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SIGCOMM 2007
| - 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 )
Kinkakuji-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-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)
Kiyomizudera
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)
Kurama
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
