http://www.jnto.go.jp/eng/location/regional/kyoto/index.html
http://www.jnto.go.jp/eng/location/regional/kyoto/uji.html
http://www.pref.kyoto.jp/en/index.html
June is usually moderately warm/hot in Kyoto. Temperatures range between 28 ˚C (82 ˚F) and 19 ˚C (66 ˚F). A small umbrella will be useful, because the rainy season may have already begun by then. We generally recommend light clothes, but additional garments (e.g. cardigans) may be useful since indoor facilities tend to be air-conditioned.
2-flat-pin plugs are used in Japan instead of columnar-shaped plugs or 3-pin plugs. The voltage uniformly used throughout Japan is uniformly 100 V A.C. Two kinds of frequencies are in use: 60 Hertz in western Japan (including Kyoto) and 50 Hertz in eastern Japan (including Tokyo). A travel adaptor for electrical devices such as travel iron, hair dryer or shaver will therefore be necessary. Alternatively, a step-down transformer is required to convert the voltage.
Any foreign visitors wishing to enter Japan must have a valid passport. A visa is required for citizens of countries, which do not have visa exemption agreements with Japan. Please check the following URL for your individual visa requirements and/or contact your nearest Japanese embassy or consulate.
http://www.mofa.go.jp/j_info/visit/visa/index.html
We will be able to provide the documents necessary for the visa applications of participants who have completed their online registration. For more details, please contact the IRIS-15 secretarial office via e-mail (iris15@or.knt.co.jp).
The local currency is Japanese Yen (JPY). Bills are issued in denominations of 1,000, 2,000, 5,000 and 10,000, whereas coins are issued in denominations of 1, 5, 10, 50, 100 and 500 yen. Major currencies, such as the US dollar and the EURO can be exchanged at international airports, major banks and major hotels. Banks are open from 9:00 to 15:00, Monday to Friday.
Major banks and hotels in bigger cities usually accept traveller's checks and international credit cards such as American Express, VISA, Diners Club, MasterCard and JCB. Outside big cities however, credit card payment are not always accepted. Obtaining cash beforehand is therefore recommended, should you wish to travel to the countryside.
Tipping is not necessary unless you request some extra special services. Bills in major hotels and upmarket restaurant usually already contain service charges of 10-15 %.
Kyoto and Uji offer plenty of restaurants and cafeterias, where you can enjoy a variety of food and drinks at affordable prices. You may also buy snacks at supermarkets or convenience stores which are usually open for 24 hours. Tap water is safe to drink anywhere in Japan.
Japan is in a single time zone, nine hours ahead of GMT and the Daylight Saving Time does not apply.
The organizers do not accept responsibility for individual's medical, travel or personal insurance. Participants are advised to take out their own personal insurance policy.
Emergency 110
Fire/Ambulance 119