Kyoto is located near the centre of Japan and the legendary transport network makes it easily accessible from all international gateways. Kansai International Airport (KIX) is just over one hour away from Kyoto. Flight times to US West Coast and European destinations take just eleven hours, while Australia and Asia are even closer.
From Kyoto station (K11) the participants can directly reach Kokusaikaikan station (K1), the nearest station from the Kyoto International Conference Center, by Karasuma subway line. It departs every 4-10 minutes. Traveling time; 20 min. Fare: JPY 280.
Further information:
- Access information to Kyoto International Conference Center
http://www.icckyoto.or.jp/en/access/index.html
Kansai Internationa Airport
Kansai International Airport, located slightly over an hour away from Kyoto, is the most-used international airport in Japan after Tokyo.
Transfer from here to Kyoto station on the JR Haruka express train, direct to your hotel in a shuttle taxi, or take a limousine bus to the centre of the city.
Further information:
- Kansai International Airport
http://www.kansai-airport.or.jp/en/index.asp - JR Haruka Airport Express Train
http://www.westjr.co.jp/english/travel/kix/index.html - MK Taxi Skygate Shuttle
http://www.mk-group.co.jp/english/index.html - Yasaka Airport Shuttle
http://www.yasaka.jp/taxi/shuttle-e/index.html - Kansai International Airport Limousine Bus
http://www.kate.co.jp/pc/e_time_table/e_kyoto_tt.html - Osaka Airport Transport Company Limited (Kansai & Itami Airports)
http://www.okkbus.co.jp/eng/index.html
JR Haruka Airport Express Train
The JR Haruka express train takes just a little over an hour to arrive at Kyoto Station from the Kansai International Airport.
The train is speedy and quiet, features wide and comfortable seats, and provides plenty of luggage stowage space.
Destinations are announced in both Japanese and English.
Fare: JPY 3,490 for reserved seats, JPY 2,980 for non-reserved seats.
Further information:
- JR Haruka Airport Express Train
http://www.westjr.co.jp/english/travel/kix/index.html - JR train timetable from Kansai International Airport to Kyoto
http://www.kansai-airport.or.jp/en/access/train/jr_time.html
Shuttle Taxi
Travellers arriving off long-haul flights with heavy baggage are always happy to see the uniformed shuttle taxi driver who will take the weight from your back and guide you to your hotel door.
The taxi takes you to any address in Kyoto that you request be it hotel, meeting venue or anywhere.
You share the taxi with up to nine passengers to similar destinations.
Your Japan bound journey can be booked with a credit card via the company website.
Homeward bound journeys can be booked from your hotel room.
The taxi journey takes a little over an hour depending upon traffic conditions and the location of your hotel.
Services run between Kansai International Airport (KIX) & Itami Airport, and Kyoto.
Fare: JPY 3,500 from KIX, JPY 2,300 from Itami Airport.
Further information:
- MK Taxi Skygate Shuttle (Kansai + Itami Airport)
http://www.mk-group.co.jp/english/index.html - Yasaka Airport Shuttle (Kansai only)
http://www.yasaka.jp/taxi/shuttle-e/index.html
Airport Limousine Bus
There are excellent limousine express bus services from both Kansai International Airport (KIX) and Itami Airport to Kyoto Station.
The journey to Kyoto Station from KIX takes about 105 minutes, and from Itami about 55 minutes depending on traffic.
The buses have ample luggage space, all announcements are made in English, and you can reserve a seat or just take the next departure.
Bus stop at KIX is located at No.8 out of International Arrivals.
Fare: JPY 2,300 from KIX, JPY 1,280 from Itami Airport.
Further information:
- Kansai International Airport Limousine Bus
http://www.kate.co.jp/pc/english/english.html - Osaka Airport Transport Company Limited (Kansai & Itami Airports)
http://www.okkbus.co.jp/eng/index.html
Other airports
Itami Airport
Flights from airports in the Tokyo area, including Narita and Haneda, arrive at Itami airport about once an hour.
From Itami airport, relax in a shuttle taxi to your hotel or a limousine bus to Kyoto station.
New Tokyo Narita International Airport (NRT)
If you arrive at New Tokyo International Airport (Narita) you have the option of travelling over land or by air to the Kyoto area.
The Narita Express (NEX) train from Narita Airport takes about one hour to arrive at Tokyo station, where the famous Shinkansen (bullet train) departs.
The Shinkansen ride to Kyoto Station is just 2 hours and 15 minutes.
The total train fare from Narita Airport to JR Kyoto station is JPY 15,930.
A limited number of domestic flights from NRT to Itami airport are approximately one hour long.
Central Japan International Airport (Centrair) (NGO)
Centrair is the newest international airport in Japan that opened in 2005.
It is a swift 28 minutes to central Nagoya.
Access onwards from Nagoya to Kyoto is 36 minutes, just one stop on the Shinkansen bullet train.
Fukuoka Airport (FUK)
Take the subway to Hakata Station (11 minutes), and transfer to the famous Shinkansen (bullet train).
The Shinkansen arrives at Kyoto Station in less than three hours.
Further information:
- Osaka Itami Airport (Japanese Only)
http://www.osaka-airport.co.jp/ - Narita International Airport
http://www.narita-airport.jp/en/ - Narita Express
http://www.jreast.co.jp/e/nex/index.html - Centrair
http://www.centrair.jp/en/ - Fukuoka Airport
http://www.fuk-ab.co.jp/english/frame_index.html
Shinkansen
Riding the Shinkansen bullet train is more than travel, it is part of the Japan experience.
The 510km (320 mile) route from Tokyo to Kyoto is covered in a breathtaking two and quarter hours.
The journey shows you excellent views of Fuji, the tallest mountain in Japan, and the Pacific coastline.
Nagoya is even closer, just one stop 36 minutes from Kyoto.
Arrivals from the Fukuoka Airport reach Kyoto via Hakata station in less than three hours.
Further information:
- JR Shinkansen Timetable
http://www.japanrail.com/JR_hyperdia.html
