Time

The entire country of Japan is in the same time zone, 9 hours ahead of Greenwich Mean Time (GMT +9). Japan does not adopt the practice of Daylight Saving Time.

Climate and Clothing

The average temperature in Kyoto in October is 17℃.
Autumn in Kyoto is characterized by chilly mornings and nights. Temperatures are warm during the day, but drop suddenly at night, and as the air gets drier with the approach of winter, it’s important to stay hydrated. Along with this temperature change, autumn in Kyoto means seasonal activities and outings to view the colorful fall leaves!
As Kyoto gets chillier in autumn, it’s best to wear long sleeves and pants, and you’ll need a jacket or sweater for the mornings or nights. If you wear a skirt, you’ll probably want to wear stockings or tights for warmth. Prepare an outfit with layers that’s easily adaptable if the weather should change.

Electricity

The voltage used throughout Japan is uniformly 100 volts AC. In Kyoto and western Japan, the frequency of electric current is 60HZ. This is different from most of the world and means that you will need a transformer, power converter, or similar device for sensitive equipment like computers if you are coming from Europe. Japan does not use three-pronged plugs, so it may be necessary for you to get an adapter to use Japan's two-pronged outlets.

Water

Japan’s tap water is drinkable. You can safely drink water inside, outside, in parks and from taps in public stations. Bottled water is available for purchase at vending machines and convenience stores.

Currency

The currency in Japan is yen (JPY,￥). Banknotes and coins are easily identifiable. There are 1, 5, 10, 50, 100 and 500 yen coins, and 1,000, 2,000, 5,000 and 10,000 yen banknotes. Cash can be exchanged at any “Authorized Foreign Exchange Bank” (signs are displayed in English) or at some of Kyoto's large hotels and department stores. Rates vary little between banks, if at all (even the exchange counters at the airport offer rates comparable to those offered by downtown banks). In Kyoto, most major banks are located near the Shijo-Karasuma intersection, two stops north of Kyoto Station on the Karasuma subway line.

Hotels, department stores, high-end restaurants and shops accept credit cards, while some smaller shops do not. You can withdraw money using your credit card at ATM machines located at post offices, convenience stores and at select banks.

Tipping

There is basically no tipping in Japan. Service charges are already included in the bill at hotels, restaurants, taxis, etc.

Tax

A 10% consumption tax is included in all purchases except for products subject to a reduced tax rate. Items subject to the reduced tax are:

Internet Access

Free Wi-Fi spots can be found at many hotels, convenience stores and public areas like shopping malls and train stations. Coverage is sparse in the countryside and mountainous regions. In Kyoto, there are many wireless LAN spots (“KYOTO Wi-Fi”) in which everyone can use the Internet free of charge at bus stops, subway stations, convenience stores, and public facilities.

Mobile Phones

Global roaming – You can use your mobile phone (smartphones only) in Japan. Ensure global roaming has been activated with your service provider before you leave home and the phone is unlocked from the network. Renting or purchasing a SIM card – SIM cards for smartphones allow travelers to use their own mobile phones in Japan, provided the phones are unlocked and work on a Japanese network. Most SIM cards available to foreign tourists are data-only and do not allow for voice calls (except when using internet-based telephone services such as Skype). Many companies have kiosks at the airports, while other companies will mail a phone to your hotel. Renting a Wi-Fi router – Wi-Fi router rentals, sometimes called “Pocket Wi-Fi” – usually offer unlimited data for a daily flat rental fee. Multiple devices can connect to the same hot-spot, so one device can be shared between a group.

Access to Kyoto

The closest international airport to Kyoto city is Kansai International Airport (KIX). However, those who enter Japan by flying into Narita International Airport (NRT), Tokyo International Airport (HND) or other international airports in Japan, may find it most convenient to fly to Osaka International Airport.

Public Transportation

Kyoto has a convenient subway system and several different railway lines, to take you swiftly to your destination. Kyoto, like any other major city, has a complex public transportation system of buses, trains, and trams. Buses, subway trains, and trams come about every 10-20 minutes, depending on the location and the level of traffic.

Taxi

Taxis are available on the street, from virtually anywhere they can be found. Showing the driver your destination written down in Japanese is a big help, and most drivers know of the major hotels. When in doubt, pick a famous landmark close to your destination. Certified “Foreign Friendly Taxis” with drivers who understand some English wait at dedicated stands outside the Karasuma and Hachijyo exits of Kyoto Station. You can hail a taxi from your smartphone with the Japan Taxi mobile application, which is available in English.

Sightseeing

Kyoto is the most popular, must-see location in Japan. As the former imperial capital of Japan, it embodies more than 1,200 years of Japanese history and tradition. For general information about Kyoto, please visit the websites below.

Official site for Kyoto Prefecture, Japan
http://www.kyototourism.org/en/
Kyoto City Official Travel Guide
https://kyoto.travel/en

Smoking

Smoking is prohibited outside of designated areas in the city. Please smoke only in designated smoking areas.

Telephone services and useful telephone numbers

The country code for Japan is +81.

Police, Criminal Emergencies, Traffic Accidents: 110
Non-criminal (medical or fire) emergencies: 119
University Hospital, Kyoto Prefectural University of Medicine: 075-251-5255
Japanese Red Cross Society, Kyoto Daini Hospital: 075-231-5171