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City of Kyoto |
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Welcome to Kyoto, the old capital, where today both the modern and traditional thrive side by side.
In the year 794, the Emperor Kammu built a new capital named "Heian-Kyo" - Capital of Peace. Kyoto remained the seat of the Imperial Court for over 1000 years and prospered as a centre of politics, commerce, culture and art. Although the political centre has moved to Tokyo, Kyoto is still the undisputed cultural heart of Japan.
Nestled among picturesque mountains and placid rivers, Kyoto offers visitors innumerable ways to enjoy its rich natural beauty, culinary delicacies and art treasures. Stroll along the side streets, river banks and paths through the nearby hills and you will be surprised and delighted by the sounds and sights at every turn. Art and architecture lovers will especially enjoy the city, which has distinguished museums and thousands of Shinto shrines and Buddhist temples, many of which retain original wooden buildings carefully maintained through the years. Kyoto boasts 17 UNESCO-designated World Cultural Heritage Sites, and is home to a quarter of all Japan's National Treasures.
Kyoto's traditions have also been utilized to develop advanced modern industries, such as liquid crystal display technology rooted in the traditional art of ceramics.
Experience the essence of Japan here in Kyoto. Its culture, people and hospitality will ensure your visit to Japan is memorable. |
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UNESCO World Cultural Heritage Sites |
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Kyoto and its vicinity are rich in world-celebrated cultural heritage. Magnifi cent structures and gardens created during various periods
since the 8th century have been well preserved. A total of 17 buildings, comprising temples, shrines and a castle in the Kyoto
region have been recognised by UNESCO as World Cultural Heritages. All have structures designated as National Treasures,
and beautiful gardens. Few if any regions in the entire world can match this concentration of important historical attractions. |
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Currency and Money Exchange |
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Currency in Japan is the Yen (￥/JPY). Exchange at the airport is recommended for your convenience. Most foreign currencies and travelers' checks can be exchanged at authorized foreign exchange banks and hotels where you stay. However we highly recommend purchasing travelers' checks or cash in Yen, U.S. dollars or Euros before leaving your home countries. A passport may be required for currency exchange services. |
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Banks |
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Banks are open from Monday to Friday, 9:00-15:00 (Closed on
Saturdays, Sundays and national holidays). Automatic teller
machines (ATMs) are commonly available throughout Japan,
however, not all ATMs accept foreign debit or credit cards.
We recommend that you check with your card company for
applicable ATM locations in Kyoto. ATM withdrawal hours:
9:00 - 20:00 daily. |
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Credit Cards |
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American Express, Diners Club, Visa and MasterCard are widely accepted at hotels, department stores, shops and restaurants. |
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Climate and Clothing |
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In April in Kyoto, the average temperature is low 10℃ and high
18 ℃. The climate is mainly dry and pleasant, with maybe a few rainy days. Please note, however, that early spring weather throughout Japan can be temperamental, so it may feel cold in the early morning and at night. Lingering cherry blossoms and the fresh green of spring make this one of the best seasons ofthe year. Recommended clothing: light jackets, light sweaters and similar. |
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Electricity |
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 Voltage in Japan is 100V and the frequency is either 50Hz or 60Hz depending on the area (Kyoto is 60Hz). The socket is type A, which has two fl at plug holes. If you plan to bring any electric appliances that are not convertible, transformers and/or plug adaptors are necessary. |
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Time zone |
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Japan Standard Time is 9 hours ahead of Greenwich Mean Time. |
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Insurance |
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The ISN and/or Symposium Organizers can accept no responsibility for accidents or damage to the private property
of participants. Please make your own arrangements for health insurance and any other necessary insurance. |
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Shopping |
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Shops and other sales outlets in Japan are generally open on Saturdays, Sundays and national holidays as well as
weekdays from 10:00 to 20:00. Department stores, however, are closed on one weekday, differing by store, and certain specialty shops may not open on Sundays and national holidays. Major credit cards are accepted in many places. |
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Taxes |
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5% consumption tax is included in the price marked, but all major department stores in Kyoto will refund the tax to foreign
visitors if total purchases amount to more than JPY10,001 on that day. Exemptions include food, beverages, tobacco, pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, fi lm and batteries. When you have completed your shopping, take the purchased goods and receipts to the tax refund counter in the store. There
are forms to fi ll out (you will need your passport). Upon completion, a record of your purchase is placed on the visa page of your passport and you are given the tax refund on the spot. When you leave Japan, make sure you have your purchases with you; you may be asked by Customs to show them (pack them in your carry-on luggage). |
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Restaurants |
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Kyoto is known for the delicacy of its cuisine. There are also many restaurants specializing in Western cuisines. Most
restaurants are also open on Sundays and holidays. Major credit cards are accepted in many restaurants. |
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Tipping |
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In Japan, tips are not necessary anywhere, even at hotels and restaurants or when using taxis. |
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Internet |
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Most hotels in Kyoto offer Internet access and there are some cyber-cafes in the city. |
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Telephone Service |
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The international dialing code from abroad is +81 for Japan.
For international calls, dial: 001 + 010 + national code + area code + personal number. |
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Mobile Telephones |
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Mobile telephone rental is recommended, as most foreign cellular phones are not compatible with Japan's network. Mobile phone rental shops are conveniently located at Narita and other international airports. In addition,
Japanese providers offer roaming services where you can use your own cellular phone number (simply bring your own SIM card and insert it to a rental phone or your own 3G handset). Please make sure to verify with your local provider prior to your departure. |
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Transportation |
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Subway |
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The immensely reliable Subway is the easiest method of transportation to reach the ICC Kyoto, located at the north end of the Karasuma line. It is 20mins from Kyoto Station plus approx. 5mins walk, and most of the signs are in Japanese and English. Tickets ranging from 210-340 yen are bought from bilingual machines
located beside the ticket gates. The subway stations are numbered to facilitate getting around. |
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City Buses |
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Most of Kyoto's innumerable temples, shrines and other cultural treasures are located away from the subway and are better accessed by the network of City Buses. Buses are entered through the rear doors, and the fare paid at
the front when leaving the vehicle. Change should be made before the stop at the change machine beside the driver, although it is important to note that bills larger than 1000 yen are not accepted. Most of central Kyoto city is accessible by a fl at rate of 220 yen. For suburban destinations, the fare increases with distance, and requires you to take a number slip when getting on. |
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Take advantage of the following discount cards: |
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Kyoto Sightseeing Card (1,200 yen for one day, 2,000 yen for two days) |
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Allows unlimited usage of Kyoto City Buses and the Kyoto Subway system |
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Kyoto City Bus One Day Card (500 yen) |
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Allows unlimited use of the Kyoto City Buses, within the set fare area |
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Taxis |
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Taxis are another option for traveling within Kyoto. Kyoto is the city with the largest number of taxis in Japan, and they are consequently easily found on all major roads. Taxis are available if the light on the roof is on, and the sign in the bottom corner of the windshield is red. Fares start from under 600 yen for the fi rst
couple of kilometers. Japanese taxis are safe, clean and comfortable to ride. Remember NOT to touch the doors as they are fully automated. |
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