Information for overseas participants

Access to Kyoto
A direct flight to Kansai International Airport (KIX) is the most convenient and economical route for overseas participants. From there, participants can reach Kyoto by the following means.

1. JR (Japan Railway) Airport Limited Express Train, Haruka Express directly connects you to Kyoto. It departs every 30 minutes. Traveling time; 75 min. Fare: ¥3,490 for reserved seats, ¥2,980 for non-reserved seats.
2. An airport limousine bus service. Buses depart every hour. Traveling time; 105 min. Fare; ¥2,300.

Participants arriving at New Tokyo (Narita) International Airport may choose from the following alternatives;

1. Narita Express train to JR Tokyo station, Traveling time; 60 min. Board JR Shinkansen (Bullet train) to Kyoto station, which runs frequently. The traveling time is approx. 2hours and 20 minutes. The total train fare from Narita to JR Kyoto station; ¥15,930.
2. A limited number of domestic flights to Osaka Itami Airport from Narita Airport (Flight time; 70 minutes). From there take an airport limousine bus to JR Kyoto station (55 minutes, ¥1,280)

From JR Kyoto station to Kyoto International Conference Center, please take the subway "Karasuma line" to Kokusai Kaikan (=Conference Center), the last stop of the subway. (20minutes, ¥280)

Passport and Visa
All foreign visitors entering Japan must possess a valid passport. Participants requiring visas should apply to the Japanese Consulate or Mission in their countries prior to departure. For details, participants are advised to contact their travel agencies or to visit the official website of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan. For those who need to apply for a visa, please contact the Secretariat.

Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan:
http://www.mofa.go.jp/j_info/visit/visa/index.html
Visa exemption countries:
http://www.mofa.go.jp/j_info/visit/visa/02.html
Japanese embassy or consulate:
http://www.mofa.go.jp/about/emb_cons/over/index.html

Foreign Exchange and Credit Cards
Foreign currency exchange is available at major hotels, banks, the Kansai International Airport and the New Tokyo (Narita) International Airport. Major credit cards are widely accepted at hotels and shops. You can withdraw money using credit cards issued by VIAS, MasterCard, American Express, Diners Club, etc. at Japanese Post Office ATMs, but please verify this with your credit card company before departure from your home country. It is suggested you bring sufficient cash in yen for your needs.

Japan Rail Pass
Participants planning to travel within Japan are recommended to purchase a Japan Rail (JR) Pass before departure from their home country, as it cannot be purchased in Japan. This pass includes all JR trains, including the Haruka, Narita Express and Bullet train, but some restrictions apply; the pass is not valid for "NOZOMI" trains on the Tokaido and Sanyo Shinkansen line. A 7-day pass costs ¥28,300 (ordinary class) or ¥37,800 (first class). URL: http://www.japanrailpass.net/

Climate and Clothing
In mid December, the average temperature in Kyoto is approximately 7.2°C with a high of 15.9°C and low of -0.7°C.

Electric Power
Western Japan, including Kyoto is on 100V, AC/60Hz. Devices for 110V AC will work well. The plug type in Japan is type A with two flat blades without a ground pin, the same type widely used in the USA and Canada.

Consumption Tax
A national consumption tax of 5% is added to almost all commodities and services in Japan.

Tipping
Tipping is not customary in Japan.