Table of Contents
Climate of Kyoto.................................................................................................................................. 2
How to get there ..................................................................................................................................... 2
Getting to the university ......................................................................................................................... 4
From Kansai International Airport to KUFS......................................................................................... 4
By MK SkygateShuttle (Approx. 2 hours) ........................................................................................ 4
By public transport .......................................................................................................................... 5
From Osaka International Airport to KUFS (approx. 2 hours)............................................................. 5
Getting around ........................................................................................................................................ 7
Subway ................................................................................................................................................ 7
Using the subway ............................................................................................................................ 7
Using Cards to Ride the Subway ..................................................................................................... 8
City Bus................................................................................................................................................ 9
How to ride the bus ........................................................................................................................ 9
Personal Transportation ................................................................................................................... 10
Bank and Post office ............................................................................................................................. 10
Opening an Account.......................................................................................................................... 10
The use of cash cards (ATM) ............................................................................................................. 11
Overseas Remittances....................................................................................................................... 11
Post offices ........................................................................................................................................ 11
Foreign Exchange .............................................................................................................................. 12
Postal Services................................................................................................................................... 13
Japanese Classes ................................................................................................................................... 15
Health insurance ................................................................................................................................... 15
Part time jobs ........................................................................................................................................ 15
Living Cost ......................................................................................................................................... 16
Housing in Japan ................................................................................................................................... 16
Accommodation Arrangement by KUFS ........................................................................................... 16
Mobile phones .................................................................................................................................. 18
Climate of Kyoto
Japan has four distinct seasons and Kyoto is one of a few places that have clearer differences than
other places of the archipelago. Generally, it is very hot in summer and cold in winter. It is also
humid in summer. They say that they have less wind in summer and feel hotter than the actual
temperature, which can get close to 40 degrees C (the maximum temperature recorded in August,
2008 was 37.5 degrees C, or 99.5 degrees F). In winter, the temperature frequently goes below
freezing and snow flies occasionally.
How to get there
From Kansai International Airport (KIX)
<75min. JR Haruka Airport Express>
These Kyoto-bound trains run every half hour in the mourning and evening, and every hour during
daytime hours.
<90 min. JR Rapid Service>
Take the Kansai Airport Rapid Service train to Osaka Station and change trains to a Special Rapid
train for Kyoto.
<120 min. Airport Limousine Bus>
Airport limousine buses will drop you off at selected destinations in Kyoto for a fairly low price.
<120 min. Shuttle Taxi Service>
Reservations are usually required at least two days in advance. For a fixed fee of a few thousand yen,
they will drop you off anywhere in Kyoto.
http://www.yasaka.jp/taxi/shuttle-e/index.html
http://www.mk-group.co.jp/english/shuttle/index.html
From Narita International Airport (NRT)
In a few cases it may be cheaper to fly from abroad to Narita International Airport near Tokyo than
Kansai international.
<3 hours 15 min. Train>
From Narita Airport take the Narita Express to Tokyo Station and change to a Shinkansen bullet train
for Kyoto Station.
<70 min. Airplane>
From Narita, fly to Osaka International Airport (ITM). From Osaka International Airport, take the
airport limousine bus to Kyoto.
From Osaka (Itami) International Airport(ITM)
<60 min. Airport Limousine Bus>
Airport limousine buses leave regularly to Kyoto Station and selected hotels in Kyoto.
<60 min. Shuttle Taxi Service>
Reservations are usually required at least two days in advance. For a fixed fee of a few thousand yen,
they will drop you off anywhere in Kyoto.
From Kobe Airport
<90 min. Train>
From Kobe Airport take the Port Liner to Sannomiya. Transfer there to a New Rapid JR train on the
Tokaido Main Line to Kyoto Station.
From Central Japan International Airport (Centrair) (NGO) in Nagoya
<95 min. Train>
Take the Meitetsu-Kuko Limited Express to Nagoya Station and change to the Shinkansen bullet train
for Kyoto Station.
Getting to the university
Most of international students arrive at Kansai International Airport located in the south of Osaka
prefecture. This is the major international airport in Kansai area.
The easiest way to get to the university is taking a shared ride shuttle bus called “MK
Skygateshuttle”. This shuttle directly takes you to KUFS from the airport at 3,500 yen. This is also
available at Osaka International Airport (2,300 yen).
If you would like this service, the Department of International Relations would make a reservation
for you based on your arrival information.
*Please note that the MK Skygateshuttle is only available for pick-up service at Kansai International
Airport and Osaka International Airport.
From Kansai International Airport to KUFS
By MK SkygateShuttle (Approx. 2 hours)

After you arrive at Kansai International Airport, a shuttle driver is waiting for you with your
name card at the International Arrivals Gate. Please tell the driver your name and
reservation number.

After confirming your name and reservation number, please get in the shuttle. Please be
careful not to miss your shuttle or your reservation will be cancelled. If you can’t meet the
driver at the gate, go to MK service desk near south gate area and tell your reservation
number to its receptionist.

When you get to KUFS, please pay the fee to the driver by cash or credit card. The fare is
3,500 yen (from Osaka Airport: 2,300yen). If you pay it by cash, please exchange money
before arriving Japan. When using credit card, following are accepted; VISA, Master, UC, DC
and American Express.

You can bring one suitcase into the shuttle for free. Extra luggage costs you 1,000 yen each.

When you land at the airport after 14:00, you are unable to get to Kyoto by 17:00. In that
case, you need to stay at a hotel for a night because the office closes at 17:00. DOIR will
reserve a hotel room near the university if you wish. The cost is approximately 7,000 yen.
The next day (only for a week day), please come to the office between 10:00 and 11:00.
Also, please let us know what time you will be coming so that we can arrange an assistant
student for you.
By public transport
Proceed straight to the JR train ticket-selling booth after coming out of the airport.
1. Purchase the JR “Haruka” Train ticket bound for Kyoto. (Approx. 3,000 yen)
2. Take the train and get off at JR Kyoto Station.
3. There are three ways to reach KUFS from JR Kyoto Station.
A). Exit from JR KARASUMA-GUCHI gate. Take Bus #28 bound for “Daikakuji temple” and get off at
“Kyoto Gaidai Mae”. Or exit from JR HACHIJO-GUCHI gate, walk across HACHIJO STREET to take
Bus #71 bound for “Matsuobashi” and get off at “Kyoto Gaidai Mae”.
B). Take the subway Karasuma Line and get off at Shijo station. Take Bus #3 bound for
“Matsuobashi” or #29 bound for “Rakusai Bus Terminal” and get off at “Kyoto Gaidai Mae”.
C). Take the subway Karasuma Line and get off at Shijo station. Then, transfer on to Hankyu Railway
and get off at Saiin station. It is about 15 minutes walk to the west from Saiin Station to KUFS. Buses
are also available from Saiin Station to the nearest bus stop to KUFS ? “Kyoto Gaidai Mae”, with
Bus #3 (for Matsuobashi), #28 (for Daikakuji temple), #29 (for Rakusai Bus Terminal), #67 (for
Matsuobashi), #69 (for Katura-Eki Higashi-Guchi), and #71 (Matsuobashi).
* Kyoto City Buses charge a flat rate of 220yen.
From Osaka International Airport to KUFS (approx. 2 hours)
There are two ways to reach KUFS from Osaka International Airport; one is to take shuttle bus from
the airport to JR Kyoto Station, and another is to take monorail and train to Hankyu Saiin Station.

Airport Limousine (Approx. 1.5 hours)
o
A). Proceed straight to the airport bus terminal and get on the airport limousine #5
or #15 bound for Kyoto. (Fare: 1,280 yen) The limousine will take you to the south
gate “MINAMI-GUCHI” of JR Kyoto Station.
o
B). Exit from JR MINAMI-GUCHI gate after arriving at the JR Kyoto Station, and walk
across HACHIJO STREET to take City Bus #71 bound for “Mastuobashi” and get off
at “Kyoto Gaidai Mae”.


* Kyoto City Buses charge a flat rate of 220yen.
Monorail & Train (Approx. 2 hours)
o
A). Proceed to Osaka Monorail by crossing the connecting bridge and take the
monorail and get off at “MINAMI IBARAKI” station. (Fare: 420 yen)
o
B). At Minami Ibaraki station, transfer on to Hankyu Railway. Take the train to Kyoto
and get off at Saiin station. (Fare: 310 yen)
o
C). From Saiin station, walk to the west for 15 minutes to KUFS. Buses are also
available from Saiin Station to the nearest bus stop to KUFS ? “Kyoto Gaidai
Mae”, with Bus #3 (for Matsuobashi), #28 (for Daikakuji temple), #29 (for Rakusai
Bus Terminal), #67 (for Matsuobashi), #69 (for Katura-Eki Higashi-Guchi), and #71
(Matsuobashi).

* Kyoto City Buses charge a flat rate of 220yen.
Getting around
Subway
The Kyoto Subway Line consists of the inner city south-north "Karasuma" Line and the eastwest "Tozai" Line. The two lines intersect at "Karasuma Oike" Station where it is possible to transfer
lines.
The entrance to the Subway Station is indicated by a subwaSy sign. Please purchase a
ticket from the station automatic ticket machines.
The fare for adults is from ¥210 to ¥340, and for children ¥110 to ¥170 (depending on the
destination).
Using the subway
1. Search for the entrance to the Subway station you wish to use and go to the station.
2. Purchase a ticket to your destination from the automatic ticket machines. The fare chart is
located near the ticket machines.(The subway station is allocated a station number so please
check the departure and destination stations on the above Subway Route Map. The station
number can also be found inside the train.)
3. There are automatic ticket gates at the station, and you can enter by passing your ticket (or
card) through the gate. After passing through, the ticket (or card) is returned, so please do
not forget to take it.
4. To leave the station where you get off the train, pass your ticket (or card) through the
automatic ticket gates to exit. (The ticket will be collected, but the card will be returned so
please do not forget to take it)
Using Cards to Ride the Subway
When using the bus or Subway frequently, it is convenient to buy a card in advance.
They are available at places such as the ticket machines of subway stations.
Kyoto Sightseeing One and Two-day Pass Card
All-day Pass Adult ¥1,200 / Child ¥600
Two-day Pass Adult ¥2,000 / Child ¥1,000

Can be used for the City bus, Subway line and within one section of Kyoto Bus Route.

Unlimited use for the same or two-days.
Surutto Kansai Miyako Card
¥1,000 / ¥2,000 / ¥3,000 / ¥5,000

Can be used on City buses and Subway lines, Hankyu Train, Keihan Train as well as other
participating private companies.

Can be used for the value on the card. The amount is reduced as used.
Traffica Kyoto Card
¥1,000 / ¥3,000

Valid on the city subways and buses.

Can be used up to the amount on the face value (It is possible to use ¥3,300 ￥1,100 on the
¥3,000 ￥1,000 card)This amount is reduced as used.
City Bus All-day Pass
Adult:¥500/Child:￥250

Can be used within the allocated zone of the city (see the diagram below).

(Arashiyama, Sagano, Takao, Shugakuin etc. are outside of the allocated zone)

Unlimited use on the same day.

When travelling outside of the allocated zone, it is necessary to pay the extra amount.
City Bus
The Kyoto City bus is useful for getting around various places within Kyoto.
Most of the city buses look like the diagram below:

Please enter the bus from the back door, and exit at the front. The bus fare is paid as you get
off the bus.

To use the bus within the city centre, the fare is ¥220 for adults, and ¥110 for children (aged
6 to 12 years). The fare for travelling outside of the city centre is dependent upon the
distance travelled.

Information about the route the bus will take is indicated by the bus number and main
destination displayed on the front, back, and side of the bus near the door.

The bus stops at these signs.
How to ride the bus
1. Looking at the Route Map, search for the bus number which goes from the place you are
now, to the place you want to go. Determine the name of the bus stop from where you will
2.
3.
4.
5.
ride, and your destination. (The route map can be found at information sites at train and
subway stations)
Please wait at the bus stop for the bus.
On arrival of the bus you want to ride, enter the bus (for ticket buses, please take a ticket).
The fare will depend on the number printed on the ticket. When using a card to ride the bus,
please insert it into the card reading machine.
When the name of your destination is announced, please press the button to stop the bus.
As the bus arrives at your stop, please drop your fare and ticket into the opening at the top
of the payment box (1) by the side of the driver. If you used a card, please enter it into the
card reader (4). The fare is displayed on the chart near the exit.
Personal Transportation

Bikes are especially convenient in traffic-congested Kyoto.

Lock your bike when not in use. (Use more than 2 locks, if possible) Bikes, as a rule, are
treated as vehicles, and therefore are not allowed to be parked in prohibited areas. These
areas are designated by the Kyoto City Government.
They are clearly marked and strictly controlled. Your bike will be removed if you parked in
prohibited areas, therefore, pay close attention to where you park your bike.

【To reclaim a removed bikes】
Removed bikes are kept at the bike pound shown on the board where you parked your bike.
To reclaim your bike, the following items are required: the key(s) of your bike, identification,
and2,300 yen handling fee. Bikes should be claimed as soon as possible, as after 4 weeks
they will be disposed.
Bank and Post office
Opening an Account
Fill in an Account Application and submit it at the counter of the bank or post office. A minimum
deposit of 1 Yen is required. You can obtain a cash card by opening a saving account (Futsuu Yokin).
〈What you will need to open an account〉
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
Foreign Resident Registration Card
Health Insurance Card
Student I.D. (For students)
Personal Seal (Signature acceptable depending on institution)
Cash deposit (at least ¥1)
The use of cash cards (ATM)
Both deposits and withdraws can be easily made. To access the account, it is necessary to enter a
series of four digit numbers (PIN). Don’t forget the PIN number! ATMs are also available at
convenience stores.
〈ATM Operating Hours〉
Banks Weekdays 9:00-21:00 (approx.)
Weekends 9:00-18:00 (approx.)
Post Office Weekdays 9:00-19:00 (approx.)
Weekends 9:00-17:00 (approx.)
The ATM operating hours varies depending on the banking facility.
Automatic payment of utilities
Payment of public utilities such as electricity, gas, telephone charges and NHK television reception
charges etc. can all be withdrawn automatically from your account. Your personal seal (hanko) and
the registration number of your bill (customer number for electricity, gas, etc.) are necessary to
begin these services. You can also make payments of utilities, telephone charges, NHK television
reception charges at convenience stores. Inquire at the respective stores.
Overseas Remittances
Banks
Items required The recipient’s bank name, branch name, account type and account number,
address, name and telephone number. In order to receive an overseas remittance, you must give the
sender the information mentioned above.
Post offices
〈International Postal Remittances〉
Sending a money order directly to the address of the recipient
You air mail an exchange certificate to the recipient. When he/she goes to a local post office and
hands over the certificate, he/she can collect the money.
Sending a money order to the recipient’s postal saving account.
The money will be paid directly into the recipient’s postal saving account. This service is cheaper
than sending money order to the address of the recipient.
〈International Postal Transfers〉
International transfers can only be conducted when both sender and the recipient have postal
transfer accounts at their respective post offices. There are countries which do not conduct this
service. Even if the country you wish to send money to has the service, note that the time it takes for
this service may differ from country to country.
Kyoto Central Post Office, Postal Saving Section (Kyoto Chuo Yubin
365-2511kyoku Chokin-ka).
Foreign Exchange
Exchanging foreign currencies
Currency exchange is available at banks displaying a “Ministry of Finance Authorized Money
Exchanger” sign. This applies to traveler’s checks as well. Some discount ticket shops also have
money exchange services.
TiS Kyoto Store
TEL:354-9181
Mitsui Sumitomo Bank Shijo Money Exchange Corner
TEL:223-2866
World Currency Shop
JR Kyoto Station, in front of Main
Gate.
Marui Building, 1 F, ShijoKawaramachi
Kyoto Station Bldg, 8F
TEL:365-7750
Foreign Currency Exchange Tourist Information Center- Daimaru
Kyoto
Daimaru Kyoto, 1F
TEL:211-8111
Foreign Currency Exchange Specialty Shop- Shijo, Kyoto
TEL:257-5671
Nissei Shijo Yanagibanba
Building, Japan Travel Center
Takashimaya Department Store 7th Southwest Corner of Shijo Street and Kawaramachi Street Intersection
Fl.
Kyoto Tower Basement 1F
Corner of Karasuma Street and Shiokoji Street (North side of JR Kyoto
Station)
Self Cashing Platt Kyoto
Turn East at the intersection of Shijo Street and Karasuma Street. It is at
the first southwest corner.
Kyoto Family Shopping Center, 1F
Turn East at the intersection of Kadonooji Street and Shijo Street. It is
located on the north side of the street.
Takashimaya Department Store
Rakusai Shop, 3F
2-5-5 Higashi Sakaidani-cho, Oharano
(In Rakusei New Town)
Places where you can get cash advances using foreign credit cards
If your credit card bears the VISA, Plus, MasterCard or Cirrus logos, you can withdraw cash at the
following locations.
It is also possible to obtain cash advances with above mentioned credit cards from any Post Office
ATM.
Postal Services
Days and times the Post Office is open
Regular (Small) Post Offices Monday through Friday 9:00 to 17:00
Large Post Offices Monday through Friday 9:00 to 19:00
Saturday 9:00 to 17:00
Sunday 9:00 to 12:30
It is best to confirm hours of operation, as times vary by post office.
Posting something on Saturday, Sunday, holidays, or late at night.
Some post offices provide a 24-hour “postal service”.
Facilities
p.194
Sending money by mail
〈Genkin Kakitome〉
A special envelope called a “Cash Registration Envelope” is used. Money and letters can be enclosed
together. Cash up to 500,000yen can be sent with fee. Ask for this service at the counter.
It is also possible to send money by placing a postal money order in a sealed letter.
Other Services Available at the Post Office
When moving
If you notify your post office of your new address, they will re-address any mail sent to your old
address for 1 year free of charge.
When you are not at If you are away and parcels or registered letters are delivered to your home, a slip advising you of
the delivery will be placed in your mail box. Take this slip along with personal identification to the
home
post office within a week to retrieve your parcel or registered letters.
When you are away If you vacate your residence for a long period of time, notify the post office in advance to have
for a long period of your mail held. They will deliver it to you later (valid for up to 30 days only)
time
If you spoil a prestamped postcard
If you misprint or spoil a pre-stamped postcard, you can take it to the post office and have it
exchanged for a new one for 5 yen.
Courier and Express Delivery Services
When you wish to have something delivered to somebody, in addition to the post office there are
home delivery service companies (Takuhai and Takkyubin Services). If you are sending something
big, they will come to your residence to pick it up. It is a very convenient service, because items
often arrive quicker and for a lower price than by the post office. You can even request service at
convenience stores.
Japanese Classes
Japanese Classes at the Kyoto International Community House (kokoka)
Japanese Classes
Japanese classes are taught by volunteers registered at the Community House. Anybody can join, at
any time, regardless of their level of Japanese. Purchase tickets (¥50 per class). Appointments are
not required. Every week from Tuesday to Sunday.
“Easy Japanese”
Twelve Japanese lectures aimed at easing non-native speakers’ of Japanese into life in Kyoto.
Introductory and Elementary classes are available (with fees). Meets once a week for three months.
Summer session meets twice a week for two months.
Apply at the Kyoto International Community House
Health insurance
National Health Insurance (Compulsory)
National Health Insurance is administered by a city, town or village. All foreign nationals are required
to enrol in this program. The insurance covers 70% of all kinds of medical expenses, which means
that patient pays only the remaining 30% at a hospital or at a dental office, etc.
The premium for this insurance varies slightly depending on the place one lives and the person's
income in the previous year. It costs foreign nationals who hold College Student Visa approximately
18,000yen to enrol in this program.
Student Accident and Injury Insurance (Automatic)
This insurance covers medical cost paid for the treatment of injuries sustained in class or during
extra-curricular activities.
National Health Insurance Subsidy
The Kyoto City International Foundation is providing to foreign students of the universities and
junior colleges in Kyoto City .To be eligible, the student must be a resident of Kyoto City and be
required to enrol in the National Health Insurance in advance. It is supported 700yen per month.
Part time jobs
Students holding a "college student visa" are allowed by the Japanese Government to engage in a
part-time job on condition that the working hours should not exceed 28 hours a week by permission
of the Immigration Bureau. However, students are not granted absences from classes because of
part-time jobs.
Foreign students should come to Japan with adequate financial support, which will enable them to
pursue their studies without resorting to part-time jobs for financial survival.
Apply for permission to engage in activities other than permitted by status
1.Apply at Immigration
Go to immigration to apply for "permission to engage in activities other than permitted by status".
There are no fees.
[Documents required for application]
Permission to Engage in Activities Other than Permitted by Status Application Form, Certificate of
Alien Registration, Passport
2.Receive Notice
Notice from immigration delivered to home address (2 weeks - 2 months from application)
3.Go to Immigration
Go to immigration within the time period stated on the notice to get the permission.
[Documents required for receiving permission]
Inspection Results Notice, Certificate of Alien Registration, Passport, Student ID
4.Start Part-Time Job!
Start your part-time job
※Download applications at the Immigration Bureau homepage:
→http://www.immi-moj.go.jp/english/tetuduki/kanri/shyorui/09.html
Living Cost
All exchange students are recommended to have available about 1,100,000 - 1,800,000 yen per year
to cover rent, meals, books, mobile phone, living expenses and other personal costs.
Housing in Japan
Housing conditions in Japan is quite unique compare to other countries. If you are interested in
arranging an accommodation on your own, please note that most international students find signing
a rental agreement quite hard. Generally, Japanese rental accommodation is as follows. It is usually
one room apartment type of accommodation with no furniture. The cost for renting an apartment
room around KUFS is about 60,000 yen per month. Most of the time, the rent does not include
utilities, such as gas, electricity and water. The security deposit which is usually about three-month
rent and key money are also required when making an agreement. Furthermore, generally you need
to have a guarantor who lives in Japan. Therefore, you should research well before you make
decisions.
Accommodation Arrangement by KUFS
Kyoto University of Foreign Studies arranges every exchange student a dormitory or apartment
room. (The location will be decided by KUFS.)
All rooms organized by KUFS are furnished single rooms.
Please note that there is NO Homestay arrangement via KUFS.
Type of Accommodation
Dormitory (College Residence A,B)
One-Room Apartment
Type of Room
Single (24～28m2)
Single(22m2)
Monthly Rent
44,000 - 54,000 yen
46,000 yen -
Utilities
(Gas, water and electricity)
Included in the rent
( there will be an extra charge if utilities exceed 10,000 yen all
together)
Distance to KUFS
5 minutes walk, 20 minutes by bike
5-15 minutes walk
Bathroom/Toilet
○
○
Kitchen/Refrigerator
○
○
Air-conditioner/Heater
○
○
Washing Machine
○
(one dryer in shared space)
○
Furniture
(Bed, Desk, Chair and
Wardrobe)
○
○
Internet Access
○
(costs are included in the rent)
○
TV / Multi-purpose Room
○
—
* Deposit･･･The deposit will basically paid by KUFS, but if the room condition is quite dirty,
damaged and need to be cleaned, you will be required to pay for the recovery cost.
APPLICATION
If you wish to apply for an accommodation arranged by KUFS, submit the application form to the
Department of International Relations by the designated date below.
Enrolments in April
The end of November in the previous year of the course commencement.
Enrolments in September
The end of April in the year of the course commencement.

Application Form for Accommodation(PDF：108KB)
Cancelation
If you wish to cancel your application after submitting the application form, please notify to the
Department of International Relations by the designated date below.
Enrolments in April
The end of December (within a month after the submission deadline)
Enrolments in September
The end of May (within a month after the submission deadline)
Mobile phones
Having a cell phone is quite handy in Japan. Cell phones can be purchased in cell phone shops
around town. Required documents vary by shop so please check with each company. The followings
are the list of major cell phone companies in Japan:
NTT DOCOMO
http://www.nttdocomo.co.jp/english/
au
http://www.au.kddi.com/english/index.html
SoftBank
http://mb.softbank.jp/en/