WELCOME TO KYOTO!
IWSLT 2006 will be held in Kyoto, one of the most famous cities in Japan with its cultural and historical heritage. From 794 A.D., it was the capital of Japan for over 1000 years. Without knowing Kyoto, it is impossible to grasp the true essence of Japanese culture and history.
The workshop days in November will fall on one of the two great seasons in Kyoto for viewing foliage; the other is cherry blossom season in spring. We hope you enjoy fruitful discussions at the workshop in the beautiful autumn in Kyoto.
Venue
The workshop will take place in the center of Kyoto, Japan, at the Palulu Plaza Kyoto, room A on the 5th floor. The venue is just next to Kyoto Station through the Karasuma central exit.
676-13 Higashi Shiokouji-cho
Shimogyo-ku, Kyoto 600-8216
Phone: +81-75-352-7444
Fax: +81-75-352-7390
Banquet (November 27, from 19:00 -)
The banquet will take place in a magnificent restaurant located about 2.2 miles (3.5km) away from the venue. We will have chartered buses available for your convenience.The buses will leave at 18:00 after the first workshop day. Please make sure to catch it since going to the restaurant on your own is a little bit challenging, and the restaurant is too good to miss.
The Garden Oriental Kyoto
366 Yasaka kamimachi, Shimogawara higashi-iru,
Yasaka-dori, Higashiyama-ku, Kyoto 605-0827
Phone: +81-75-541-3333
Fax: +81-75-541-3334
Accommodation
Details are here.
Access to Kyoto Station
The trip from Kansai International Airport to Kyoto Station takes about 75 minutes by the Kansai Airport Express Train 'Haruka' and 95 minutes by shuttle bus. Japan has an excellent train network, and the JR bullet train 'Nozomi' runs every 15 minutes from Tokyo to Kyoto, which takes 2 hours and 30 minutes.
Transportation within the city
Kyoto city serves an excellent transportation system, such as buses, subway lines, and a large fleet of taxis. However, traffic jams are endemic so you may want to take subway to go around if you have a choice. Unfortunately, most of Kyoto's innumerable temples, shrines and other cultural treasures are located away from the subway staions and are better accessed by the network of buses. Taxis are another option for traveling within Kyoto. 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.
Tourist Information
Kyoto City Tourist Information Office is located at Kyoto Station. They offer maps, brochures, and all kinds of information you may need during your stay in Kyoto. Their office hours are 8:30 to 19:00, open everyday.
Other useful URLs:
-Wikipedia - Kyoto
-Fodor's Online - Kyoto Travel Guide
-Osaka Visitor's Guide
-Osaka Tourist Guide
-Japan for Visitors
-National Tourist Information
ATMs and Banks
You can get cash with your credit card or debit card (PIN number required) at almost all ATMs at Japanese post offices. The conference venue also has a post office ATM on the first floor. The business hours are 9:00-21:00 on weekdays and 9:00-19:00 on weekends. Simply select English menu and proceed from there. Banks are open Monday to Friday, 9:00-15:00 (closed on Saturdays and Sundays). The closest bank from the venue is the Bank of Tokyo-Mitsubishi UFJ, where you can withdraw cash by credit card from 9:00 to 19:00. It is located in front of Kyoto Station, bus terminal, and from the venue, you will get there in 3 minutes on foot.
Currency exchange
Japan is undoubtedly a cash society, and obtaining cash beforehand is highly recommended when visiting the country. Most foreign currencies and traveler's checks can be easily exchanged at banks and hotels. A passport may be required for currency exchange services. The approximate exchange rate as of October 18 was 1 US dollar=118 yen. The secretariat will only accept cash in yen.
Tax & Tipping
Tax in Japan is 5%. A new law (as of April 2004) has been passed requiring merchants to indicate the 'tax-included' prices on their products. It is not customary to tip in Japan, so there is no need to offer a gratuity at any time.
Weather
The average temperature in November is 11.9C/53.4F in Kyoto. The weather is chilly during
this season so you will need a sweater and light coat. This is the best time to see foliage so that many people all over Japan come to Kyoto to enjoy beautiful scenery. Therefore, it is strongly recommended to make a hotel reservation early enough.
Time
Japan Standard Time is 9 hours ahead of G.M.T.
Electricity
The electrical current in Japan is 100V AC although there are two different cycles in use - 50 hertz in eastern Japan, 60 hertz in western Japan (& Kyoto). There are no columnar-shaped plugs or 3-pin plugs used in Japan but 2-flat-pin plugs (identical to those in North America) are used instead. Most major hotels provide outlets for both 110V and 220V appliances such as shavers, hairdryers and travel irons.
Shopping
Most shops and department stores are open on Sundays, however, they normally close on one weekday (usually on Wednesday). Kyoto is a shopper's delight for antiques, pottery, and crafts. Major credit cards are accepted in many places, but not in local stores, especially at establishments
dealing with food and drink.
Postal service
Post offices are open daily 9:00-17:00 except Saturdays and Sundays, but the one next to Kyoto Station opens 9:00-19:00 on weekdays, 9:00-17:00 on Saturdays, 9:00-12:30 on Sundays and holidays.