Travel information

Access to Kyoto

The following routes are the main options to get to Kyoto (Japan Railways (JR) train station) from international airports in Japan.

From Osaka to JR Kyoto station

  1. Osaka-Kansai International Airport (KIX)
    75 min by JR Haruka Airport Express
  2. Osaka-Itami International Airport (ITM)
    60 min by Airport Limousine Bus

From Tokyo to JR Kyoto station

  1. Tokyo-Narita International Airport (NTA)
    60 min by Narita Express Train to Tokyo and change train to JR Shinkansen (bullet train) (about 3.5 hours in total)
  2. Tokyo-Haneda International Airport (HND)
    15 min by local train (Keikyu line) to Shinagawa and change train to JR Shinkansen (bullet train) (about 3.0 hours in total)

Hotels

Hotels in Kyoto

There are many hotel options available in Kyoto. In most cases, the rates may be lower if you book directly through the hotel's website or via booking platforms such as Hotels.com, Booking.com, Expedia, and others.

* Please note that Kyoto has recently experienced a great increase in the number of tourists from all around the world. As a result, it may become more challenging (and more expensive) to secure hotel reservations if you wait until just before the conference. We strongly recommend booking your accommodation in Kyoto as early as possible.

Examples of hotels can be found on the map below.

Hotels cooperating with ICSMA20

Two hotels listed below are cooperating with ICSMA20.
If you would like to book a room at one of these hotels, you can make a reservation through this website: https://web-register.jp/icsma20/en/

Please note that the reservation website is managed by Art-Tourist Co. Ltd., the official travel agency of ICSMA20. To make a reservation, you will need to create your account (different from the account used for the conference registration).

Hotel Accommodation Information

Available Dates (Common): From June 1st (Sun) to 7th (Sat), 2025

1. Via Inn Kyoto Shijo Muromachi
  • Room Type: Single Room
  • Rooms Available: 20 rooms reserved
  • [Via Inn Kyoto Shijo Muromachi Website] (https://www.viainn.com/en/kyoto/)
  • Rates: - Single Occupancy: 9,500 JPY per night (includes breakfast, tax, and accommodation tax)
2. Via Inn Prime Kyoto Ekihachijo
  • Room Type: Single Room
  • Rooms Available: 30 rooms reserved
  • [Via Inn Prime Kyoto Ekihachijo Website] (https://www.viainn.com/en/kyoto-h/)
  • Rates: - Single Occupancy: 12,800 JPY per night (includes breakfast, tax, and accommodation tax)

For further inquiry about these hotels cooperating with ICSMA20, please contact the conference secretariat from this form: https://web-register.jp/icsma20/en/inquiry/

VISA

Applying for Japanese VISA

If you are coming from the countries listed in the following page, you don’t need VISA to enter Japan.
https://www.mofa.go.jp/j_info/visit/visa/short/novisa.html

If your country is not listed, you will need to get Japanese VISA to enter Japan. Please note that you yourself are responsible for the VISA application. Detailed procedures for VISA application can be found on the webpage of the Japanese Ministry of Foreign Affairs: https://www.mofa.go.jp/j_info/visit/visa/index.html

  • Border measures and VISA application procedures are subject to change depending on the geopolitical situation.
  • Please ensure that you check the latest information, required documents, and processing times at the Embassies, Consulates, or Permanent Missions in your country.

VISA support

Upon request through a system, we will issue documents necessary for your VISA application.

If you require assistance, please submit a request through this website by May 9th: https://web-register.jp/icsma20/en/

Please note that this website is managed by Art-Tourist Co. Ltd., the official travel agency of ICSMA20, the same as that for booking the hotels cooperating with us. To access this service, you will need to create an account (separate from the one used for conference registration).

Once your request is submitted through the system, we will issue the required documents after early March 2025. This timing ensures that the documents meet the VISA application requirement of being issued within three months prior to your arrival in Japan.

For further inquiry about Japanese VISA application, please contact us from this form: https://web-register.jp/icsma20/en/inquiry/

Exploring Kyoto

ICSMA20 does not plan official excursions in the conference. For participants being interested in exploring unique cultural heritage and experiences in Kyoto, some resources listed below are introduced to help you planning memorable activities during your stay.

Unique Kyoto Experiences:

The Kyoto Convention Bureau offers an informative page on distinct experiences tailored to international visitors. You can explore a range of tours and cultural activities at this link: https://meetkyoto.jp/en/planning/experience/

Private Tours with WAK JAPAN:

For private and customizable tours that immerse you in Kyoto culture, WAK JAPAN can offer experiences for international visitors. From tea ceremonies to kimono dressing and other unique activities, WAK JAPAN offers an array of options. Reservations can be made directly on their website: https://wakjapan.com/

Kyoto Sightseeing Bus Tours:

For convenient and accessible sightseeing, consider Kyoto Keihan Bus Tours. These tours offer a comprehensive view of iconic sites in Kyoto and can be booked in English at the following link: https://ars-keihanbus.triplabo.jp/home?lang=EN

These are just a few examples of the resource, and you can find many other options on the internet. We hope the information assists you in making the most of your time in Kyoto memorable and experiencing the city’s rich cultural heritages.