Cultural Heart of Japan

Kyoto was the capital of Japan for over 1000 years, and therefore was the focus of political, cultural, and religious activities. UNESCO has designated seventeen separate sites within Kyoto Prefecture as World Cultural Heritage Sites. Kyoto was also the home to the headquarters for many sects of Buddhism, leading to the construction of grand temples and convents. Cultural treasures coexist with modern convenience in this amazing city.

Gion Festival

Led by the Naginata-boko float, the festival floats leave their neighborhood homes to assemble along Shijo and Karasuma Streets. A 1000-year-old panorama then unfolds as the procession moves through the city center. The conference will take place during the build-up to this famous “Gion” Festival. Conference attendees will have the opportunity to see the beautiful and exotic “Yama-boko” floats used in this festival. Attendees who are able to extend their stay will be able to enjoy the unique parade (July 17th), which is the climax of this festival.

Dining

During Kyoto's reign as the Imperial capital, delicacies from all over the country were brought to tantalize the palates of the Emperor and his court. That pride in fine dining is still visible today in Kyoto's wide variety of restaurants. Japanese food ranges from the very formal kaiseki ryori, a many-course meal made from seasonal dishes, to Kyoto's famous tofu, to sushi, to obanzai (Kyoto home-style cooking). Foreign foods are also plentiful due to Kyoto's significant foreign population. From Indonesian to Brazilian, Vietnamese to French, there is certain to be a taste of whichever country Kyoto's visitors call home.

Shopping

Kyoto's traditional crafts are renowned throughout Japan as the products of a fine tradition. The best and brightest of artisans and craftspeople gathered here, creating schools of magnificent pottery-making, kimono dyeing, and weaving, and other handiworks. There are many shopping areas within Kyoto, from small individual shops along winding paths, to the ultramodern department stores at Kyoto Station and the Shijo area, to the bustling food stalls at Nishiki market.

Kimono dyeing

Kimono weaving

Additional Information

Kyoto International Conference Center (ICC Kyoto)
http://www.icckyoto.or.jp/en/index.html

Kyoto Convention Bureau (KCB)
http://hellokcb.or.jp/eng/index.html

Kyoto Official Travel Guide (by Kyoto Tourism Council)
http://www.kyoto.travel/

The Kyoto City Tourism & Culture Information System
http://kaiwai.city.kyoto.jp/raku/modules/english/index.php

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