0
TABLE OF CONTENTS 1 Preparing for Departure Visa When Should I Arrive? Money in Kyoto Things to Bring/Things to Do 2 2 2 3 2 Arrival in Japan Kansai International Airport to Kyoto Kansai International Airport Map 4 6 3 Life in Japan Transportation Daily Needs A Few Things to Keep in Mind 8 9.11 4 Campus Life Orientation Schedule of the Day 1.11.12 Important Dates Map of Ritsumeikan University s Vicinity Important Contact Information Useful Websites.12.12.13.13 1
1. PREPARING FOR DEPARTURE Visa Do you have your visa ready? A visa is required for students of some nationalities, so please contact your nearest Japanese embassy or local consulate for detailed information. You need to complete the visa application in the country where your current university is located in. If you are required to obtain a visa for Japan, follow the procedure below. 1. Contact the local Japanese embassy or consulate in the country where you currently study. 2. If you have not yet notified the program coordinators, contact us immediately that you will need to apply for a visa. 3. Collect all documents specified by the local Japanese embassy or consulate. 4. Participants who already paid their program fee will receive a document titled Notification of Acceptance from the International Center, with our supporting visa documents for the application. 5. Submit documents from No.3 and No.4 to your local Japanese embassy or consulate. Please note that the necessary visa for program is a short-term tourist visa, not a student visa. When and where should I arrive? - Airplane Tickets We recommend participants arrive at Kansai International Airport, as it is the closest international airport to Kyoto, at least one day before the program starting day. What is my check-in time? Please check the accommodation guide for the check-in time on Monday May 16 th, 2016. Money in Kyoto Living expenses will vary, depending on each student s individual lifestyle, but approximately JPY 2~30,000 for 2 weeks is considered adequate to cover monthly living expenses. Cash, Cards, ATMs Please note that personal checks and travelers checks are not commonly used in Japan. Changing your traveler s checks into cash at the airport s currency exchange is recommended. Although credit cards are gaining popularity, they are also not used as 2
widely as in other countries. However, credit cards and cash cards issued by overseas financial institutions can be used to make withdrawals at Japan Post Bank ATMs and convenience stores, located throughout the country. For more information, please check the following website. Japan Post Bank: http://www.jp-bank.japanpost.jp/en/ias/en_ias_index.html (English Site) *There is one Japan Post Bank ATM machine on campus. 7-Eleven: http://www.sevenbank.co.jp/intlcard/index2.html (English Site) *Please note that none of those companies are affiliated with Ritsumeikan. Things to Do /Things to Bring Travel Insurance: Pop Culture Program does not cover travel insurance. You MUST enroll in an international travel insurance before your departure to Japan. You need to submit your travel insurance information with your flight schedule by July 11 th, Monday. If we are not able to confirm it by then, you will be refused to participate our programs. In the case that you need to visit a hospital while in Japan, you will need to pay the full cost of the medical examination and any medication prescribed. You can apply for reimbursement after leaving Japan if your insurance covers the costs, so make sure to save all receipts. Transcript and Credit Approval: Upon successful completion of the program, participants will receive an academic transcript. The academic transcript will be mailed to you or your home institution through regular post within 1 month after the final day of the program. If you wish to have your credits approved, please consult with your home institution in advance about obtaining credits for coursework conducted during the program. Dictionary: Your dictionary will help your stay and study in Japan. If you have any, we recommend you to bring it with you. Also, you will need to bring your own writing materials, including notebooks and pencils. Clothing: Participants are advised to bring a raincoat or umbrella and a practical footwear. There are Japan Studies (fieldwork excursions) that may involve a lot of walking so we recommend participants to bring walking shoes and easy comfortable clothing. Kyoto is surrounded by three mountain ranges which provide Kyoto with much of its scenic beauty but also create some extreme weather conditions. In particular, summer is very hot and humid (average 22 28, 70-73% humidity), while winter is cold and damp (average 4-7, 67% humidity). There is also a rainy season in June during which it rains regularly, and a typhoon season in September. Mobile phone: There are NO pre-paid mobile phone/rental mobile phone/rental SIM card /pocket WI-FI services available for students staying for short-term in any mobile phone 3
shop in Japan. The only way to obtain a mobile phone is by ordering through internet. Please refer to the websites below beforehand: For Rental mobile phone (Can be delivered to anyplace in Japan): http://www.pupuru.com/en/ For Prepaid SIM card (Can purchase at airports in Japan and Kyoto Station): http://www.so-net.ne.jp/prepaid/en/index.html Please note that none of the mobile rental service providers are affiliated with Ritsumeikan, so technical support is limited to that given by the service providers. 2. ARRIVAL IN JAPAN Kansai International Airport to Kyoto 1 Arrival at the Airport It is strongly recommended that you arrive at Kansai International Airport (KIX), as it is the closest and most convenient international airport to Kyoto. After leaving the aircraft, have にゅうこくしんさ your passport and disembarkation card ready and proceed to Immigration ( 入国審査 ぜいかん /Nyuukoku shinsa) and Customs ( 税関 /Zeikan). If an immigration officer asks you the たんきりゅうがく purpose of your stay in Japan, answer: Short Term Study Abroad ( 短期留学です /Tanki ryuugaku desu). Once you are finished, exit to the Arrival Lobby. We highly recommend that you exchange enough currency into Japanese Yen at the airport exchange bureau. In Japan, most transactions are done by cash (JPY). 2 KIX to Kyoto We do not arrange airport pickups. Please travel to Kyoto by one of the following options: Airport Shuttle Highly recommended Airport shuttle services to and from Kyoto and Kansai International Airport are available at the airport. This is a very convenient service that drops you off at any location in Kyoto. However, please note that it will take at least two and half hours and may take even longer to reach your final destination as you will have to share the ride with other passengers. The rate is about JPY3,600 per person, one way to or from Kyoto to Kansai Airport (including tax and highway toll). To use this service, you must make your reservations at least two days prior to your departure or arrival. You can make your reservation from the following shuttle taxi companies: Yasaka Kanku Shuttle: The counter is located near exit G on the southern end of the Passenger Terminal Building on the first floor. For more information on booking and for 4
other inquiries, please call +81(0)75-803-4800 (Yasaka Group) or check the following website: http://www.yasaka.jp/english/shuttle/index.html MK "Skygate shuttle": The counter is located near exit H on the southern end of the Passenger Terminal Building on the first floor. For more information, booking, and inquiries, please call +81(0)75-778-5489 (MK Co Ltd) or check the following website: http://www.mktaxi-japan.com/#!airport-services/c13fw Train You can reach Kyoto Station by taking the Airport Express train HARUKA that leaves from JR (Japan Railway) Kansai Airport Station, located on the second floor of Kansai International Airport, adjacent to the airport terminal. The train leaves every half an hour and takes approximately 75 minutes to Kyoto Station. A one way ticket costs JPY2,850 for a non-reserved seat and JPY3,370 for a reserved seat respectively, and you can purchase your tickets by cash at the ticket vending machine or at the JR ticket booth まどぐち MIDORI-NO-MADOGUCHI ( みどりの窓口 ). Please note that the RSJP1 accommodation is not located near Kyoto Station. In the case that you use the Haruka train you will need to take a separate city bus or a taxi cab to reach your accommodation after arriving at Kyoto Station. Airport Limousine Bus You can purchase tickets at the Limousine Bus Ticket Offices found in four locations near the limousine bus, and at taxi stops outside the northern and southern ends of the Passenger Terminal Building on the first floor. You can take the bus to Kyoto Station from bus stop No.8 when your flight arrives at Terminal 1, and take the bus from bus stop No.1 when your flight arrives at Terminal 2. It will take approximately one and a half to two hours to Kyoto Station depending on traffic conditions, and will cost JPY2,550 one way. A variety of information regarding limousine bus services is also available at the Limousine Bus Ticket Offices, and the staff at the counter will be able to help you with purchasing your ticket. For more information, check http://www.kate.co.jp/pc/index_e.html or call +81(0)72-461-1374 (Kansai Airport Transportation Enterprise). 5
Please note that the RSJP1 accommodation is not located near Kyoto Station. In the case that you use the Airport Limousine Bus, you will need to take a separate city bus or a taxi cab to reach your accommodation after arriving at Kyoto Station. Kansai International Airport Map Terminal 1 6
Terminal 2 http://www.kansai-airport.or.jp/en/index.asp 7
Transportation 3. LIFE IN JAPAN There are various forms of public transportation such as trains, the subway and buses in Kyoto. Train/Subway To ride the train or the subway you will need to buy tickets at the ticket vending machines at the station. Kyoto City Bus The Kyoto City Bus is also useful for getting around to various places within Kyoto. A single ride in Kyoto City area is JPY230. Book of Coupons There are 3 types of books of coupons. You can purchase them at the stations where monthly bus pass is available and also at Ritsumeikan University. The buddies will show you during the campus tour on the first day of the program. Price JPY1,000 JPY3,000 JPY5,000 Tickets JPY230 4 tickets + JPY180 1 ticket JPY230 14 tickets + JPY180 1 ticket JPY230 25 tickets One Day Pass With One Day Pass, you can travel any number of times throughout one day within the designated area in Kyoto city by Kyoto City Bus and Kyoto Bus. Price JPY500 Pass Kyoto City Bus & Kyoto Bus One-Day Pass *To ride a night bus or to go outside the center of Kyoto city, you need to pay extra fare. For more information about the Kyoto City Bus, please check their website: http://www.city.kyoto.jp/koho/eng/access/transport.html City Bus One Day Pass IC Card Pre Paid ICOCA JPY2,000 ( 500 deposit/refundable) Recharge-able 8
Daily Needs Meals: Cooking for oneself can be an inexpensive and rewarding experience, and participants are encouraged to do so. Additionally, participants may choose to eat at one of the on-campus cafeterias, which serve everything from noodles to full meals at very reasonable prices. Grocery Shopping: There are many grocery stores and shops in Kyoto where you can buy your groceries and other necessities. Most stores in Japan are usually open from 10 am to 8 pm throughout the week. Feel free to ask the Buddies if you need any advice or help finding these stores. The amount you will spend depends on what you buy, but the estimated expense for one week s grocery shopping is between JPY3,000 and 5,000 per person. Convenience Stores: There are many convenience stores ( Konbini ) in Kyoto that are open 24 hours everyday of the year. Konbinis are like small supermarkets, stocked with a wide array of prepared foods, snacks, beverages, magazines, and daily necessities. Other services such as copy machines and ATMs are often available as well. Telephone Very few public phones in Kyoto can be used to call overseas. In order to make overseas calls from these public phones, you will need to purchase a prepaid telephone card such as World Prepaid Card or have JPY 100 coins ready. You can purchase the card at convenience stores. There are three on-campus pay phones that are capable of making overseas calls. Internet Access: You will be able to use the computers on-campus and access the internet by using the login ID and password given to you at the Orientation. The university also provides a campus-wide wireless network, so you are able to bring and use your laptop on campus. We provide Wireless LAN connection on campus for the Windows Vista, Windows 7, Windows 8, Mac OSX 10.7~, iphone, ipod touch, ipad and Android operating systems. Free Wi-Fi service is also available at the accommodation. Health: You MUST enroll in an international travel insurance before your departure to Japan, as the program does not cover travel insurance. Please consult with the Ritsumeikan staff if you are experiencing any health problems. There is a Medical Service Center on-campus that offers medical assistance to students with health concerns, and consultations are available in English during certain times of the day. For any medical treatment received, you will be required to pay the full charge. Please remember to take the receipts back with you to your home country for insurance reimbursement. 9
A medical examination with prescribed medication at a clinic or hospital can cost approximately JPY10,000 for internal medicine and from JPY20,000 to JPY30,000 for other treatments such as ophthalmology and otolaryngologist. Currency Exchange in Kyoto: There are several places for currency exchange available in Kyoto. However, we strongly recommend exchanging currency already at the airport upon arrival to Japan as most transactions are made in cash in Japan. Below are some examples for reference. Please note that none of the currency exchange providers are affiliated with Ritsumeikan. Tokai Ticket Enmachi Branch 1F. Yamashiro Bldg. 22-8 Enmachi, Nishinokyo Address Nakagyo-ku, Kyoto-shi, Kyoto-fu, 604-8463 North East side Corner of Enmachi Location crossing, opposite side of the street from Sumitomo Mitsui Bank TEL 075-467-8822 Business Weekdays and Saturdays hours 10:00~20:00 Closed on Sundays & Holidays Website: http://www.tokai-ticket.co.jp/shops/enmachi (Japanese) Sumitomo Mitsui Banking Corporation Exchange Corner 68 Higashi-iru Shin-machi Kawaramachi, Shijo-dori Address Shimogyo-ku, Kyoto-shi, Kyoto-fu 600-8001 1 st floor of Kyoto Sumitomo Bldg. At Shijo Kawaramachi. Location Same building as Kyoto Marui department store. TEL 075-223-2866 Business Weekdays 11:00~18:30 hours Saturdays, Sundays & National Closed on Holidays Website: http://www.smbc.co.jp/kojin/sonota/ryougae/tenpo.html (Japanese) 10
A Few Things to Keep In Mind Bathroom: Most public toilets in Japan are reasonably well-equipped. However, some may not provide any toilet paper. It is the best to always carry with you a small pack of tissues and a handkerchief for drying hands. On campus, there are both Japanese and Western style toilets. Tipping: Tipping is not a common practice in Japan. This includes restaurants, hotels, and taxis. Noise in Public Places: In Japan, it is common to keep your voice volume down in public places such as inside the train, bus, buildings and etc. Also, talking on your mobile phone inside public transportation is prohibited. Drinking and Smoking Regulation: Drinking and smoking under the age of twenty is strictly prohibited by Japanese law. Wheels Regulation: You are NOT allowed to operate or purchase a bicycle, car, motorbike, or any other vehicle during the program. 4. Campus lives Orientation Orientation will be held on July 26th. At Ritsumeikan University, Kinugasa Campus (Yoyokan Hall Room# 959) * How to get to our Kinugasa Campus: http://www.ritsumei.ac.jp/eng/common/img/data/access-map-kinugasa.pdf * Campus map of Kinugasa Campus: http://www.ritsumei.ac.jp/eng/file/about/kic-campusmap2015_e.pdf Orientation will be covering the following: General introduction to campus life at Ritsumeikan University and life in Japan Program Schedule Information about the fieldwork excursions and more. 11
Schedule of the Day 1, July 26 th, 2015 (subject to change) Time Schedule Place 08:30 Pick you up! At Your Accommodation 09:30-10:15 Orientation Ritsumeikan University(Room # 959) 10:30-11:15 Campus Tour Ritsumeikan University 11:30-13:00 Welcome Lunch Enjoy your lunch 13:30-15:00 Visit Kinkakuji Temple with Ritsumeikan Field Trip(Lecture1) Students. IMPORTANT DATES, TIMES and PLACES NAME DATE TIME PLACE Program Period July 26 th Aug 6 th Kinugasa Campus Accommodation Period July 25 th Aug 7 th TBA Orientation July 26 th 09:30 Kinugasa Campus All schedules are subject to change MAP OF RITSUMEIKAN UNIVERSITY S VICINITY 12
IMPORTANT CONTACT INFORMATION Ritsumeikan International Center at Kinugasa Campus Address: 56-1 Toji-in, Kitamachi, Kita-ku, Kyoto 603-8346 住所 : 立命館大学衣笠国際教育センター 603-8346 京都市北区等持院北町 56-1 TEL: +81-75-465-8230 (from outside Japan) 075-465-8230 (from within Japan) FAX: +81-75-465-8160 (from outside Japan) 075-465-8160 (from within Japan) Program Coordinators Ms. Makiko Ito (Languages: Japanese / English) Mr. Takeshi Tanaka (Languages: Japanese / English) Ms. Mai Toyosaki (Languages: Japanese / English) USEFUL WEBSITES Kyoto Visitor s Guide http://www.kyotoguide.com/ A monthly guide to Kyoto events and festivals. Kyoto Travel Guide http://www.kyoto.travel/ Information on Kyoto festivals and other events. Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan http://www.mofa.go.jp/j_info/visit/visa/index.html Guide to Japanese Visas 13