A new Chabad opened in Kyoto, but there has been some sort of Chabad there for some time I think. Without getting too political, how does it work that Chabad does or doesn't officially recognize a shaloch as being "official"? Is it about paperwork or is there something more fundemental? Should one be more concerned about kasharus from an unofficial Chabad vs an official Chabad?
Previously some of the ex-pats living/working in Kyoto spent shabbos in the JCC Kobe, where there is a proper shul with a great chabad rabbi. There are some apartments in the shul complex - dorm rooms are free, or the self-contained apartment is around $100/night I think. It's around 1 hour drive, less on the train.
The Rabbi in Kobe is brother in law of R. Mendi from Tokyo, and they are very close - kids friendly etc. The wife and his family are wonderful people and very hospitable. Community is an interesting mix of post-army Israelis, travellers, jewish men married to local women, a few scholars and some expats.
Shabbat food in Kobe JCC is fine, but often no meat/chicken as it's so expensive. Rabbi is happy to make meals for travellers and ship anywhere, same prices and R Mendi.
Kobe is the only 'proper' orthodox shul in Japan (not chabad house) and has been around since early 20th century - hosting the Mir Yeshiva (briefly) during WW2.
http://www.jcckobe.org/https://www.facebook.com/chabadkobejapan/See also
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/History_of_the_Jews_in_Kobefor background