Osaka is a confident and stylish city, known for shopping, restaurants and nightlife. Home to almost nine million people, Osaka’s economy exceeds that of nearby neighbors Hong Kong and Thailand. With more than 1400 years of history, Osaka has maintained a rich cultural heritage, while becoming a progressive and prosperous city.
Osaka offers many activities and local attractions for visitors, including the National Museum of Art, the Museum of Oriental Ceramics, Osaka Museum of History, Osaka Science Museum, Osaka Museum of Natural History, Osaka International Peace Center and the National Bunraku Theatre. Other activities include the Osaka Aquarium Kaiykan, Tennoji Zoo, and Universal Studios Japan.
The 2009 ISAKOS Congress will be held at the Osaka International Convention Center. Built in 2000, the Osaka International Convention Center has served as a gateway between Japan and the International Community. Located in the urban heart of Osaka, the Convention Center offers easy access to the city’s sophisticated urban amenities.
ISAKOS members who have not attended a recent ISAKOS Congress are encouraged to attend in 2009 to experience the unique diversity and vibrancy inspired by the international exchange of knowledge offered at the ISAKOS Congress.
STAYING IN OSAKA, JAPAN
Hotel Accommodations To view the recommended hotels and to make your online reservations today click here or by type the following web address directly into your browser www.lhweb.jp/knt/isakos/.
ENJOYING JAPAN: GUIDED TOURS
Detailed Information regarding guided tours is available by clicking here or by typing the web address directly into your browser www.lhweb.jp/knt/isakos/.
PASSPORT AND VISA REQUIREMENTS
A valid Passport is required to enter Japan. Participants from certain countries may be required to obtain a visa to enter Japan. If you are uncertain to your requirement please consult your nearest Japanese Embassy/ Consulate or visit the website of Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan
FLYING TO OSAKA
Kansai International Airport (KIX) Reaching Osaka, Japan is easier than ever thanks to Kansai International Airport (KIX), which provides direct service to 73 cities in 30 countries and regions. As an Asia-oriented hub airport, it serves a large number of flights to Asia-Pacific cities. The KIX is also conveniently accessible to downtown Osaka within 30 minutes by train. Visit the official KIX website for more information.
GETTING AROUND OSAKA
Osaka offers a variety of public transportation means, including trains, subways, buses, water buses and ferries. Use them wisely and you will be able to travel easily around the city. For general transport, taxis are plentiful but cost most. Subways provide inexpensive cost but the covering area is limited. JR railroad has easy access to and from Osaka station and covers wide range of area such as to Kyoto or to Kobe. English and Japanese directional signs and instructions make traveling on the train and subway systems easy. Tickets can be purchased from bilingual machines located near the ticket gates. The subway stations are numbered to facilitate travel. Railway System: Osaka has an extensive railway system, comprised of both JR (Japan Railways) and other private railway company lines. For details, please refer to the following site: http://www.osaka-info.jp/en/access/info_train.html Subway System: There are 8 subways lines that transverse the city, north/south lines and east/west lines. For details, please refer to the following site: http://www.kotsu.city.osaka.jp/foreign/english/index.html Japan Rail Pass: The Japan Rail Pass is an economical pass that is recommended if you plan to visit other regions in Japan besides Osaka. It is a special discount train pass (7-day, 14-day or 21-day) sold only to tourists outside Japan and is good for Shinkansen (bullet trains) and other JR (Japan Railways) express and local trains. Please note that Japan Rail Passes must be purchased in your home country prior to arriving in Japan. For details, please visit the following link: http://www.jnto.go.jp/eng/arrange/transportation/japan_rail_Pass.html Buses: Buses, including water buses, local lines and special tour buses, are prevalent in Osaka. Free shuttle buses are also available in some areas. From Kansai International Airport, express buses are operated to/from various locations both in and outside Osaka, including major railway stations. Fares on local buses are accepted in coins and paid to the driver. Why not experience a water bus ride, to enjoy different views of Osaka from the river as you go smoothly to your destination? Please see the following link for water bus information: http://www.osaka-info.jp/en/access/info_ferry.html Taxis: There are thousands of taxis operating in Osaka, at virtually any hour. The maximum number of passengers per one small- or medium-sized taxi is four persons. Taxi stands can be found at the airports, most train stations, hotels and major department stores. On the street, you may hail a cruising taxi by raising your hand when a vacant car approaches. To tell whether the car is vacant or not, look for the red sign on the car's windshield or see if the lamp on top of the car is on. The left rear door is opened and closed automatically by the driver for a customer. When your car arrives at the destination, pay your driver the amount indicated on the fare meter. Credit cards are accepted by some taxis and the types of acceptable credit cards are posted inside the car. Remember that not all taxis accept credit cards, and even when they do, it may require certain conditions such as minimum charge of 5,000 yen, etc. Rental Cars: It is not recommendable to rent a car in Japan, if the person has not done so before. Although major highway signs are in English as well as Japanese, most regional and city road signs are in Japanese only, and many local streets are un-marked. Driving in major cities is complicated and even locals tend to use public transportation to get around the metropolis, due to congestion, parking limitations, etc. Chauffeured Car: For those who wish to arrange car and driver services, please contact Kinki Nippon Tourist, the official travel company for the 7th Biennial ISAKOS Congress for information and reservations.
Osaka offers a variety of public transportation means, including trains, subways, buses, water buses and ferries. Use them wisely and you will be able to travel easily around the city.
For general transport, taxis are plentiful but cost most. Subways provide inexpensive cost but the covering area is limited. JR railroad has easy access to and from Osaka station and covers wide range of area such as to Kyoto or to Kobe.
English and Japanese directional signs and instructions make traveling on the train and subway systems easy. Tickets can be purchased from bilingual machines located near the ticket gates. The subway stations are numbered to facilitate travel.
Railway System: Osaka has an extensive railway system, comprised of both JR (Japan Railways) and other private railway company lines. For details, please refer to the following site: http://www.osaka-info.jp/en/access/info_train.html
Subway System: There are 8 subways lines that transverse the city, north/south lines and east/west lines. For details, please refer to the following site: http://www.kotsu.city.osaka.jp/foreign/english/index.html
Japan Rail Pass: The Japan Rail Pass is an economical pass that is recommended if you plan to visit other regions in Japan besides Osaka. It is a special discount train pass (7-day, 14-day or 21-day) sold only to tourists outside Japan and is good for Shinkansen (bullet trains) and other JR (Japan Railways) express and local trains. Please note that Japan Rail Passes must be purchased in your home country prior to arriving in Japan. For details, please visit the following link: http://www.jnto.go.jp/eng/arrange/transportation/japan_rail_Pass.html
Buses: Buses, including water buses, local lines and special tour buses, are prevalent in Osaka. Free shuttle buses are also available in some areas. From Kansai International Airport, express buses are operated to/from various locations both in and outside Osaka, including major railway stations. Fares on local buses are accepted in coins and paid to the driver.
Why not experience a water bus ride, to enjoy different views of Osaka from the river as you go smoothly to your destination? Please see the following link for water bus information: http://www.osaka-info.jp/en/access/info_ferry.html
Taxis: There are thousands of taxis operating in Osaka, at virtually any hour. The maximum number of passengers per one small- or medium-sized taxi is four persons. Taxi stands can be found at the airports, most train stations, hotels and major department stores. On the street, you may hail a cruising taxi by raising your hand when a vacant car approaches. To tell whether the car is vacant or not, look for the red sign on the car's windshield or see if the lamp on top of the car is on. The left rear door is opened and closed automatically by the driver for a customer. When your car arrives at the destination, pay your driver the amount indicated on the fare meter. Credit cards are accepted by some taxis and the types of acceptable credit cards are posted inside the car. Remember that not all taxis accept credit cards, and even when they do, it may require certain conditions such as minimum charge of 5,000 yen, etc.
Rental Cars: It is not recommendable to rent a car in Japan, if the person has not done so before. Although major highway signs are in English as well as Japanese, most regional and city road signs are in Japanese only, and many local streets are un-marked. Driving in major cities is complicated and even locals tend to use public transportation to get around the metropolis, due to congestion, parking limitations, etc.
Chauffeured Car: For those who wish to arrange car and driver services, please contact Kinki Nippon Tourist, the official travel company for the 7th Biennial ISAKOS Congress for information and reservations.
ACCESS TO THE GRAND CUBE OSAKA
The Osaka International Convention Center (OICC), also known as the Grand Cube Osaka and is easily recognizable as it is quite literally a large cube shaped building. Don’t miss one minute of the ISAKOS Congress because you are lost! Whether you are taking a bus, train, taxi or walking you can easily access the OICC using the following directions. Walking About a 10-minute walk from: • Fukushima Station on the JR Osaka Loop Line or Hanshin Line • Shin-Fukushima Station (Exit No.2) on the JR Tozai Line • Awaza Station on Osaka City Subway System (Exit No. 1 on the Chuo Line, or Exit No. 9 on the Sennichimae Line) Complimentary Shuttle Bus Service Congress participants are also welcome to use the Righa Royal Hotel’s complimentary shuttle bus service running between the hotel, JR Osaka Station (central north exit), and Yodoyabashi Subway Station (west end). The OICC is located next door to the Righa Royal Hotel. From the JR Osaka Station Take the Sakurabashiguchi exit of the station, transfer to the complimentary Righa Royal Hotel shuttle bus. From the Shin-Osaka Station (Shinkansen train) Take the JR Kyoto Line to JR Osaka Station – about a 5-minute ride (1 station). From Kansai International Airport Take the train (about 55 minutes) or an airport limousine bus (about 60 minutes) to the JR Osaka Station. From Itami Airport Take an airport limousine bus to JR Osaka Station (about 30 minutes) or • About 10 minutes walk from Awaza Station (Exit No.1 on the Chuo Line, or Exit No.9 on the Sennichimae Line) on the Osaka City Subway system
The Osaka International Convention Center (OICC), also known as the Grand Cube Osaka and is easily recognizable as it is quite literally a large cube shaped building. Don’t miss one minute of the ISAKOS Congress because you are lost! Whether you are taking a bus, train, taxi or walking you can easily access the OICC using the following directions.
Walking About a 10-minute walk from: • Fukushima Station on the JR Osaka Loop Line or Hanshin Line • Shin-Fukushima Station (Exit No.2) on the JR Tozai Line • Awaza Station on Osaka City Subway System (Exit No. 1 on the Chuo Line, or Exit No. 9 on the Sennichimae Line)
Complimentary Shuttle Bus Service Congress participants are also welcome to use the Righa Royal Hotel’s complimentary shuttle bus service running between the hotel, JR Osaka Station (central north exit), and Yodoyabashi Subway Station (west end). The OICC is located next door to the Righa Royal Hotel.
From the JR Osaka Station Take the Sakurabashiguchi exit of the station, transfer to the complimentary Righa Royal Hotel shuttle bus.
From the Shin-Osaka Station (Shinkansen train) Take the JR Kyoto Line to JR Osaka Station – about a 5-minute ride (1 station).
From Kansai International Airport Take the train (about 55 minutes) or an airport limousine bus (about 60 minutes) to the JR Osaka Station.
From Itami Airport Take an airport limousine bus to JR Osaka Station (about 30 minutes) or • About 10 minutes walk from Awaza Station (Exit No.1 on the Chuo Line, or Exit No.9 on the Sennichimae Line) on the Osaka City Subway system
OSAKA AND THE SURROUNDING AREA
Osaka Osaka is the second largest metropolis in Japan after Tokyo, and has been a lively port city and center of social interchange for more than 1,400 years. Nicknamed the “water city” because of its accessibility by river and the sea, Osaka has played an important role as a trading and cultural hub since ancient times, and today is a flourishing economic and cultural center of the Kansai area, the triangle of Osaka, Kobe and Kyoto. Thanks to its location and trade, the city also developed a gastronomic culture and is nicknamed the “Kitchen of Japan.” Today, visitors can enjoy the vast range of goods in Osaka’s unique and specialized shopping districts, including Nipponbashi’s Denden Town, famous for electronics and computer-related products, the Honmachi district with its many textile shops, and Shinsaibashi, where one can find world-class boutiques as well as traditional shops. Throughout the city, one can savor all the delicious foods of Japan, plus every type of cuisine from around the world. There are myriad ways to enjoy Osaka, something for everyone. Japan National Tourist Organization Osaka Information: http://www.jnto.go.jp/eng/location/regional/osaka/index.html Osaka Prefecture: http://www.pref.osaka.jp/en/introduction/index.html Osaka Tourist Guide: http://www.osaka-info.jp/en/ Nearby are 2 cities well worth visiting, ancient capitals of Japan filled with historic treasures. Kyoto Kyoto was Japan’s capital city for more than 1,000 years. With historical shrines, temples and beautiful gardens around every corner, it is a well-established tourist destination, attracting visitors from all over the world. Kyoto Station is about 25 minutes away from Osaka Station by Japan Railways. Nara Nara is one of Japan’s most ancient cities and was the nation’s capital in the 8th century. The area boasts a wealth of shrines and temples, including Todai-ji-Temple—designated a World Heritage Site— Kasuga-taisha Shrine, Yakushi-ji Temple, Horyu-ji Temple and others. Nara Station is about 50 minutes away from Osaka Station by Japan Railways.
Osaka Osaka is the second largest metropolis in Japan after Tokyo, and has been a lively port city and center of social interchange for more than 1,400 years. Nicknamed the “water city” because of its accessibility by river and the sea, Osaka has played an important role as a trading and cultural hub since ancient times, and today is a flourishing economic and cultural center of the Kansai area, the triangle of Osaka, Kobe and Kyoto.
Thanks to its location and trade, the city also developed a gastronomic culture and is nicknamed the “Kitchen of Japan.” Today, visitors can enjoy the vast range of goods in Osaka’s unique and specialized shopping districts, including Nipponbashi’s Denden Town, famous for electronics and computer-related products, the Honmachi district with its many textile shops, and Shinsaibashi, where one can find world-class boutiques as well as traditional shops. Throughout the city, one can savor all the delicious foods of Japan, plus every type of cuisine from around the world.
There are myriad ways to enjoy Osaka, something for everyone.
Japan National Tourist Organization Osaka Information: http://www.jnto.go.jp/eng/location/regional/osaka/index.html Osaka Prefecture: http://www.pref.osaka.jp/en/introduction/index.html Osaka Tourist Guide: http://www.osaka-info.jp/en/
Japan National Tourist Organization Osaka Information: http://www.jnto.go.jp/eng/location/regional/osaka/index.html
Osaka Prefecture: http://www.pref.osaka.jp/en/introduction/index.html
Osaka Tourist Guide: http://www.osaka-info.jp/en/
Nearby are 2 cities well worth visiting, ancient capitals of Japan filled with historic treasures.
Kyoto Kyoto was Japan’s capital city for more than 1,000 years. With historical shrines, temples and beautiful gardens around every corner, it is a well-established tourist destination, attracting visitors from all over the world. Kyoto Station is about 25 minutes away from Osaka Station by Japan Railways.
Nara Nara is one of Japan’s most ancient cities and was the nation’s capital in the 8th century. The area boasts a wealth of shrines and temples, including Todai-ji-Temple—designated a World Heritage Site— Kasuga-taisha Shrine, Yakushi-ji Temple, Horyu-ji Temple and others. Nara Station is about 50 minutes away from Osaka Station by Japan Railways.
LOCAL INFORMATION
Banks Banks are open from Monday to Friday, 9:00-15:00 (Closed on Saturdays, Sundays and national holidays). Automatic teller machines (ATMs) are available for withdrawing by credit card everyday (except national holidays) from 9:00 to 19:00 at almost all of the major banks. Climate and Clothing Spring (March - May): The season is welcomed by the famous plum and cherry blossoms. People from all over the country go to certain spots to get a glimpse of the first blooms. The temperature typically ranges between 10 and 19 Celsius in Osaka throughout the month of April. The weather is usually nice with sunshine. Typical dress for this time of year: light jackets, light sweaters and other similar kinds of tops. Credit cards American Express, Diners Club, Visa, and MasterCard are widely accepted at hotels, department stores, shops, and restaurants as well as at the major train station. Electricity 100 volts alternating current at a frequency of 60 Hz. in Western Japan. Insurance ISAKOS can accept no responsibility for accidents or damage to the private property of participants. Please make your own arrangements for health insurance and any other necessary insurance. Postal Services Hotels often provide simple postage services. Post offices are open from Monday to Friday, 9:00-17:00. Time Japan Standard Time is 9 hours ahead of UTC (Coordinated Universal Time). Tipping and Consumption Tax Tipping is not customary in Japan. However, major restaurants or hotels may add a 10% to 15% service charge to your bill. A 5% sales tax is already included in the prices shown.
Banks Banks are open from Monday to Friday, 9:00-15:00 (Closed on Saturdays, Sundays and national holidays). Automatic teller machines (ATMs) are available for withdrawing by credit card everyday (except national holidays) from 9:00 to 19:00 at almost all of the major banks.
Climate and Clothing Spring (March - May): The season is welcomed by the famous plum and cherry blossoms. People from all over the country go to certain spots to get a glimpse of the first blooms. The temperature typically ranges between 10 and 19 Celsius in Osaka throughout the month of April. The weather is usually nice with sunshine. Typical dress for this time of year: light jackets, light sweaters and other similar kinds of tops.
Credit cards American Express, Diners Club, Visa, and MasterCard are widely accepted at hotels, department stores, shops, and restaurants as well as at the major train station.
Electricity 100 volts alternating current at a frequency of 60 Hz. in Western Japan.
Insurance ISAKOS can accept no responsibility for accidents or damage to the private property of participants. Please make your own arrangements for health insurance and any other necessary insurance.
Postal Services Hotels often provide simple postage services. Post offices are open from Monday to Friday, 9:00-17:00.
Time Japan Standard Time is 9 hours ahead of UTC (Coordinated Universal Time).
Tipping and Consumption Tax Tipping is not customary in Japan. However, major restaurants or hotels may add a 10% to 15% service charge to your bill. A 5% sales tax is already included in the prices shown.