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SIGCOMM 2007
A Geek's Guide to Kyoto
for SIGCOMM2007 attendees -- contributed by Ole Jacobsen.
Google Maps for SIGCOMM2007
Travel Japanese for SIGCOMM2007 attendees (buying train tickets, taxi directions)
| - Visa Information | - Transportation |
| - Visitor's Information | - Getting Around Kyoto |
| - Links |
Check
a list of countries with visa exemptions at the
Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan, and see whether
you need a visa.
Countries requiring visas include China, India,
Russia and Brazil.
If you are not sure, ask your nearest
Japanese embassy or consulate directly.
If you do need a visa, ACT EARLY!
Depending on your nationality and the local embassy,
visa applications can take up to ONE MONTH to be
processed.
(more information about visas)
Airport Bus [to Kyoto Station] 2,300 JPY / 105 min.
Schedule:
Kansai International Airport (KIX)
Narita International Airport (NRT)
Shuttle Bus (MK Taxi) [direct to your hotel] 3,000 JPY / up to 180 min.
The Shuttle makes stops at different hotels to drop off passengers.
Reservation required.
http://www.mk-group.co.jp/english/shuttle_kich/top_kich
Train [to Kyoto Sta.] 3,490 JPY / 75 min.
Access Information
To Kyoto International Conference Center
From Kyoto Station, it is a 20 min. ride on the
subway Karasuma Line (340 JPY) to the final stop on
the line [Kokusaikaikan mae].
Kyoto International
Conference Center is directly in front of this subway
stop. It is also 10 min walk from Iwakura station of
the Eizan Railway to the venue.
(Map of
conference hotels and the venue)
From Narita Airport/Tokyo
If you are comming through Narita Airport,
a standard way is to take JR Narita Express from the
airport to Tokyo Station (60min), and then, take Nozomi
Superexpress to Kyoto (2hour-20min). You can buy both tickets at
Narita Airport.
(Narita
Airport aceess information)
More information from Narita Airport
(from http://www.city.kyoto.jp/)(from http://www.city.kyoto.jp/)(from http://www.city.kyoto.jp/)
Maps
Kyoto City (PDF, 36KB)
Subway Line (PDF, 226KB)
ICC Kyoto Area (PDF, 179KB)
The main methods of transportation used when traveling
within Kyoto, are the Subway lines, Buses, and
Taxis.
Subway
The immensely reliable Subway is the easiest method of
transportation to reach the Kyoto International
Conference Center, located at the north end of the
Karasuma line. It is 20 mins. from Kyoto Station, and
most of the signs are in Japanese and English. Tickets
ranging from 210-340 yen are bought from bilingual
machines located beside the ticket gates.
(from ICC Kyoto)
Bus (About the City bus, Route Map)
Most of Kyoto's innumerable temples, shrines and other
cultural treasures are located away from the subway
and are better accessed by the network of City
Buses. Buses are entered through the rear doors, and
the fare paid at the front when leaving the
vehicle. Change should be made before the stop at the
change machine beside the driver, although it is
important to note that bills larger than 1000 yen are
not accepted.
Most of central Kyoto city is accessible by a flat
rate of 220 yen. For suburban destinations, the fare
increases with distance, and requires you to take a
number slip when getting on.
Take advantage of the following discount cards:
* Kyoto Sightseeing Card (1,200 yen for one day, 2,000 yen for two days)
Allows for the unlimited usage of Kyoto City Buses and the Kyoto Subway system.
* Kyoto City Bus One Day Card (500 yen)
Allows for the unlimited use of the Kyoto City Buses, within the set fare area.
(from ICC Kyoto)
Taxi
Taxis are another option for traveling within Kyoto.
Kyoto is the city with the largest number of taxis in
Japan, and are consequently easily found on all major
roads. Taxis are available if the light on the roof is
on, and the sign in the bottom corner of the
windshield is red. Fares start from around 600 yen for
the first couple of kilometers.
Japanese taxis are safe, clean and comfortable to
ride. Remember NOT to touch the doors as they are
fully automated.
(from ICC Kyoto)
MK Taxi
AI KANKO KYOTO SERVICE
Blue Sky Taxi
Weather
Visitors to Kyoto in August should expect temperatures
in the range of approximately 35C (high) to 20C (low).
It's very sultry during August. There will be an
occasional thundershower. Late summer is also the
typhoon season in Japan.
Yahoo Weather (Kyoto)
Climate & Weather
Power
| * | The Kyoto area uses 100V AC/60Hz. |
| * | Devices that take 110V AC will work fine. |
| * | The shape of power outlets http://kropla.com/!ab.htm is identical those used in the United States (two blades in parallel) except most outlets do not have third hole for a ground pin. |
those used in the United States (two blades in parallel) except most outlets do not have third hole for a ground pin.
Shopping/Dining/Currency
| * | Most small shops, taxicabs and train stations do not accept credit cards. It is advised to carry some JPY cash. |
| * | There is no tipping habit in Japan. |
| * | VAT of 5% will be added to every purchase you make. |
| * | 1USD = 120JPY ; 1EUR = 158JPY (roughly) Yahoo currency converter |
| * | Citibank ATMs are located in Kansai International Airport (KIX). Open 24 hrs. List of Citibank branches in Kyoto area. |
| * | Foreign credit, debit and cash cards can be used at Post Office ATMs. Information for Post Office ATMs |
Cellphones
The Japanese cellphone network is not compatible with
GSM, but it IS compatible with 3G technology, see
http://www.yikes.com/~ole/store/kyoto/Money-Phones-Power.html
for details.
CDMA is in service, however, if you need a cellphone,
| (1) | rent it at the airport Kansai Airport: Shop location Narita Airport: Shop location |
| (2) | buy prepaid-card phones at a convenience store. Show ID to shop staff to buy. The cost is about 10,000 JPY - 20,000 JPY for the phone itself and have to get phone card as well. If your stay is short, a rental phone is much cheaper than prepaid phone. |
Emergency calls: Fire department/Ambulance: 119, Police: 110
Links
Japan National Tourist Organization (JNTO)
Japan Information Network
Japan Information and Culture Center
Discover Japan (General Information)
Kyoto Convention Bureau
Kyoto City Tourism and Cultural Information
KYOTO VISITOR'S GUIDE
wikitravel Japan
about Japan (wikipedia)
Japanese mobile phone culture (wikipedia)
Japanese cellular phones FAQ
Most Useful & Most Useless Travel Tips in Japan
Toilets in Japan (wikipedia)
Onsen, Japanese hot springs (wikipedia)
