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TABLE OF CONTENTS

1 Preparing for Departure

Visa

When Should I Arrive?

Money in Kyoto

Things to Bring/Things to Do

2 Arrival in Japan
Kansai International Airport to Kyoto

Kansai International Airport Map

3 Life in Japan
Transportation

Daily Needs

A Few Things to Keep in Mind

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4 Campus Life
Orientation

.12

RSJP / RWJP Buddies

.13

Classes

.13

Important Dates

.13

Registration Paper for Monthly Buss Pass

.14

Map of Ritsumeikan Universitys vicinity

.15

Important Contact Information

.16

Useful Websites

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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 RSJP/RWJP program coordinators, notify the coordinators
without delay that you will need to apply for a visa.
3. Collect all documents specified by the local Japanese embassy or consulate.
4. Participants whom already paid their program fee will receive a document titled
Notification of Acceptance from the International Center, which includes 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 RSJP2 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?

Your check-in time will vary depending on your accommodation. Please be sure to check your
accommodation guide for more details.

Money in Kyoto
Living

expenses

will

vary,

depending

on

each

students

individual

lifestyle,

but

approximately JPY 60,000 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 travelers checks into cash at the airports currency exchange is
recommended. Although credit cards are gaining popularity, they are also not used as
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
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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 the currency exchange providers are affiliated with Ritsumeikan.
Things to Do /Things to Bring
Travel Insurance: RSJP2 does not cover travel insurance. You MUST enroll in
international travel insurance before your departure to Japan. We ask you to submit your
travel insurance information with your flight schedule. If we are not able to confirm it by
then, you MUST purchase the travel insurance on the orientation day of the program at
Ritsumeikan University.
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: You will need a dictionary in class so please bring one 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 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
shop in Japan. The only way to obtain a mobile phone is by ordering through internet.
Please refer to the websites below beforehand:
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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 Japanese 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

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

your passport and disembarkation card ready and proceed to Immigration (

/Nyuukoku shinsa) and Customs ( /Zeikan). If an immigration officer asks you the

purpose of your stay in Japan, answer: Short Term Study Abroad ( /Tanki
ryuugaku desu). Once you are finished, exit to the Arrival Lobby. We highly recommend that
you exchange enough currency into yen at the airport exchange bureau. In Japan, most
transactions are done by cash (JPY).

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 3,500~3,600 JPY 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
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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

MIDORI-NO-MADOGUCHI ().

Please note that the RSJP2 accommodations are 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 accommodations 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).

 Please note that the RSJP2 accommodations are 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 accommodations after arriving at Kyoto Station.

Kansai International Airport Map

Terminal 1

Terminal 2

http://www.kansai-airport.or.jp/en/index.asp
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3. LIFE IN JAPAN
Transportation
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.
Monthly Bus Pass
We highly recommend you to purchase a JPY9,240 monthly bus pass, which is convenient
for commuting to the campus and you can also save your money. By using this pass, you
will be able to ride the bus as many times as you want during the program period, including
weekends. The registration paper of the monthly bus pass is on page 14. Please fill in the
registration paper and bring it to one of the 4 stations listed below to purchase the pass.
You cannot buy the pass at Ritsumeikan University. We recommend you to purchase it
before the orientation day to save your money and have an easy access to Ritsumeikan
University from the first day of the program. When purchasing the pass, please make
sure to put July 7, which is the first day of RSJP2, on (starting date)
section in the registration paper.
Location

Business Hour

Shijo Station (subway)

075-343-3784
Monday~Saturday 7:30-19:30

Kyoto Station
Kitaooji Station (subway)
Nijo Station (subway)

Phone Number

Sunday/Holiday 9:00-17:00
Monday~Saturday 12:00-19:30

075-371-6622
075-492-3208
075-823-2265

Sunday/Holiday 9:00-17:00
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

Tickets

JPY1,000

JPY2304 tickets + JPY1801 ticket

JPY3,000

JPY23014 tickets + JPY1801 ticket

JPY5,000

JPY23025 tickets
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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

*A monthly bus pass is only available for one month. If your passs starting date is July 7th,
please be informed that it will be expired one day before the last day of the program.
*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

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 weeks 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 100 JPY coins ready. There are
three on-campus pay phones that are capable of making overseas calls. For
participants who will be staying at The Palace Side Hotel, please ask the staff at the
front desk to purchase a telephone card for the public phones. You can also purchase
one at convenience stores.

Internet Access: You will be able to use the computers on-campus and access the
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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.

Health: You MUST enroll in 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.
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.

Address

22-8 Enmachi, Nishinokyo

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
Business
hours
Closed on

075-467-8822

Weekdays and Saturdays

10:0020:00

Sundays & Holidays

Website: http://www.tokai-ticket.co.jp/shops/enmachi (Japanese)

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Sumitomo Mitsui Banking Corporation Exchange Corner

68 Higashi-iru Shin-machi

Address

Kawaramachi, Shijo-dori
Shimogyo-ku, Kyoto-shi, Kyoto-fu
600-8001
1st floor of Kyoto Sumitomo Bldg.

Location

at Shijo Kawaramachi.
Same building as Kyoto Marui
department store.

TEL
Business
hours
Closed on

075-223-2866
Weekdays 11:001830
Saturdays, Sundays & National
Holidays

Website: http://www.smbc.co.jp/kojin/sonota/ryougae/tenpo.html (Japanese)

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.

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4. CAMPUS LIFE
Orientation
Orientation will start at 11 am at Ritsumeikan University, Kinugasa
Campus, Yoyokan Building Room No. 955 on Tuesday July 7th, 2015.
Please be on time!
* On the morning of July 7th, the orientation day, RU student buddies will meet you at 2
accommodations listed below to ride the bus. Please wait for the buddies at the entrance of
the building. Dont forget to bring your bus fare of 230 yen or a commuter pass with you.
Meeting time for each place of accommodation is as follows:
* The Palace Side Hotel 9:30 am
* DUO INN: 10:00 am
* How to get to 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 Japanese language classes and Japan Studies

and more.

Schedule for the first day

Time

11:00 11:45
12:00 13:00
13:00
14:00
14:10
14:30
15:30

Schedule

Place

Orientation

Ritsumeikan University,
Kinugasa Campus
Yoyokan Building Room No. 955

Campus Tour

Kinugasa Campus

Lunch with the buddies

Ryoyukan Cafeteria

Meeting time

Yoyokan Building Room No. 955

Kyoto Museum for World Peace Kyoto Museum for World Peace
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RSJP / RWJP Buddies

Ritsumeikan students will be assisting you as volunteer buddies so that you can adjust to life
in Kyoto as quickly and smoothly as possible. Please feel free to consult with the buddies
whenever you need any help. We asked all buddies to speak to you in Japanese. Dont
hesitate to talk to them and lets enjoy practicing conversational Japanese.
You will not be having an individual buddy.

Classes
Japanese classes will start on the second day of the program, and will be held from 9:10 am to
12:00 pm, Monday to Friday. You will not have any classes on weekends. More information of the
program schedule will be given to you at the Orientation.

IMPORTANT DATES
NAME

DATE

TIME

PLACE

Program Period

July 7th Tuesday

August 7th Friday

Kinugasa Campus

Designated
accommodation

Accommodation Period

July 6th Monday

August 8th
Saturday
(Check out on August 8th)

Notify Your Flight Info and

International Travel
Insurance to Ritsumeikan

By June 17th Wednesday

By E-mail

Arrival Date to Kyoto

By July 6th Monday

Kyoto

See

In front of your
accommodations
on Page 12

Orientation Pick-up

July 7th Tuesday

Orientation

July 7th Tuesday

11:00 AM

Yoyokan 955

Japanese Classes

July 8th Wednesday

August 7th Friday

9:10 AM
~
12:00PM

TBA

Completion Ceremony

August 7th Friday

2:00 PM

Soshikan
Conference Room

Farewell Party

August 7th Friday

4:00 PM

E-Platz Igakukan

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Page 12

Registration Paper for Monthly Bus Pass

14

MAP OF RITSUMEIKAN UNIVERSITYS VICINITY

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IMPORTANT CONTACT INFORMATION

Ritsumeikan International Center at Kinugasa Campus
Address: 56-1 Toji-in, Kitamachi, Kita-ku,
Kyoto 603-8346

603-8346 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)
Ms. Nami Koh (Languages: Japanese / English)

USEFUL WEBSITES
Kyoto Visitors 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

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