JAPAN TOURIST INFORMATION
Play me if you are reading this long page!
Geography of Japan
Japan is 1860 miles or 3000 km long and comprises an archipelago of small and large islands that stretch from the 24th parallel (close to Taiwan) to north of the 45th parallel (the same latitude as Milan in Italy or Minneapolis in the U.S.A., if that helps you). The main islands from north to south are: Hokkaido, Honshu, Shikoku, Kyushu, and the Okinawa islands.
Kyoto
Kyoto (京 都 ) is a city located roughly in the lower central part of the island of Honshu. The current population is around 1.5 million inhabitants and is also the capital city of the Kyoto Prefecture which extends up to the Sea of Japan. Kyoto was the Imperial capital of Japan for over a thousand years and remains the cultural centre of Japan. Kyoto is also the place where the Japanese syllabic languages, Hirakana and Katakana were born and forms the virtual capital also for the Buddhist and Shinto religions. In modern days Kyoto, as well as being known as the “one thousand year capital, is part of the Kyoto- Osaka- Kobe metropolitan area. In Japanese the name Kyoto means “Western Capital” whereas Tokyo means “Eastern Capital.”
Japanese Language
The Japanese language is an autochthonous language, i.e. it developed independently of any other language influence; but in the writing form it adopted the Chinese Kanji characters although the associated meaning of each ideogram differs completely from the Chinese meaning. Around the VII century AD two syllabic alphabets were developed: the Hiragana and the Katakana. Modern Japanese is written using both Kanji and Hiragana characters. Katakana characters are used for rendering foreign words into Japanese.
Hiragana characters are endowed with a curvaceous form that makes them quite attractive. Here is an example: あ、の、ま、わ。Do not ask why the comma and full stop are different from English. I don’t know, but, and this is a wild guess, it may have been due to the way the brush stroke formed the comma, thin at the start and going thicker as you move down.
You can also spell Japanese using the Roman alphabet; we call that Romaji. A British friend of mine asserts that had Japan used the Roman alphabet in our daily life the Japanese economic growth would have exploded!
Japanese Manners
Etiquette and hierarchical awareness is very important in Japan and style of conversations are related to both of these two factors. Foreign visitors are not expected to know and follow all the expected rules and their ignorance of Japanese ways is forgiven! However the essence of Japanese culture and social life is based on preservation of Harmony, Humility and Modesty, hence a disposition towards being patient, tolerant and reserved go a long way to understanding and appreciating Japanese culture and manners.
Japanese Bowing
The Japanese “ojigi” (bow) is used for greetings, thanking, leave taking and apologising. Handshake is not practised but when meeting foreigners handshake is nearly always used even if an ojigi may precede or follow, or both, the handshake. Also, if you pay close attention when Japanese people bow to one another, the amount of bowing is dependent of the hierarchical status between themselves. The most attractive bow is the one we give you when you visit Ju-An.
Sleeping in Traditional Japanese Hotels, RYOKANS
If you stay in a Western style hotel you will sleep in Western style beds. If you are staying in a traditional Japanese hotel, Ryokan then, most likely, you will sleep on a futon (mattress on the floor) which is laid out on the tatami floor at night and kept in a wardrobe (oshiire) during the day. The futon is laid in the middle of the room and the whole floor space around it can be used as your “bedside table”. The futon consists of three pieces: the shikibuton that goes under the futon, the futon itself or mattress and the shikifu which is the bedsheet. Additionally you are given a blanket, or kakebuton, and a pillow, makura.
Japanese Toilet and Bath
Western hotels, as well as most toilets in Department Stores, use Western style toilets. Some even use toilets with bidet all in one, a Japanese invention. At the end of the physiological function you have a control panel which will spray water and wash your private parts. Paper towels are also provided for drying. But, if you happen to use a Japanese style toilet, remember that you always face the wall and your back faces the door. You are unlikely to use one such toilet. Public toilets in Japan are common but some are not supplied with toilet paper so make sure that you always carry some paper tissues as the Japanese people do. However, use the toilets in the department stores such as Yodobashi, Bic Camera, etc. They are very good.
The Japanese furoba, bathroom, is generally separate from the toilet, except in Western hotels where the bathroom and toilet are always in the same small room. The Japanese bath is not used in the same way as in the West. You actually wash and scrub yourself on the floor by sitting on a small stool and using a shower hand or a bowl. The bath is used only for soaking and relaxing.
AIRPORTS
By air you can reach Kyoto by flying to one of two airports in Osaka:
1- Itami Airport is mainly for domestic flights from within Japan
2- Kansai International Airport is mainly for international flights.
Itami is closer to Kyoto than Kansai.
Arriving at Itami Airport
To get from Itami to Kyoto the most efficient way it to take the Limousine Bus which stops just outside the airport. The bus ride takes about 55 minutes and drops you at Kyoto central station, South side.
The one way adult fare is ¥ 1280 and for children aged 6 to 12 the fare is ¥640.
Buses depart from the South Terminal (bus stop No.15) then stop at the North Terminal (bus stop No.5) and then proceed directly to Kyoto. There are no intermediate stops between Itami and Kyoto.
Timetable: (from Itami to Kyoto)
First bus: South Terminal at 8:00 am. →north terminal 8:05 →Kyoto 8:55
Second bus: South Terminal 8:25 am
→north terminal 8:30 →Kyoto 9:20
Thereafter there is a bus every 20 minutes.
Last bus: South Terminal 21:10. →North Terminal 21:15 →Kyoto 22:05.
N.B.: Don’t forget to pick up a timetable from the Information desk at the airport arrival hall. You will also need this timetable to plan your return trip to the airport.
Arriving at Kansai International Airport
The most efficient way from Kansai to Kyoto station is the limousine bus but, at a higher cost, also the direct train is very efficient. Either choice will take you straight to Kyoto central station.
The bus fare from Kansai to Kyoto one way adult is ¥2500 and children between the ages of 6 and 12 ¥1250.
The bus takes about 1h 45 minutes and the train takes 1h 15 minutes at ¥2770 for adults and ¥1380 for children.
Buses depart from the South Terminal 2 (bus stop No8) via North Terminal 1 (bus stop No1) to Kyoto station.
Timetable (from Kansai to Kyoto)
First bus: Terminal 2 at 6 :05 am → Terminal 1 6:20 →Kyoto 7:45.
Second bus: Terminal 2 6 :45 am→ Terminal 1 7:00 →Kyoto 8:25.
Thereafter buses run every 1 hour.
Last bus: Terminal 2 22:50 → terminal 1 23:05 →Kyoto 0:10 am.
Exceptions: Buses at the following times will leave ONLY from Terminal 1:
7:40 8:40 9:30 11:30 13:30 18:05
Train connection Kansai-Kyoto via JR Haruka line.
NB: "JR-WEST Free Wi-Fi" service is offered on this HARUKA line.
To use the service, you must obtain an access code beforehand from Kansai-airport Station or some other location that offers internet access.
First train: 6:30 am
Then at:
7:27, 7:55, 8:46, 9:16, 9:46
From 10 am to 15:00 one train per hour at 16 minutes past the hour.
From 16:00 to 20:00 two trains per hour: at 16 minutes past the hour and at 46 minutes past the hour.
Then one train at 21:24
Last train is at 22:16
Trains & Subways
Think of trains for connecting between cities and towns far and near and think of subways as an underground train network for connecting different districts of the same city. Kyoto has 2 subway lines to link different districts of the city, whereas the trains link the city to its surrounding metropolitan area or other cities in Japan.
Shinkansen
The Shinkansen or “Bullet Train” is the 300 Km/h special train used exclusively for linking city to city in Japan.
Kyoto Station
At Kyoto station you can catch trains, subways and the Shinkansen. Transportation in Japan is very advanced. You can buy train tickets at the ticket office at each station, or at ticket machines. Wireless proximity cards, JRPASS, have become very common in Kyoto and Japan. All stations are clean, safe and convenient with many shops, eaters, restaurants, coffee bars and many varieties of stalls. Indeed, you could spend a whole day visiting shops inside the Kyoto station. Tip: if it should be raining on one of your days in Kyoto remember the shopping concourses underneath Kyoto station. You can even reach our Ju-An Tea Ceremony Room directly from the underground concourse at the Kyoto station.
Ticket Machines
There are ticket machines in the main hall of the station where you can also buy your pin-card. A big panel above the ticket machines shows you the overall plan with each station stop and the cost for reaching that station from where you are buying the ticket. The name are both in Kanji and in English. Just insert the money (coins or paper) and the tickets and change are dispensed. If you plan to stay a few days or more the wireless pin cards are more cost effective as you get a discount.
Japan Railways or JR
Trains run by JR (Japan Railways) are usually clustered in JR train platform whereas other train companies or the Subway have their own dedicated platforms. This is handy to know when you are trying to get to your platform. Also the letters JR, in Romaji, are seen before the line name or on the train itself.
Moving Around Kyoto Station
Look for the platform number of your train or subway and before you enter the platform you go through a revolving barrier. If you have the wireless card just put the card close to the reader and the barrier turns to allow you in. The computer server system records your entry to the station platform but your credit is not yet deducted. When you come out at the destination station do the same again at the exit barrier and your card credit is reduced by the cost of the journey which varies according to the length of your travel. If you have a ticket, instead, insert it into the slot at the barrier and it will come out the other side of the barrier. Do not forget to collect your punched ticket else you will not be able to exit the station when you arrive at your destination.
Cost of Trains
Average costs are about ¥50 per stop. Expect to pay about ¥400 for a 20 minutes ride on a train comprising some six to 8 stops.
Information desks
The information desk at Kyoto station is in the main entrance hall and English is spoken.
Train Transportation Useful Links
Other Train Maps for the Kansai Metropolitan Areas
Bus & Taxi Transportation in Kyoto
Main Bus Terminal: Just outside Kyoto station there is a bus terminal with several stands. From here you can catch a bus to anywhere in Kyoto. Bus stops are present every 200 metres or so. Bus stands are clearly seen along streets and roads.
You enter the bus from the back door or centre door and exit from the front door. You pay as you exit not when you get on the bus.
There are bus routes at information sites at train and subway stations as well as some bus stops.
Determine the name of the bus stop from where you will ride, and your destination. The table on this link gives you a list of buses and their route.
Kyoto Station Platform Map
Kyoto-Nara-Kyoto Platforms 9 & 10 located towards the South Exit.
Tourist venues on this line starting from Kyoto:
1st stop: Tofukuji Temple
2nd stop: Fushimi Inari
9th stop: Uji
20th stop, last stop: Nara
Sagano Line Platforms from 30 to 34 located towards the North Exit.
Tourist venues on this line starting from Kyoto:
2nd Stop: Nijo Castle
6th Stop: Arashiyama
Biwako Line (Platform 5 and 4)
These are commuter lines linking Osaka-Kyoto-Kobe Metropolitan Area.
Platform 5, Biwako Line for trains arriving from Kobe and Osaka and going towards the eastern side of Lake Biwa, e.g. Otsu, Ishiyama, Seta & Minami Kusatsu university areas, Kusatsu and all the way north to Maibara. There is a train roughly every 10 minutes in either direction.
Koisei Line Platform 6 - Commuter line linking Kyoto to the western side of lake Biwa and all the way up to and Omi-Shiotsu in the Shiga Prefecture.
Click for Kyoto Station Platform Map
Taxi Transportation in Kyoto
Just outside Kyoto station there is a large taxi stand. You always enter the taxi from the rear passenger door which is opened automatically for you by the taxi driver through a lever mechanism while the driver remains seated in his driver’s seat.
Free or Occupied Sign
Taxis have a windscreen display on the passenger’s side to show whether it is vacant or engaged.
If the display light is red it means occupied or if it is green it is for hire.
Fare payment
You pay the fare shown on the meter. No tipping is required and credit cards are also accepted. However it is best to pay cash. Receipts are also given if you ask for it. Taxi drivers in Japan are honest and don’t take longer routes. So relax, you won’t be cheated.
Fare costs
Middle size taxi:
First 2000 metre 650 yen then add 80 yen every 339 metres.
Small size taxi:
First 2000 metre 640 yen then add 80 yen for every additional 385 metres.
Most drivers do not speak English but getting to where you want to go is simple if you just give the name of the hotel or street and add sumimasen after the destination.
For example: Kyoto eki, sumimasen! (To Kyoto station, please!)
There is a small surcharge between 11 pm and 5 am.
To stop a taxi just raise your hand.
Temples & Shrines Etiquette
A temple identifies a Buddhist holy place and a Shrine identifies a Shinto holy place.
Buddhism was imported from China whereas Shintoism is a collected set of spiritual practices indigenous to Japan.
Shinto shrines are easily identified by the bright red gates (Torii) at the entrance of the Shrine.
Etiquette requires that you stay calm and respectful. You can do so by throwing a coin into the offering box and follow it by a short prayer. In temples incense (osenko) is burnt. You can buy a bundle of incense sticks and light them with a match or a lighter. Do not blow to extinguish the flame but rather use your hands to put out the flame. Then place the incense stick on the burner and with your hands direct some of the smoke towards you as it is believed to have healing power.
A Shinto shrine does not burn incense but uses a purification fountain. Take one of the ladles provided, fill it with fresh water and rinse both of your hands. Here too throw a coin into the offering box then bow deeply twice, clap your hands twice then bow once more and pray for a few seconds. If there is a bell or gong nearby use it before you pray to get the kami’s attention.
If you enter a temple remove your shoes. It will be obvious to you where to put them. Photography is permitted in the grounds of Shrines and Temples but it is usually not permitted indoors. If you walk on the drive leading up to the Temple or Shrine keep to the left. The centre is reserved for the gods and spirits. Don’t get in the Kami’s way.
Buying Kimono or Yukata
What is the difference between a Kimono and a Yukata? In appearance they may look the same but in practice they are very different garments. The Kimono is a formal dress code used on important occasions and is usually made of silk. For this reason it is quite expensive. However, there are cheaper ones made of polyester that can be bought for about 20000 Yen. In addition to buying a kimono you also have to buy an obi, a type of belt that holds the kimono together and which gives the characteristic look to the kimono. It consists of a long fabric belt which is fastened around the upper part of the waist and ends in the typical bow at the back. Putting on the obi requires some help from another person unless you are familiar already. Wearing a kimono from beginning to end can take between 30 to 45 minutes. You also need to wear a white tunic as underwear. A Yukata, on the other hand, is an informal long dress that is worn like a bathrobe and is fastened by a simple belt which is supplied with the Yukata. Yukata are worn in the summer and are made from cotton in various bright and decorative designs. They cost from 2000 to 1000 Yen.
You can buy Yukatas, kimonos, obi and more from: http://www.mimuro.net/english/kimono/
Department Stores
Takashimaya (in Shijō-Kawaramachi Kado, Shimogyō-ku)
Isetan Department Store (Kyoto Station building North side)
Daimaru (in Shijō-dōri, Takakura nishi-iru, Shimogyō-ku)
Tokyu Hands (in Shijō-dōri, Karasuma higashi-iru Shimogyō-ku)
Avanti (Opposite Kyoto Station South exit)
Arts & Crafts
Kyūkyo-dō, located in the Teramachi arcade sells incense and calligraphy goods, as well as tea-ceremony utensils of good quality.
Wagami no Mise, located close to the junction of Shijo-Karasuma, sells handmade washi and souvenirs.
Tessai-dō, located in Higashiyama tourist district sells woodblock prints.
Electronics
Yodobashi, in Karasuma St just past the Kyoto Tower building. It can be accesses from the road or from the Karasuma St. underway from inside the Kyoto station. If it is raining outside the underpass is ideal as you do not get wet. In the heat of summer the underpass is also cooler and takes you right up to the Higashi Honganshi temple, or to Ju-An as you come out at the main traffic light junction.
Bic Camera, out of the main Kyoto station north exit turn left. The Post Office is in front of you. Just walk towards the Post Office and turn left and then right and Bic camera is just on the left hand size.
You can easily spend a whole morning or afternoon in Yodobashi and Bic Camera!
Money Exchange Places
Post Office
Kyoto Central Post Office: Tel 075-365-2471
Office hours 9:00～18:00 (closed on Sat &Sun)
ATM 0:05 to 23:55 (international credit/debit cards can be used but be aware of the charges you may incur.)
A good place to exchange your money in Kyoto. When you get out of Kyoto Karasuma principal exit, you see the Central Post Office on your left. The office staff can speak English.
Banks
There are banks scattered everywhere in Kyoto but at times identifying them is more difficult for foreign visitors unless they include the word BANK in their name. The main banks are:
Mitsui Sumitomo Bank- On the southeast corner of Shijo Kawaramachi.
Mitsubishi Tokyo UFJ Bank- On the southeast corner of Shijo Karasuma.
Citibank- Near the southwest corner of Shijo Karasuma.
Kyoto Bank- Opposite the Kyoto tower, Karasuma Shichijo sagaru.
Exchange Bureaus
World Currency Shop- located on the 8thfloor in Kyoto station building.
Tel 075-365-7750 Office hours 11:-00 ～17:00 (closed Sat & Sun )
Travelex- located in Nippon Travel agency
Tel:075-354-9181 Fax:075-354-9182
You can find this shop on the right side when you get out of the main exit at Kyoto station, called Karasuma Exit.
Tisco Japan: located in Daimaru department store
Tel 075-211-8111 Office hours 11:00 to 16:00
Office hours ：10:00 to 19:00 (weekday) and 10:00 to 18:00(Sat ,Sun, Holidays)
Hotels
Most larger hotels will provide an exchange currency for their customers. Check the exchange rate offered and compare against that offered by the bank after deductions of relative commissions (see next panel).
Money Tips
Is it best to exchange your money at the airport or at a bank in Tokyo or Kyoto?
Generally you can get a better rate of exchange at a bank. Just exchange what you need to get to your hotel at the airport and then exchange in the city. However, this is not a golden rule and often the opposite is also true, at least for Japan.
Is it best to buy your Japanese Yens in your country of departure or once you arrive in Japan?
Sometimes it can be more favourable to buy the Yens in your country and sometimes in Japan. It varies continuously. Try checking on-line by logging into the airport arrival website.
What about credit card charges?
If you are planning to use your credit or debit card to draw Japanese Yens from an ATM machine in Kyoto, you need to be aware that you will incur two levels of charges. In general credit cards are the most expensive to draw money and debit cards are less expensive. The reason is that you incur into two or three separate charges:
The exchange commission rate set by Visa/Mastercard of around 1%
An additional exchange rate charge applied by your bank which can be up to 2.75%.
Possible administration charges from the local ATM machine.
The best advice is to learn the details of the rules applied by the bank that issued your card. Do not assume that the rules are the same for all banks. They are not. And unwise use of credit cards can be expensive. So check it out in advance.
What if you need money at the Weekend?
(International ATM Service Points)
In general they are scattered everywhere. Here are some:
Post Offices: Almost all ATM at Japanese Post Offices have English menus: VISA, PLUS, Master Card, Maestro, Circus, Amex, Diners Club and Discover.
Citibank Kyoto: 24 hours ATM service
All 7/11 Convenience Stores: All these stores in Japan offer 24-hour access to cash with foreign cards (especially the PLUS network- VISA, DISCOVER, AMEX, Diners Club.)
Eating Out
If you know where to go it is easy to eat cheaply and well in Kyoto. Most types of cuisines are available: Japanese, Chinese, French, Italian, Korean, Thai and Indian. Food stalls also offer low cost and delicious snacks. Supermarkets also offer ready made meals.
Restaurants
Japanese restaurants are not always easy to identify from the outside unless they have a display window that shows the types of dishes served inside. Generally, however, they are identified by a three-
The menus are nearly always in Japanese but some restaurant will also provide menus with English translations. In any event you can ask the waiter or waitress to walk with you and show him or her the dish you wish to order from the display window outside or from the pictorial menu they provide for you. Don’t be shy as the waiter/waitress is used to that. A picture is worth a thousands words, as the saying goes.
There are a plethora of restaurants catering for all tastes and prices. Generally speaking it is cheaper to eat in a restaurant at midday than in the evening. Daytime prices are from below ¥1000 to ¥2000 whereas evening prices can vary from ¥3000 to ¥8000 per person for a good meal and over ¥10000 for a kaiseki (gourmet Japanese cuisine) restaurant.
Supermarkets Take Away Meals
Many supermarkets and department stores also have available cooked food, hot and cold, to take away. They are usually more expensive than bentoya, bento shops, but still quite affordable. You can also buy sushi trays to eat in your hotel or lodgings.
Bakeries
If you are craving for some bread, there are several bakeries in central Kyoto as well as in the suburbs. French baguettes freshly baked cost around ¥250-¥300 and if you buy also a packet of ham from the basement supermarket in Yodobashi electrical store, called Global Kitchen, you will enjoy a nice tasty meal with a soft drink for about ¥650.
When you buy a baguette make sure that first you take a tray and then the long kitchen tongs made available nearby to pick the baguette with and put it on the tray. Do not use your hands to select which baguette you want to buy. Use the tongs to pick the baguette you like and place it on the tray. If you are tempted by some of the fresh pastries also do not use your hands but the tongs and place them in the tray, too. Take the tray to the counter and observe the expensive paper packing they will use to wrap the baguette in. The packing costs more than the bread itself! If you are French or Italian and feel like eating some baguette while you are walking, do so. Japanese people would not but, as a visitor, you are forgiven. It is oishi so enjoy!
Set Meals
Between 11 am and 2 pm many restaurant offer set meals at very reasonable prices: they are called “lunch set” so ask for “lunch set onegai shimasu.” Or just say “Teishoku, onegai shimasu!” And you will be given the set meal of the day. If there is more than one choice you will be given a pictorial menu to choose from. Budget from ¥600 to ¥800.
Other restaurants will provide a more traditional Japanese set meal at prices ranging between ¥1000 and ¥2000. This will consist of four dishes:
- Grilled fish or some meat
- Bowl of rice
- Bowl of miso soup
- Small dish of pickles.
Tea is normally included in the price but beer is extra.
Noodle Shops
Noodle shops are very popular and fast eaters. They are known as “tachigui” which literally means standing-
Other Low Cost Eaters: Bento-
Many Western styles fast eaters are present in Kyoto and scattered everywhere. There are also “bentoya” shops where you can buy hot and cold boxed lunches to take away with you. This is the famous bento or lunch box. Prices range from ¥400 to ¥1000 for a very good one. A bento box will contain some rice, some fish or meat and some pickles.
Conveyor Belt Sushi Restaurants
My favourite is located in the arcade of the South exit at Kyoto Station. Instead of going out of the station just turn right and walk 10 metres and it is on the right-
Typical Japanese Dishes
RICE-
MISO SOUP-
SUSHI-
ONIGIRI-
KARE RAISU-
SASHIMI-
SOBA-
UDON-
RAMEN-
ODEN-
SUKIYAKI-
SHABU SHABU-
YAKITORI-
TONKATSU-
TEPPANYAKI-
TEMPURA-
BENTO-
PICKLES-
Originally they were made to preserve them and be consumed in winter months, but nowadays they are consumed daily. The method used to make picled varied from vinegar or salt to fermentation. Both vegetables and fruit can be pickled, mainly plums for fruit and cucumber, daikon, aubergines, carrot and cabbage for vegetables.