General Information
Kyoto City
Kyoto was the capital city of Japan for over 1,000 years, and was at the heart of Japanese culture and politics. Kyoto is additionally unique within Japan in that it was virtually untouched during World War II, leaving a myriad of temples and shrines intact, along with a castle. This legacy has been recognized by UNESCO, which has designated seventeen separate sites within Kyoto's borders as World Cultural Heritage sites. What other location in the world has that many attractions in one place? In addition, 20% of Japan's national treasures and 15% of the country's cultural properties can all be found in Kyoto. Since Kyoto was the seat of the Imperial household for so long, master artisans gathered there to serve the Emperor and his court. Kyoto pottery, fabrics, tea ceremony traditions, dance, cuisine and calligraphy from Kyoto are still highly regarded throughout Japan.
Kyoto in November
After a hot and humid summer, the autumn season in Kyoto is clear and the temperatures are moderate. Kyoto's average highest temperature in autumn is 17℃ and the lowest is 4℃. The temperature difference between day and night is large, so we recommend that you bring warm clothes for the evening.
Venue
Transportation
Access to Kyoto
The most convenient transport is to take a direct flight to Kansai International Airport. This route is strongly recommended. There are many direct flights to Kansai from Europe, the Americas, Australia, and Asian countries. You can also come to Kyoto via Narita International Airport or from the Central Japan International Airport (Centrair) near Nagoya as follows:
From Kansai International Airport:
- Board the JR Airport Limited Express Train, HARUKA, which runs once in every 30-60 minutes to the JR Kyoto Station. The traveling time is approximately 1 hour 15 minutes.
- Another way to get to Kyoto from Kansai International Airport is to take an airport limousine bus. Tickets are available on the ground floor outside the terminal building. The traveling time to the JR Kyoto Station is approximately 1 hour 45 minutes.
From Narita International Airport:
- Via Osaka International Airport (Itami)
A limited number of domestic flights are available to Osaka International Airport (Itami) from Narita. From there, take an airport limousine bus to the JR Kyoto Station (about 55 minutes). - Via the JR Tokyo Station
Board the JR Narita Express Train (53 minutes) to the JR Tokyo Station. Then board the JR Shinkansen (bullet train: Nozomi) to the JR Kyoto Station. Shinkansen trains run once in every 15 minutes, and the traveling time is 2 hours and 20 minutes.
From Central Japan International Airport (Centrair):
- From Centrair, take the Meitetsu Railways Limited Express Train (28 minutes) to the JR Nagoya Station. Then board the JR Shinkansen (Nozomi, 37 minutes) to the JR Kyoto Station.
Rihga Royal Hotel Kyoto
1 Taimatsu-cho Shiokoji-sagaru, HigashiHorikawa-dori, Shimogyo-ku, Kyoto 600-8237, Japan
Phone: +81-(0)75-341-1121; Fax: +81-(0)75-341-3073
Other General Information
Passports and Visas
All foreign visitors entering Japan must possess a valid passport. Japan has Visa Exemption Arrangements with 68 countries and regions (as of July 2017). Please check the detailed list of these countries and regions via the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan's visa guide webpage.
For details, go to
http://www.mofa.go.jp/j_info/visit/visa/short/novisa.html#list
If you come from a country not on this list, we advise that you contact the Consular Section of the Embassy, or the Consulate General of Japan nearest you for more information and advice. More information regarding visas is available at the official website on visa information of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan.
For details, go to
http://www.mofa.go.jp/j_info/visit/visa/index.html