CITY OF KYOTO

Capital of Japan for a millennium

Kyoto is a modern city steeped in the serene mists of Japanese history. Experience the essence of Japan in the bustling streets, peaceful temple grounds, gentle people, and deep-rooted traditions of Kyoto. In the year 794, Emperor Kammu built a new capital named “Heian-Kyo”―Capital of Peace. Kyoto remained the imperial capital for over 1,000 years, and although the political center has moved to Tokyo, Kyoto is still the undisputed cultural heart of Japan.

A millennium as the capital city has left Kyoto with a legacy of tradition and elegance, making it into a living museum. UNESCO has recognized the treasures of the city by designating 17 locations around Kyoto as World Heritage Sites. Few regions in the world can match this concentration of important historical attractions.

ACCESS TO KYOTO

Kansai International Airport

Kansai International Airport (KIX), located slightly over an hour from Kyoto, is the most-used international airport in Japan after Tokyo’s Narita International Airport. KIX serves 49 airlines from over 70 different cities throughout the world.

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Kansai International Airport to Kyoto	JR Haruka Express Train	75 minutes	¥2,980
	Airport Bus	95 minutes	¥2,500
Tokyo to Kyoto	JR Shinkansen Bullet Train	135 minutes	¥12,710
Nagoya to Kyoto	JR Shinkansen Bullet Train	35 minutes	¥4,930
Fukuoka to Kyoto	JR Shinkansen Bullet Train	160 minutes	¥14,700

Currency and Money Exchange

The unit of Japanese currency is the yen. You can buy yen at foreign exchange banks, other authorized money exchangers, and Kyoto International Conference Center. At international airports, currency exchange counters are usually open during normal office hours. The exchange rate fluctuates daily depending on the money market.

Banks, Credit Cards, and ATMs

Banks are open from Monday to Friday, 9:00-15:00 (closed on Saturdays, Sundays, and national holidays).

International credit cards such as American Express, VISA, Diners Club, and MasterCard are widely accepted at hotels, department stores, shops, and restaurants.

Foreign credit cards and cash cards can be used to make withdrawals in Japan yen at post offi ce ATMs and Seven Bank ATMs throughout Japan:

• Post offices that provide this service display stickers indicating which cards are accepted. Cash cards from the Cirrus, PLUS, Maestro, and Visa Electron networks can be used. Accepted credit cards include VISA, MasterCard, American Express, and Diners Club.

• Seven Bank ATMs are placed at 7-Eleven convenience stores throughout Japan, and service is available 24 hours a day in English, Korean, Chinese, and Portuguese. Cash cards from the PLUS and Cirrus networks can be used. Accepted credit cards are VISA, MasterCard, American Express, JCB, and China UnionPay.

Climate

Average temperatures in Kyoto in August and September range between 20°C and 30°C.
Kyoto is located in a basin and surrounded by mountains. This results in very little breeze and high humidity levels during the summer season.

Electricity

The voltage used throughout Japan is uniformly 100 volts, AC. 2-fl at-pin plugs are used in Japan.

Passport and Visa

A valid passport is required to enter Japan. In addition, some foreign nationals are required to obtain a visa. For details, please visit the Web site of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan (http://www.mofa.go.jp/j_info/visit/visa/index.html) and contact the Japanese Consulate or diplomatic mission in your country.

Time Zone

All of Japan is in the same time zone, 9 hours ahead of G.M.T. Daylight Saving Time is not practiced in Japan.