Kyoto Information

Ryoan ginkaku kiyo
- AboutKyoto - Sight Seeing
- Shopping - Events
- Links

About Kyoto
Natural scenery, temples, shrines, towns and homes intermingle with a poignant historical beauty. Whether it is the Gion Festival, the Tea Ceremony or Japanese flower arrangement or Nishijin-brocade, so many aspects of characteristic Japanese culture continue to thrive in Kyoto. Over a period of 1200 years, dating from the decision to move the capital to Kyoto in 794, it nurtured a splendid, delicate and unique kind of culture, and over the course of history came to be considered the mother of culture within Japan.

For this reason, Kyoto is often called "Japan's heartland", and it is said that it is impossible to know the real Japan without knowing Kyoto.
(from Kyoto City Web)

The Kyoto International Conference Center, the venue, is a spacious conference complex surrounded by natural beauty and situated in the north of Kyoto City. The Kyoto Protocol on global warming was signed here in 1997.

Sight Seeing (Kyoto sight seeing map)
There are 17 World Heritage Sites in Kyoto. There are a lot of beautiful shrines and temples all over Kyoto. City Bus and Subway are very useful to see around. (Useful guide for Kyoto City Bus & Subway ) also hire private taxi all-day to make tour as you like. (Reference: Getting Around Kyoto )

kinkakuKinkakuji-Temple
Kinkakuji (Golden Pavilion) is a Zen temple formally known as Rokuonji. In 1397 construction started on the Golden Pavilion as part of a new residence for the retired shogun Ashikaga Yoshimitsu. Kinkakuji was converted into a Zen temple after Yoshimitsu's death in 1408.
(from japan guide)

nijo_joNijo-Castle
Nijo Castle (Nijojo) was built by Tokugawa Ieyasu, founder of the Edo Shogunate, as the Kyoto residence for himself and his successors.
The palace building now known as Ninomaru ("secondary castle"), was completed in 1603 and enlarged by Ieyasu's grandson Iemitsu. It survives in its original form and is famous for its Momoyama architecture, decorated sliding doors and floors that squeak like nightingales when someone walks on them (a security measure against intruders). (from japan guide)

kiyomizuKiyomizudera
Kiyomizudera ("Pure Water Temple") is one of the most celebrated temples of Japan. It was founded in 780 and remains associated with the Hosso sect, one of the oldest sects within Japanese Buddhism. In 1994, the temple was added to the list of UNESCO world heritage sites.
Kiyomizudera stands in the wooded hills of eastern Kyoto and offers visitors a nice view over the city from its famous wooden terrace. Below the terrace, you can taste the spring water, which gives the temple its name and which is said to have healing power.
(from japan guide)

kuramaKurama
Kurama is a rural town in the northern mountains of Kyoto City, less than one hour from the city center. (Only 30min from the SIGCOMM2007 venue.) Kurama is best known for its temple Kurama-dera and its hot spring, one of the most easily accessible hot springs from Kyoto.
(from japan guide)

Shopping
The largest shopping district in Kyoto is around Shijo and Kawaramachi. You can find many specialty shops as well as department stores in this area.

For gadget shopping, the best place to go is BicCamera located next to JR Kyoto Station. (open from 10am to 9pm)

There are computer and electrical appliance stores in Teramachi Electrical Town located on Teramachi Street, south of Shijo. But Teramachi Electrical Town is much smaller than Akihabara in Tokyo or Nihonbashi in Osaka.

Events
Events during SIGCOMM2007

Hassakusai Horaku-e (Festival)Zaodo Kofuku-ji Temple August 31 (Fri)

Fishing with Cormorants in Arashiyama July 1 (Sun) - September 15 (Sat)

Links
2 Kyoto (Kyoto guide map)
Kansai Area Travel Guide
Japan Reference
Tomidaya(Experience traditional Japanese culture)
Kyoto City Tourism & Culture (Discount Tickets)
Walk in Kyoto, Talk in English tour
blog on Kyoto by Nils Ferry
wikitravel Kyoto