Kyoto or Montreal? (best cities, living, costs)

[fellowjoe]

So I'm asking for a friend who will apply for an exchange to either of these destinations.

He is mainly concerned with how the fashion and cultural scene would be like as well how easy it is to make friends with natives. Cost of living is another consideration too (though not as important as the above ones).


Based on the above description, which city do you reckon is better for him?

[OyCrumbler]

Originally Posted by fellowjoe

So I'm asking for a friend who will apply for an exchange to either of these destinations.

He is mainly concerned with how the fashion and cultural scene would be like as well how easy it is to make friends with natives. Cost of living is another consideration too (though not as important as the above ones).


Based on the above description, which city do you reckon is better for him?

Tell us more about your friend. Does he speak French or Japanese to any degree? Is his native language English? Does he have friends already in either area? Has he ever lived somewhere with really, really cold and snow-filled winters? Does that bother him at all? Etc.

The fashion scene is probably much more alive in Montreal than Kyoto (as Japan's fashion scene is strongly centered in Tokyo), but just the difference in culture (I'm assuming your friend is from a developed anglophone country) might be inspirational enough. Both cities are among the best cities I've ever visited.

[fellowjoe]

Originally Posted by OyCrumbler

Tell us more about your friend. Does he speak French or Japanese to any degree? Is his native language English? Does he have friends already in either area? Has he ever lived somewhere with really, really cold and snow-filled winters? Does that bother him at all? Etc.

The fashion scene is probably much more alive in Montreal than Kyoto (as Japan's fashion scene is strongly centered in Tokyo), but just the difference in culture (I'm assuming your friend is from a developed anglophone country) might be inspirational enough. Both cities are among the best cities I've ever visited.

He's Asian Canadian so he speaks mainly English and Mandarin even though he is currently learning basic Japanese and French.

He also has some friends in Kyoto and none in Montreal.

[OyCrumbler]

Originally Posted by fellowjoe

He's Asian Canadian so he speaks mainly English and Mandarin even though he is currently learning basic Japanese and French.

He also has some friends in Kyoto and none in Montreal.

Oh hell, if it all costs the same and he's Canadian, go for Kyoto. It's going to be a much more eye-opening experience.

[fellowjoe]

Originally Posted by OyCrumbler

Oh hell, if it all costs the same and he's Canadian, go for Kyoto. It's going to be a much more eye-opening experience.

But he's never been to Montreal as well.

Does anyone else want to throw in your two cents?

[barneyg]

Originally Posted by fellowjoe

But he's never been to Montreal as well.

Does anyone else want to throw in your two cents?

I agree with OyCrumbler. Montreal would be different from Vancouver (where I assume you guys are from?) but it's still a North American city.