General Information
About Kyoto
Kyoto, one of the most visited destinations in Japan. The city proudly reigned as capital of Japan for 1200 years before it moved to Tokyo. The history and heritage of this city lives on in the 1.5 million population modern city: Seventeen UNESCO World Cultural Heritage Sites are situated in a cityscape dominated by 2000 temples and shrines. The city offers you endless opportunities to gain meaningful hands-on experience of rich Kyoto culture through Tea Ceremony, sake brewing, kimono wearing, swordsmanship, and more. Japan is renowned for its beauty and the compactness; Kyoto makes for a wonderful strolling.
From the moment of arrival at Kansai International Airport - just 75mins from the city centre - guests of this city are pampered with the finest Kyoto service.
Weather in Kyoto in May
22℃ (71.6℉) max day temperature
12℃ (53.6℉) min night temperature
No heat nor humidity
Currency Exchange
Only Japanese yen (JPY) is accepted at regular stores and restaurants. Certain foreign currencies may be accepted at a limited number of hotels, restaurants and souvenir shops. You can exchange your currency to yen at foreign exchange banks and other authorized money exchangers on presentation of your passport.
Traveler's Checks and Credit Cards
Traveler's checks are accepted only by leading banks and major hotels in principal cities, and the use of traveler's checks in Japan is not as popular as in some other countries. VISA, MasterCard, Diners Club, and American Express are widely accepted at hotels, department stores, shops, restaurants and nightclubs.
Tipping
In general, tips are not necessary, even at hotels and restaurants in Japan.
Electricity
Electric voltage is uniformly 100 volts, AC, throughout Japan, but with two different cycles: 50 in eastern Japan including Tokyo, and 60 in western Japan including Kyoto, Osaka and Nagoya. Leading hotels in major cities have two outlets of 100 and 220 volts but their sockets usually accept a two-leg plug only.
Shopping
Shops and other sales outlets in Japan are generally open on Saturdays, Sundays and national holidays as well as weekdays from 10:00 to 20:00. Department stores, however, are closed on one weekday, differing by stores, and certain specialty shops may not open on Sundays and national holidays.