, he is also developing his own services such as the art viewing application PINTOR and real estate applications.
