Question 1

Are prayer services and a minyan held at Chabad Kyoto❓

Accepted Answer

🤝 Chabad Kyoto warmly welcomes every Jew who wishes to pray individually, study Torah, or simply visit, at any time.📌 At present, there is no regular weekday minyan, as Chabad House primarily serves travelers, each with a different itinerary.📌 Thank G-d, a minyan and prayer services are held every Shabbat at Chabad House.📌 For Shabbat prayer times, see the question: "What time are the Shabbat prayers and meals held?"

Question 2

Is it permitted to enter temples in Japan❓

Accepted Answer

In most cases, it is not permitted to enter temples in Japan, since many of them are still used for religious worship and may involve halachic concerns related to idol worship (avodah zarah).📌 If the path also serves as a passage to another destination (that is, it has another exit), it is permitted to pass through. However, if the path leads only to the temple, then even if you only wish to see the garden outside the temple, you should not enter. In any case of doubt, consult your rabbi.📌 Even if a temple is a popular tourist attraction, this does not mean that it is permissible to enter from a halachic perspective.📌 Our website includes a list of recommended tourist attractions suitable for observant travelers, so you can enjoy Kyoto without halachic concerns.

Question 3

Which tourist attractions are recommended for an observant Jewish traveler in Kyoto❓

Accepted Answer

At Chabad Kyoto's website, we have prepared a list of tourist attractions suitable for observant Jewish travelers, where you can explore without concerns about entering temples or other places of religious worship.📌 The list includes parks, gardens, museums, nature areas, and many of Kyoto’s main points of interest.👉 For the complete list of attractions: chabadkyoto.com/tourist-attractions

Question 4

Where can I buy an inexpensive kimono❓

Accepted Answer

There are several second-hand kimono shops in Kyoto where you can find items at very affordable prices—sometimes starting from just ¥500 for a single kimono.📌 Recommended shop: Modoribashi Shashinkan (戻橋 / Modoribashi Shashinkan)👉 https://goo.gl/maps/uEtSjdxMGDZeiz2T8At this shop, you can find second-hand kimonos, obi belts, and other accessories at very low prices. However, the selection changes regularly, so you may need to browse through the items.🎭 Bonus: An authentic and inexpensive Purim costumeA second-hand kimono can also serve as an excellent base for a Purim costume at a very low cost.📌 You can put together an authentic Japanese outfit (kimono + obi + accessories) for a very low price—sometimes less than the cost of a standard Purim costume in Israel—while enjoying an authentic local style.

Question 5

Who funds Chabad Kyoto❓

Accepted Answer

It is worth knowing that, contrary to what many people assume, Chabad Kyoto is not funded by any central organization or umbrella body.📌 All of Chabad Kyoto’s activities are made possible through the generosity of kind people in Israel and around the world, as well as through the participation and support of our visitors.📌 These donations enable us to continue operating Chabad House, expand our activities, and assist every Jew who visits Kyoto.For donations from the United States📌 You can donate through our U.S. non-profit organization – Chabad of Japan (Tax ID / EIN: 46-1642809), recognized as a 501(c)(3) charitable organization. Donations are tax-deductible in the United States, subject to applicable law.Click here to donateFor donations from Israel📌 You can donate through our Israeli non-profit organization – Yedidei Chabad Tokyo – Japan (R.A.), Registration No. 580576759, which holds a Certificate of Proper Management and approval under Section 46 of the Israeli Income Tax Ordinance. Donations are tax-deductible in Israel, subject to applicable law.Click here to donate

Question 6

Where should I go in case of a medical problem in Kyoto❓

Accepted Answer

In case of a medical problem, it is generally recommended to visit a hospital, especially if you are traveling and covered by travel insurance.📌 Many private clinics are closed in the evenings and on Sundays. On Sundays, on-duty clinics are available, but the doctor's specialty varies.📌 If your condition is not urgent, it is recommended to visit a hospital during regular business hours. In the evenings, on weekends, and on public holidays, waiting times may be significantly longer, and you may need to wait several hours before being seen.📌 Hospitals generally make it easier to receive treatment and to obtain the documents required for reimbursement from your travel insurance provider.📌 Reception staff do not always speak English, but doctors generally have a better command of English, so once you have completed the registration process, communication is usually manageable.🏥 Hospitals (which generally have better availability of English-speaking medical staff):Kyoto University HospitalJapanese Red Cross Kyoto Daini Hospital📌 Don't forget to bring your passport.📌 At the end of your visit, ask for an English medical report that includes the diagnosis, treatment, itemized charges, and receipts, to make it easier to file your insurance claim.📌 The list of clinics below is based on our experience over the years and is provided for the convenience of travelers only. It should not be considered a recommendation of any particular doctor.General Practitioner / Gynecologist: Okamura ClinicPediatrician:Dermatologist: Koreeda Dermatology ClinicENT Specialist: Ishikawa Otorhinolaryngology Allergy Clinic📌 In general, search Google Maps in English for the type of specialist you need near your location.📌 For your first visit, there is usually no need to call ahead to schedule an appointment.We wish you a speedy recovery and good health.

ב"ה

FAQ - Chabad Kyoto