Local Information
Kyoto is located in the central western part of the Honshu (main) island, Japan.
•Historical Kyoto
Kyoto has many ancient temples and national treasures. It was formerly the
capital of Japan from 8th century thru 19th century for over 1000 years, thus
became a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1994. Seventeen properties of the UNESCO
World Heritage Sites are in Kyoto, dominated by 2000 temples and shrines.
It is a cultural and sightseeing center where people worldwide return, time
and time again.
•Beautiful Autumn Scene
Kyoto has a temperate northern hemisphere climate with clearly defined seasons
and predictable weather patterns. Beautiful autumn colors of bright reds and
yellows start from late October until early December, so you may still enjoy
it during the workshop period “thanks to global warming”. Autumn
scenes are another highlight of Kyoto as well as the cherry blossoms in spring.
Kyoto is also known as the “Kyoto Protocol”, international treaty
for global warming prevention.
•Things to do in Kyoto
There are many things to do in Kyoto, such as sightseeing, experiencing
traditional Japanese culture, shopping, and nightlife. Also, famous Zen temples
and shrines are just a walking distance away from the venue.
More Information about Kyoto (provided by Kyoto Convention Bureau)
Access to Kyoto
Arrival in Kyoto is best by train or bus from the airport.
The closest international airport to Kyoto is the Kansai Intl Airport (KIX).
- Several direct flights to Kansai Int'l Airport (KIX) from America/Europe/Asia.
http://www.kansai-airport.or.jp/en/ - 75 min from KIX Airport to Kyoto station by Train - JR "Haruka" express.
- More frequent flights to New Tokyo (Narita) Intl Airport (NRT), connected to Osaka (Itami) Airport (ITM).
- 50 min from ITM Airport to Kyoto Station by Airport Bus.
- From Kyoto Station to Venue, 20 min by taxi or subway.
Courtesy hotel shuttle bus service is also available 9:00-18:00/ every 30minutes.
Visa
Any foreign visitor who wishes to enter Japan must have a passport, which will remain valid during the period of stay. Visas are required for visitors from some countries, but not others. Travelers from countries who have Visa Exemption Arrangements with Japan, such as US, Canada, most EU countries, Oceania, and parts of Asia, do not require visas. Please check the below pages for more information of whether a visa is required, and follow the necessary procedures at your local embassy/consulate.
Ministry of Foreign Affairs: http://www.infojapan.org/j_info/visit/visa/index.htmlFor help with visa requirements such as invitation letters, please contact info@asru2007.org.
List of Countries that do NOT need visas: http://www.mofa.go.jp/j_info/visit/visa/02.html
List of Foreign Embassies in Japan: http://www.mofa.go.jp/about/emb_cons/protocol/index.html
Currency
The currency of Japan is Yen (JPY). You can buy yen at foreign exchange banks
and other authorized money exchangers. Currency exchange counters at the international
airports are usually open during normal office hours.
Find the current exchange rate for your home country's currency into Japanese
Yen: http://finance.yahoo.com/currency?u
Travelers Checks are accepted by leading banks, hotels, and major stores in
the cities. International credit cards such as American Express, VISA, MasterCard,
and Diners Club are also accepted at these major establishments.
ATMs are commonly available in large urban areas throughout Japan, however,
many do not accept foreign credit cards or cash cards, and their service hours
are very often restricted. Foreign credit, debit and cash cards can be used
at over 26,000 Post Office ATMs in locations throughout Japan. Cards from
Cirrus, Plus, Maestro, Visa Electron networks, and credit cards from Visa,
MasterCard, American Express and Diners Club, can be used at Post Offices
with stickers indicating so.
Electricity
The voltage used throughout Japan is uniformly 100 volts, and 60 Hertz in western Japan (including Kyoto and Osaka). There are no columnar-shaped plugs or 3-pin plugs used in Japan. 2-flat-pin plugs are used instead.
Climate: Autumn Images of Kyoto
Basically, Japan has four distinct seasons, allowing visitors to enjoy
the changing beauty of nature with each season.
Autumn is the season for the beautiful changing of the color of leaves
in Japan. With the many picturesque spots, visitors can thoroughly
enjoy the gorgeous scenery that nature unveils in its valleys, parks,
and gardens. Taking in and appreciating these scenes is called
"momiji-gari" in Japan, an excursion for viewing the scarlet maple
leaves. "Thanks to the global warming", the end of the autumn season is
delayed to December in these years.
During the workshop period, you can
hopefully enjoy the final blushing of the leaves, together with the
beautiful scenery of Kyoto.
Recommend clothing for mid-December will be overcoats, sweaters, etc.
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