About Japan

Language
Japan's official language is Japanese, but English is understood in major cities.

Time Zone
Upon your arrival, please set your clock to Japanese time!
To adjust your clock, please see the information here

Weather
September is perfect for outdoor exploration and a great time to taste what’s in Japan’s larder. It gets cooler in the evening, so be sure to bring light jacket with you!

Currency
Only Japanese yen (JPY) is accepted at regular stores and restaurants.
Certain foreign currencies may be accepted at a limited number of hotels, restaurants and souvenir shops.

ATM Information

Foreign currency can usually be exchanged at exchange counters, banks, and some hotels, and local convenience stores, such as FamilyMart, 7 eleven, and Lawson.
Exchange rates fluctuate daily in accordance with financial market trends. Currency that can be exchanged depends on the exchange counter.

Tipping

In general, tips are not necessary, even at hotels and restaurants in Japan.

Electricity

Electric voltage is uniformly 100 volts, AC, throughout Japan, but with two different cycles: 50 in eastern Japan including Tokyo, and 60 in western Japan including Kyoto, Osaka and Nagoya. Leading hotels in major cities have two outlets of 100 and 220 volts but their sockets usually accept a two-leg plug only.

Transportation in Kyoto city

Getting around the city, public transportation is very convenient.
Fares start from 230JPY for City buses and 210JPY for subways.

To get to Kyoto International Conference Center, The Karasuma Subway Line is our suggested option.

From JR Kyoto Station
Get on the subway bound for "Shijo , Karasuma Oike, Kokusaikaikan."and get off at Kokusaikaikan Station (The Last stop)

Exit the ticket gate and walk through the underground passage to Exit 4-2.

For more information, please visit the website.

Free Wi-Fi in Kyoto

Everyone can use Kyoto city Wi-Fi for free.
All you need to do is to select SSID on your device.
SSID (wireless network): KYOTO Wi-Fi

For more information about Kyoto, please visit Kyoto City Official Travel Guide

Visa Information

We encourage international participants who need a tourist visa to enter Japan to prepare in advance. It is much easier to proceed the application through a local travel agency in your area to obtain a tourist visa than to get a visa through the Japanese Embassy and Consulate.
Use a visa search tool below to enter your citizenship and destination to determine if you will require a travel visa.

• https://www.travisa.com/Visa_Search

Check to see if you require a visa through "Visa Application Procedures" at the website of Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan.

• http://www.mofa.go.jp/j_info/visit/visa/