About Kyoto

Kyoto, known as one of the most attractive places to visit in Japan, was founded in A.D. 794 as the imperial capital of Japan until the middle of the 19th century. Being the center of politics, commerce, and culture and art, Kyoto illustrates its glorious history with innumerable cultural treasures including 17 UNESCO world heritage sites.
As of today, visitors from all over the world continue to visit this ancient capital for its art of architecture, Japanese gardens and for its cuisine. Kyoto is centrally located in western Japan and close to the major cities in the region as, Osaka, Kobe, Nara and Otsu.

Getting to Kyoto

Kansai International Airport (KIX) is the closest international gateway for Kyoto.
To transfer from KIX to Kyoto:
About 75 minutes by Airport Shuttle Train “Haruka” from KIX to Kyoto Station.
About 95 minutes by Limousine bus from KIX to Kyoto Station.

About 55 minutes by Limousine bus from Osaka (Itami) Airport to Kyoto Station.
2 hours 15 minutes by Shinkansen (Bullet Train) from Tokyo Station to Kyoto Station.

For more information, please visit the following link:
http://www.icckyoto.or.jp/en/access/

Useful Information

Credit Card

All major hotels and most restaurants and shops accept credit cards. It is advisable to carry an identity card, passport or other form of photo identification. To go sightseeing, cash is recommended. Temples and shrines usually do not accept credit cards.

Electricity

The voltage in Japan is 100 Volt, which is different from North America (110V), Central Europe (220V) and most other regions of the world. Two kinds of frequencies are in use; 60Hz in the west (Kyoto), 50Hz in the east and Tokyo. Flat 2-pin plugs. (There are no columnar-shaped plugs or 3-pin plugs.)

Insurance

Although Japan is a clean and relatively safe country, it is always advisable to take out travel insurance for the duration of your stay. The meeting organizers will not be held liable for illness, accidents or thefts suffered by participants.

Mobile Phone

The Japanese mobile phones protocol is different from that in other parts of the world, so please check with your provider before you depart. Mobile phones are available for rental at the airport. It is very hard to find rental cell phones in Kyoto, so it is best to rent one at the airport.

Time Difference

Japan has only one standard time zone: UTC/ GMT +9 hours.

Tipping

Tipping is not customary in Japan.