京きょうに田舎いなかあり

expression

even in bustling cities there are places that have a rural quality

Proverb meaning that even in a sophisticated city like Kyoto, one can find rustic or unsophisticated areas. Often used to suggest that appearances can be deceiving, or that refinement is not universal.

• 京きょうに田舎いなかありというように、都と会かいの真まん中なかにも下した町まち情じょう緒ちょが残のこっている。

  As the saying goes, 'even in Kyoto there is countryside,' and even in the heart of the city, old-town atmosphere remains.