Venue
京都大学百周年時計台記念館
Kyoto University Memorial Hall of Centennial Clock Tower
36 Yoshidahonmachi, Sakyo Ward, Kyoto, 606-8317, Japan [map]
Access
The conference venue, the iconic Centennial Clock Tower, is located on Kyoto University’s Yoshida Campus, directly behind the university’s main gate. Kyoto University (Kyoto Daigaku) is commonly referred to as Kyodai.
By Train (recommended). The closest train access is Demachiyanagi Station (出町柳) on the Keihan Line, about a 10-minute walk from campus.
By Bus. The nearest bus stop is Kyodai Seimon-mae (京都大学正門前, Kyoto University Main Gate), which is just a few minutes’ walk from the main gate. Note that buses can be crowded during the peak tourist season.
- From Kyoto Station: Take City Bus 206 and get off at Kyodai Seimon-mae (Kyoto University Main Gate). The ride takes about 40 minutes depending on traffic. [map]
- From Gion Shijo Station: Take the Keihan Line to Demachiyanagi Station. From there, it is about a 10-minute walk to the Centennial Clock Tower. The whole trip takes about 20 minutes. Alternatively, take City Bus 7 to Hyakumanben. [map]
- From Kyoto Kawaramachi: Take City Bus 201 or 31 and get off at Hyakumanben. From the bus stop, it is a short walk to the Centennial Clock Tower. Travel time is about 25 minutes depending on traffic. [map]
For additional directions, see Google Maps or Baidu Maps. Here is a map of key locations.
Internet Access
Kyoto offers free public Wi-Fi in many areas, including convenience stores and public facilities. Many hotels provide free Internet access. Around Kyoto Kawaramachi Station, there are several Internet Cafes, where you can use computers and access the Internet in private or semi-private spaces.
Mobile WiFi Routers and Travel SIM cards are available at Kansai Airport (KIX) and Itami Airport (ITM).
Dining Options
Dining options around the conference venue is rather limited, especially on weekends. There are several options, including a coffee shop, convenience stores, and a few restaurants.
Family Mart Kyoto University Branch (3-minute walk; open every day)
Tully’s Coffee Kyoto University Clock Tower (Basement; Friday and Saturday only)
Kyoto University CO-OP Clock Tower Shop (1st Floor; Friday only)
La Tour (French restaurant on 1st Floor; lunch and dinner)
Canfora (Japanese Western restaurant; 3 minute walk; Friday only)
You will find many dining options near the city center (near Sanjyo and Gion Shijo stations on Keihan Line and Shijyo Kawaramachi and Karasuma stations on Hankyu Line).
Traveling to Japan
Visa and Arrival
If you are traveling to Japan from another country, please check visa requirements well in advance. At airports, all travelers are required to scan their passport to provide arrival and customs information at self-service terminals. Completing the Visit Japan Web form in advance allows customs information to be processed with a QR code at the terminal, making the procedure faster. If not completed before arrival, the same information can be entered directly at the terminal.
Airports
The closest major airports are in Osaka:
- Kansai International Airport (KIX): Access to JR Kyoto Station is available by JR Limited Express Train Haruka, Airport Limousine Bus, and KATE Bus.
- Osaka Itami Airport (ITM): Access to JR Kyoto Station is available by Airport Limousine Bus.
Hotels
Kyoto, as a major tourist destination, offers a wide range of accommodations, including hotels, ryokan (traditional inns), guesthouses, and budget hotels. October is one of the busiest tourist seasons due to autumn foliage, so it is best to book accommodations well in advance.
Few hotels are available near Kyoto University, but there are many options around Sanjyo and Gion Shijo stations (Keihan Line) and Shijyo Kawaramachi and Karasuma stations (Hankyu Line). From there, it takes only 15 to 30 minutes to reach the venue by the Keihan Line subway (recommended) or by bus. This area is also close to restaurants, bars, markets, and many popular sightseeing spots.
If affordable hotels are not available in Kyoto, consider booking a hotel outside the city along Keihan Line or Hankyu Line. The commute from Kyobashi Station in Osaka, for example, is just over one hour.
Local Transportation
Kyoto, like many major cities in Japan, has an efficient and affordable public transportation system, including trains, subways, and buses.
Transportation Options
Bus and Subway. Bus and subway lines provide convenient ways of getting around Kyoto. Buses cover most tourist sites, while the subway connects major districts quickly.
Taxi. Taxi is widely available throughout the city. At train stations, and some major sightseeing spots, look for a taxi stand and wait in line. Elsewhere, you can flag one down. In Japan, the driver operates the doors—do not attempt to open or close them yourself (unless you are using the passenger seat. Many taxis still prefer cash; some accept credit cards or Transportation IC cards, but it is best to have cash on hand.
Ride Share. Uber operates in Japan, though its availability is limited in Kyoto. The Go Taxi app is widely used and available for both iPhone and Android.
Bullet Train (Shinkansen). For excursions beyond Kyoto, the Shinkansen offers fast access to Osaka, Kobe, and Hiroshima to the west, and Nagoya and Tokyo to the east.
The JR West Kansai Area Pass is designed specifically for international visitors traveling on temporary visitor status. To use the pass, travelers must present a passport showing the Temporary Visitor entry stamp or visa. Japanese citizens and international residents in Japan with long-term visas such as work or student visas are not eligible. For eligible travelers, the pass offers unlimited travel on JR trains in the Kansai region, including Kyoto, Osaka, Nara, and Kobe, for a set number of days, making it a convenient option for sightseeing beyond Kyoto. Shinkansen tickets are not included in this pass and must be purchased separately.
Transportation Card
ICOCA (a prepaid IC card) can be purchased at train station information desks.
ICOCA, Suica, and PASMO (prepaid IC cards) can also be added to your iPhone or Apple Watch wallet and recharged using Apple Pay. Any of these cards can be used throughout Japan.
These cards can be used on trains and buses throughout most of Japan, and are also accepted at station kiosks, convenience stores, and some restaurants.
Additional Information
Useful Links
Currency & Payments
- The local currency is Japanese yen (JPY).
- Credit cards (Visa, Mastercard, JCB, etc.) are widely accepted at chain restaurants, convenience stores, supermarkets, department stores, and most hotels. Smaller, independent restaurants, guesthouses, and traditional shops often prefer cash.
- Apple Pay, Google Wallet, and Samsung Wallet are accepted at many convenience stores and some shops, but they are less commonly accepted at restaurants, especially in older parts of the city.
- WeChat Pay and Alipay are also accepted at many convenience stores, department stores, and tourist-oriented shops, though they are less common at smaller restaurants and family-run businesses.
- IC transit cards such as ICOCA (the Kansai regional card), Suica, and PASMO are especially convenient in Japan. They can be used not only for trains and buses but also for purchases at convenience stores, vending machines, and some restaurants and shops. They can also be added and recharged using Apple Wallet. (Availability for Android phones may be limited.)
- Currency can be exchanged at major banks, foreign exchange offices, and SMART EXCHANGE machines (common around Shijō, Kyoto Station, and tourist districts). A passport is required at banks and exchange counters.
- ATMs are widely available, especially in 7-Eleven, Lawson, FamilyMart, and post offices. Many operate 24 hours. (Fees may apply.)
- A 10% consumption tax is added to most restaurant bills and purchases. Take-out food and drinks may be subject to a reduced 8% tax (As of October 2025).
- Hotels in Kyoto collect an accommodation tax (200–1,000 JPY per person per night, depending on room rate). If staying at a ryokan or hot spring facility, an additional onsen tax may also apply.
- Tipping is not customary in Kyoto, as in the rest of Japan. In traditional settings such as ryokan, service charges may be included in the bill instead.
Language
- The de facto national language of Japan is Japanese, referred to in educational contexts as kokugo (国語, “national language”). While Japanese is used in government, education, and daily life, it is not legally designated as the official language.
- English is commonly spoken in hotels, major attractions, and train stations, though proficiency varies. Outside tourist areas, it may be less widely understood.
- Signs at airports, train stations, and major attractions are usually provided in Japanese, English, Chinese, and Korean, making navigation easier for visitors.
- In addition to the variety of Japanese used nationwide, locals in Kyoto often speak Kyoto dialect (Kyō-kotoba, 京ことば). Visitors will usually encounter the standardized variety in public spaces, but Kyoto dialect remains part of daily conversation and is closely tied to the city’s traditional culture and identity.
Electricity
- Japan uses 110V/60Hz power outlets (Type A), similar to two-prong plugs in the US.
- Visitors from Europe and other regions may need plug adapters.
Drinking Water and Bathrooms
- Some hotels provide complimentary drinking water for guests. Tap water in Japan is treated and generally safe to drink.
- Modern bidet toilets (e.g., “Washlets” by TOTO) are widely available in public restrooms and hotels.
- Public restrooms can be found in every train station. Restrooms are also available in department stores, convenience stores, tourist areas, and pachinko (Japanese-style vertical pinball) parlors.