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Kyoto, surrounded by gracefully wooded hills and mirrored
by 1200 years' history, was the capital of Japan from 794 to 1868
AD. In addition to beautiful Imperial Villas, Kyoto has about 400
Shinto shrines and 1,650 Buddhist temples which dot the entire city.
Innumerable cultural treasures and traditional crafts, as well as
beautiful spring cherry blossoms and autumnal colours, attract visitors
to Kyoto, both from within and without Japan.
Today, the city of Kyoto is also a bustling academic city that is
young-at-heart, with nearly 50 institutions of higher education, and
a home to many world-class corporate research giants.
The spirit of Kyoto lies in the unique blend of old and new, taking
the best of the old and applying them to the future. |
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| The main methods of transportation used when traveling
within Kyoto, are the Subway lines, Buses, and Taxis. |
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| The immensely reliable Subway is the easiest
method of transportation to reach the Kyoto International Conference
Hall, located at the north end of the Karasuma line (see
map).It is 20mins from Kyoto Station, and most of the signs
are in Japanese and English. Tickets ranging from 200-320 yen
are bought from bilingual machines located beside the ticket
gates. |
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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. |
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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
under 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. |
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Japan is a country that takes great pride in the beauty of
it's 4 seasons, and the different flora and fauna that spring
up are the basis of Japanese aesthetics.
The following information is a generalized summary of the
climate and seasons of Kyoto. Use it as a point of reference
only.
‘Spring (March-May):
Lightweight jackets & sweaters.
@Spring is considered the best tourist season in Kyoto, together
with autumn. The people of Kyoto pride themselves with beatiful
Cherry blossoms, the national flower. The weather is at its
best with little humidity.
‘Rainy Season
(June):
Rainwear. Cheap umbrellas readily available at convenience
stores.
@The rainy season in Kyoto is mid-June through to mid-July.
The deep green foilage of this season is refreshing to see.
‘Summer (June-August):
Light clothing, short sleeves.
@Kyoto is located on a plateau surrounded by mountains, and
has a warm summer. Public buildings are sometimes quite strongly
airconditioned.
‘Autumn (September-November):
Lightweight jackets & sweaters.
@Autumn is another beautiful season for viewing the deep red
foilage of the Japanese Maple.
‘Winter (December-February):
Coats, wool suits & warm sweaters and jackets. Gloves
& scarves.
@The climate in Kyoto City may be considered generally mild,
as it usually does not snow more than a couple of days in
the year, and never reaches more than a few degrees below
0ίC. |
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To convert ίC (Celsius) to ίF (Fahrenheit), multiply by 9,
divide by 5 and add 32.
To convert ίF to ίC, subtract 32, multiply by 5 and divide
by 9 |
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| With a long history as the leading tourist city
in Japan, Kyoto offers over 20,000 rooms in the central area,
with everything from the economic Youth Hostels and Business
Hotels to modern City Hotels and traditional Ryokan. Dotted
along the subway lines, most of these hotels are within an accessible
15-20 min distance to the ICC Kyoto. (See
Kyoto City Map & Hotel Map above) |
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Grand Prince Hotel Kyoto
(previous
name: Kyoto Takaragaike Prince Hotel)
The
closest Hotel to ICC Kyoto is the Grand Prince Hotel Kyoto,
which is just across the road and a mere 3-minute walk from
our Main Entrance. Effective April 1, 2007, all of the Guestrooms,
Meeting Rooms and Restaurants are completely remodeled and
the hotel has been renamed. The hotel provides a total of 309
guestrooms including 6 two-bedroom suites and 20 one-bedroom
suites. The 8th floor is a brand-new Royal Floor offering luxuriously
appointed rooms, exclusive lounge and concierge desk. In-house
restaurants are French, Chinese and Japanese, and also guests
can enjoy the Main Bar, Japanese Teahouse and Lobby Lounge.
A Teppanyaki Counter is a popular new addition to the French
restaurant Beau Sejours. 7 Meeting Rooms including the Prince
Halli1,140ujand the Gold Roomi423ujare available for banquet
and conference.
Official site here. |
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| ‘The
Lodge is a 30-room facility located on the Kyoto International
Conference Hall premises, and is the most convenient for a stress-free
commute to participate in early morning conferences and meetings.
Often utilized by conference and convention organizing comittees,
all 30 rooms, equipped with bath, toilet, TV, free Internet
connection and refrigerator, are reasonably priced. |
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Check-in from 04:00pm
Check-out before 10:00am
* Doors close at 11:00pm. Contact the front
desk if expected arrival time is later. |
AMENITY GOODS - NEW!
Towels, Yukata (An informal cotton kimono), Body soap, Shampoo,
Conditioner, Toothbrush set, Razor, Shaving cream, Showercap,
Hairbrush, Shoeshine cloth, etc. have now been made available
by popular request.
BREAKFAST - NEW!
(Make reservations at least 2days in advance)
Morning Set - 630 yen tax included
Sandwich, Roll, Fresh Fruits, Juice, Coffee.
* Meals placed in room refrigerator the previous afternoon.
* Hot breakfasts (1,500 yen - Japanese or Western Style) may
be arranged to be served at the 'Grill' restaurant in the main
building. Reservations may be made for 15 or more, more than
one week before.
<CANCELLATIONS>
The following fees will apply:
From 2 weeks before - 20% of room fees
From 24 hours before - 50%
On the date of reservation - 100%
No-show - 100% |
| ROOM STYLE |
SINGLE OCCUPANCY |
DOUBLE OCCUPANCY |
| Standard Western Style
i24 roomsj |
6,720 yen
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11,130 yen
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| Deluxe Western Style i4
roomsj |
7,770 yen
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13,230 yen
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| Japanese Style i2 roomsj |
8,820 yen
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15,330 yen
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* Tax & service charges included.
* Double occupancy price will be billed when used as waiting
room.. |
‘The Ryokan
are beautiful traditional Japanese-style lodgings with tatami
mat floors and futon bedding. Full of character, these lodgings
reflect the history and aesthetics of Kyoto, offering exquisite
food and warm hospitality Japan is renowned for.
Visit Japanese
Guest Houses for a comprehensive guide to major Ryokan in
the Kyoto city area. Also see Japanese
Inn Group, Kinki Area. |
‘Japan is often
thought of as an expensive country. However, there are also
many cheaper accomodations for the economy traveller.
Note that many of these are basic accomodations with less privacy,
often shared by students and backpackers.
Visit hostels
web.com for some inexpensive alternatives.
Many other City Hotels in the Kyoto area are available for booking
online.
(ex. conduct a search for 'Hotel Reservations Kyoto') |
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Etiquette
+ Some simple rules of etiquette and tips on what to
expect can mean a lot when visiting a foreign country for the
first time. The following are a few distinctive features of
the Japanese table. |
- The traditional utensil of choice in Japan is
the hashi chopstick, with no spoon. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hashi
- As a general rule, it is preferred that you hold your bowl
of rice or soup in your hand to bring it to your mouth and avoid
spills.
- Silverware and other utensils are usually available according
to the style of food served.
- In order to enjoy soups and noodles while hot and fresh, slurping
sounds are considered a natural and welcome part of the meal,
as this way, you are less likely to burn yourself.
- Drinking alcohol is a large part of Japanese culture. The
history of Sake, made from rice, the staple grain of the country,
goes back a long way. It is usually used for offerings, for
symbolic purification ceremonies, as well as other special occasions
such as in traditional wedding ceremonies. If you are unable
to drink and have said as much, you may still have people insist
on filling your cup. Be prepared to accept the gesture and refrain
from emptying your cup.
http://www.jref.com/culture/japanese_manners_etiquette.shtml |
General Characteristics
+ Japanese dishes are often very intricately prepared,
and can be quite a mystery to the unaccustomed. Here is a general
outline of possibly the most basic ingredients and seasonings
that are used in the most versatile of ways. |
- Geographically surrounded by the sea, fish and
shellfish as well as edible sea vegetables (Nori) are abundantly
consumed fresh, dry, fried, battered, grilled, boiled, minced
and virtually any other method of preparation.
- Although domesticated animal meats have only recently been
adopted into the popular Japanese diet, they have been quick
to develop extremely tender strains of beef, pork and chicken
for consumption. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_beef
- Dashi soup stocks http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dashi
taken from dried bonito shavings (Katsuo-bushi) http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Katsuobushi
or sun-dried kelp (Kombu) http://www.mitoku.com/recipes/index/seavegetables.htm
make the basic foundation by which sauces, soups and many other
dishes are flavored.
Another very basic ingredient used in Japanese cooking is the
Mirin. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mirin |
For the Adventurous
+ That said, the Japanese flavour has become relatively
widely known to the world during this past decade or so, with
popular restaurants and cookbooks making cuisine like sushi,
teriyaki and tempura familiar to the ears of many English language
speakers. Of course, all of these can be had in Kyoto, yet there
are many more food options that are available for the adventurous.
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| Anyone who has spent any long periods of time
in Japan, will be able to tell you that many Japanese love to
ask if you can eat some of the more echallengingf foods of the
Japanese cuisine, that are often avoided by the less adventurous.
Natto (with or without raw egg), Tsukemono (Japanese pickles),
Horumon or Motsu (giblets), Tako (octopus), to name but a few.
As a general rule, trying everything on the table will give
a good impression, as having food preferences have traditionally
been looked upon as a sign of extravagance. |
Foods of Kyoto
+ Kyoto particularly prides itself in its long history
as the central capital of Japan, where the best food ingredients
were gathered from around the country, and food culture was
developed and honed. |
- Kyo-Yasai & Shoujin-Ryori
Originally brought into Japan during the Kamakura Era together
with Buddhism, it was a type of food eaten and prepared by
monks. Shoujin-Ryori (food for betterment of oneself) does
not include animal meats or fish in its ingredients, and is
a treasure trove of vegetable delicacies. In order to maintain
a good nutritional balance, Kyo-Yasai (Kyoto vegetables) were
indispensable. For this reason, the Kyo-Yasai quantity and
quality were cultivated to play a central role at the table.
- Obanzai
Originally meaning eeveryday foodsf, this has come to be the
name known for traditional home cooking dishes that developed
from the private kitchens of Kyoto. Usually composed of vegetables
and other homely ingredients that were readily available in
the Kyoto and surrounding area, this included Kyo-Yasai, bean
curd products, as well as some dried fishes, flavored in intricate
ways.
- Kyo-Kaiseki
Kyo-Kaiseki is a formal course-style dinner that developed
from the ideals of sado- (the way of the tea). Kaiseki (meaning,
just enough to warm the stomach) originally developed from
the simple dishes prepared to eat as a light meal before partaking
in tea ceremonies. In Kyoto - tea ceremony mecca ? creative
minds sought to develop this meal into an art that reflects
the best aromas and fruits of each season. In the same way
that sado- (the way of the tea) inspired the development of
Japanese confectionary artisans, so too was it responsible
for nurturing and perfecting the skills that would make the
best dishes from the produce the land had to offer. |
Reasonable Foods
+ Where to find foods is also another essential matter
for the unaccustomed. Although some English language guidebooks
list restaurants that have English menus or English speaking
staff, it is always good to know what other options are available. |
Food to GO
- Konbini Convenience store - ie. 7/11, FamilyMart, Lawson,
Circle K
- Su-pa- Supermarket - Many franchises throughout the city
- Depachika Department store - ie. Takashimaya, Daimaru, Isetan
These are three places where a great variety of ready-to-eat
foods are spread out on display. With everything from instant
noodles to salads and rice balls to pasta and breads, the
convenience store is true to its name, very often, serving
the residents of local neighborhoods 24hrs a day. Less flexible
time-wise, but perhaps slightly cheaper and with more options
for fresh ingredients, is the supermarket. The depachika (basement-level
floors of department stores dedicated to food) generally cost
a little more than the former two options, but usually carry
a great variety of delicious pre-cooked takeout dishes, as
well as sweets and other foods from around the world. |
Fast food vocabulary
- Soba, ra-men, donburi, obento-, okonomiyaki, takoyaki, udon,
ohsho-, curry rice, dotour, hamburger, kaitenzushi, izakaya |
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[ Kyoto Info IN PERSON ]
-Kyoto Prefectural
International Center & Kyoto Tourist Information
9th floor Kyoto Station Building 075-344-3300
Although slightly challenging to locate, this office is well
worth the visit with a library of English books, Internet access
for visitors and English speaking staff.
-Kyoto
City Tourism & Culture Information Center
2nd floor Kyoto Station Building 075-343-6655
Accessibly located, this Information Center supplies English
maps of the city, as well as pamphlets and other useful information.
(Can be congested)
The web-based Kyoto Information Database tool is great for searching
for what youfre looking for. |
[ A Bigger Picture ]
-Kansai
Window
For those looking to venture a little bit further than Kyoto
City, the Kansai area is the name of the group of 9 prefectures
comprising this part of western Japan.
-Japan-guide.com
The online version of the famous pocket travel guide, covering
most major destinations in Japan. |
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