The Cultural Heart of Japan

Kyoto proudly reigned as capital of Japan for 1200 years and is considered the traditional heart of Japan. This history and heritage 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 safety and the compactness of Kyoto makes for wonderful strolling during free time.

Fascinating World Cultural Heritage City

A thousand years as the capital city has left a legacy of tradition and elegance making Kyoto a living museum. Indeed the concentration of UNESCO World Cultural Heritage Sites in Kyoto is not matched by anywhere else in the entire world.

Inspiring & Progressive Modern City

This rich heritage is reflected in modern technical advances. Kyoto is packed with opportunities to rub shoulders with new frontier industries and top Japanese scholars. In fact half of all Japanese Nobel Prize winners have been Kyoto University researchers.

Friendly People—Welcoming Atmosphere

Kyoto residents are renowned for their hospitality: Outstanding service is part of the city pride. Therefore rest assured that wherever you go, you will be welcomed with all the warmth of the culture heart of Japan.

Environmentally Involved

Kyoto is home of the Kyoto Protocol and participates in the World Water Forum. Adopted in December 1997, the Kyoto Protocol's objective is to reduce greenhouse gases. The World Water Forum met in Kyoto in 2003. The Forum meets to discuss the growing concern sbout world water issues.

Famous Festivals—Gion Matsuri

The Gion Matsuri, also known as Gion-san, festival takes place along side of FIRST's 21st Annual Conference, July 1-29. Gion-san is one of Japan's three largest festivals. The festival is held at the Yasaka-jinja Shrine. The festival dates back to approximately 1100 year ago as a prayer for the end of the plague that hit the city.

Useful Phrases

English to Japanese translations:

Good morning	Ohayo gozaimasu
Good evening	Konbanwa
Hello / Good afternoon	Konnichiwa
Good-bye	Sayonara
How are you?	O-genki desu ka?
Thank you	Domo arigato gozaimasu
You're welcome	Do itashi mashite
My name is "Jane"	Watashi no namae wa "Jane" desu.
Nice to meet you	Hajimemashite
Excuse me	Sumi masen
Yes	Hai
No	Iie
I'm sorry	Gomen-nasai
Where is the toilet?	Toire wa doko desu ka?