Kyoto is peaceful as ever. 

     The terrible earthquake and tsunami devastated the north-eastern parts of the mainland (“Tohoku District”) and also damaged
     the Fukushima nuclear power plants seriously.
     However, the Japanese Government has been doing their best to rescue them gradually and to prevent their further accidents.
     We believe that the current catastrophic state will be over and the nuclear power plants will be under control within a few months.
     Furthermore, Kyoto is about 580 km away from the epicenters of the earthquake.
     Under the circumstances, we would like to assure you that Kyoto appears to be almost completely safe and unaffected by
     the serious conditions at the present time.

 

     You can access the latest information (transportation information, radiation monitor map of Fukushima Nuclear Power Plant,
     scheduled blackouts, events etc) about visiting Japan after the earthquake that occurred on March 11 at the following website.
     Japan National Tourism Organization   
     http://www.jnto.go.jp/eq/eng/04_recovery.htm

     MICE Research Institute
     http://www.mice-ri.or.jp/en/japanafter311/index.html

Access to Kyoto     Transportation from Kansai International Airport

The followings are how to come to Kyoto from KIX:

FROM KIX TO KYOTO STATION
(1) Getting the Limited Express Train (Haruka)
The fastest way to come to Kyoto from the airport is to take the Haruka Limited Express Train.
It takes about 80 minutes and the trains leave every 30 minutes.
The fare costs 3,490 Japanese Yen.

(2) Getting the Limousine Bus
Comfortable limousine buses run from the airport to Kyoto Station, which leave the airport every 30 minutes, stopping at some of the major hotels along the way.
The ticket costs 2,500 Japanese Yen.
Bus tickets can be purchased outside of the arrival lobby of the airport (on the first floor).
It takes about 90 minutes but may take longer depending on the traffic situation.

FROM KYOTO STATION TO GRAND PRINCE HOTEL KYOTO
(1) Getting the Metro
It takes about 20 minutes from Kyoto Station to Grand Prince Hotel Kyoto.
It costs 250 yen, but you have to make up and down to reach the platform of the metro.

(2) Getting the Taxi
It takes about 30 minutes from Kyoto Station to the hotel.
It costs approximately 3,000 yen.

ALTERNATIVE WAY
We must say it would be rather cumbersome (particularly in case you have heavy luggage(s)) to change the vehicles described above.
We would recommend you to take a shuttle bus service called ‘MK Skygateshuttle’.
It takes you directly to the Grand Prince Hotel Kyoto from KIX, stopping at several hotels in Kyoto depending on the passengers. This shuttle bus could be reserved in advance from on-line.
The fare costs 3,500 yen.As to the details, please see the website below:
www.mk-group.co.jp/english/shuttle/
If you ask them to pick you up at the arrival gate of the airport, the shuttle bus driver will be waiting for you at the arrival gate holding your name plate. Of course, he will carry your baggage.
Although it takes a little bit longer than the transportation described above, this is much easier.

 

Travel Information

Climate

In mid November, the average temperature in Kyoto is approximately 12°C (53°F) with a high of 17°C (62°F) and low of 7°C (45°F).

Electricity

In Japan, 2-flat-pin plugs are used instead of columnar-shaped plugs or 3-pin plugs. The voltage used throughout Japan is uniformly 100 volts, A.C. There are two kinds of frequencies in use; 60 Hertz in western Japan (including Kyoto) and 50 Hertz in eastern Japan. A convertible type of electrical appliances such as a travel iron, hair dryer, and shaver will therefore be handy. Otherwise, a step-down transformer is required to convert the voltage.

Passport and Visa

Any foreign visitors desiring to enter Japan must have a valid passport. A visa is required for citizens of countries that do not have visa exempt agreements with Japan. Please check the following URL for your visa requirements and contact the nearest Japanese Embassy or Consulate when you need to apply for a visa.
An official letter of invitation will be sent by the 3rd GQAC Secretariat upon request to those who have registered and paid the registration fee. However, such solicited invitations will not include an offer for payment of any expenses, such as registration, travel or hotel accommodation for the Conference.
For more details, please contact the 3rdGQAC Secretariat by e-mail (info@3rdgqac.com) or fax (+81-3-5840-5564).

　● Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan : 　http://www.mofa.go.jp/j_info/visit/visa/

　● Visa exemption countries : 　http://www.mofa.go.jp/j_info/visit/visa/short/novisa.html

　● Japanese embassy or consulate : 　http://www.mofa.go.jp/about/emb_cons/over/

Currency ＆ Foreign Exchange

The local currency is Japanese Yen (JPY). Japanese money comes in bills (1,000, 2,000, 5,000 and 10,000 yen) and coins (1, 5, 10, 50, 100 and 500 yen). Major currencies, such as the US dollar and EURO, can be exchanged at the Kyoto International Conference Center, as well as at international airports, major banks and major hotels. Banks are open from 9:00 to 15:00 on Monday to Friday. Traveler's Checks and Credit Cards.
Traveler's checks are accepted by leading banks and hotels in major cities. International credit cards such as American Express, VISA, Diners Club, MasterCard and JCB are also acceptable at these major establishments. Credit card transactions, however, are not always convenient outside big cities. Therefore, obtaining cash beforehand is recommended when you travel to the countryside.

Tip

Tipping is not customary in Japan. Individual tipping is not common in Japan, since a 10 to 15 % service charge is added to the bill at major hotels and higher-class restaurants.

Consumption Tax

A national consumption tax of 5% is added to almost all commodities and services in Japan.

Food and Water

There are many restaurants and cafeterias in Kyoto City, where you may enjoy a variety of foods and drinks at affordable prices. You may also buy snacks at supermarkets, convenience stores and other similar shops. Tap water is safe to drink anywhere in Japan.

Time Zone

Japan is in a single time zone, nine hours ahead of GMT.

Insurance

The organizers do not accept responsibility for individual medical, travel or personal insurance. Participants are advised to take out their own personal insurance policy.