Itinerary

1

March 6th - Arrival & Welcome

15:00 Check in

17:30 Sake tasting & learning @Ace Hotel 2F Bell View foyer

18:15 Opening Sake barrel

18:30 Tuna cutting demo

18:45 Sushi Dinner @Ace Hotel 2F Bell View

22:00 Networking at @Ace Hotel 2F Piopiko (Optional)


2

March 7th - Culture & Cuisine

9:00 Zen meditation at Daitokuji temple (Bring socks)

11:00 Shojin Lunch

12:30 Suntory tour

15:00 Hotel

17:30 Dinner at Kyoyamato (Kaiseki), Maiko&Geiko attendance

21:00 DJ party at hotel lounge bar (Optional)

3

March 8th - Traditional Experiences

9:30 Bushido swordmanship at Seiryuden / Gomadaki purification

12:00 Tempura lunch

15:00 Kimono dressing

16:30 Kiyomizu temple exclusive tour and dinner

21:00 Karaoke night (Optional)

4

March 9th - Departure

Check out

Pre-Departure Guide

YPO Retreat to Kyoto

March 6th to 8th, 2025
Nearest airport: KIX

Weather in Kyoto in March

Temperature

Average highs of 13°C (55°F) and lows of 3°C (37°F). Early March can be chilly, with late March transitioning into spring.

What to Pack

  • Layered clothing (light sweaters, jackets, scarves).
  • Comfortable walking shoes (Kyoto involves a lot of walking).
  • A compact umbrella or raincoat (March can have occasional rain).
  • Warm accessories for early mornings and evenings.
  • Socks! Many venues require shoes to be removed upon entry.

Visa and Entry Requirements

Visa

Check if you require a visa for Japan. Many countries have visa-free entry for short stays (up to 90 days).

Passport

Ensure your passport is valid for at least six months beyond your travel dates.

Flights and Transportation

Flights:

Book early for better deals. Major airports near Kyoto are Kansai International Airport (KIX) and Osaka International Airport (ITM).

Transportation from KIX to Hotel:

For arrivals on 6 March at KIX airport, transportation to Kyoto/Ace Hotel is provided. Please look for an agent holding a YPO banner in the arrival hall.

For early arrivals or those arriving at other airports, kindly arrange your own transportation to Kyoto/Ace Hotel.

Transportation on 9 March:

To Airport: The coach departs at 12:30 PM from Ace Hotel to KIX Airport.

To Osaka: The coach departs at 11:00 AM from Ace Hotel, with drop-off points at Osaka Swiss Hotel and Centara Hotel.


For those arriving earlier than March 6:

From Kansai Airport:

  • Take the Haruka Express train (~75 minutes to Kyoto Station, +10 min taxi ride to the hotel).

From Osaka Airport:

  • Take a limousine bus or train to Kyoto.

Getting Around Kyoto:

  • Use Kyoto City Bus and subway (IC cards like ICOCA or Suica are available at vending machines).
  • Rent a bicycle for a flexible way to explore.
  • Walk to enjoy the city's historic charm.

Accommodation in Kyoto

Hotel

Ace Hotel Kyoto

Address

245-2 Kurumayacho, Nakagyo Ward, Kyoto, 604-8185, Japan

Phone

+81 75-229-9000

Food and Dining

Must-Try Dishes (included in our itinerary)

  • Kaiseki (multi-course traditional meal),
  • Tempura,
  • Sushi,
  • Shojin-Ryori.

Other Recommendations

  • Explore Nishiki Market for street food and local delicacies.
  • Try matcha-based sweets in Uji, near Kyoto.

Language and Communication

Language

Japanese is the primary language, but many tourist areas have English translations.

Basic Phrases

  • "Arigatou" (Thank you),
  • "Sumimasen" (Excuse me/sorry).

Dress Code and Etiquette

Appropriate Dress

  • Formal or smart casual attire is recommended to respect Kyoto's traditions.
  • For non-kimono wearers at the Kiyomizu Temple event: collared shirts, dress pants or knee-length skirts, and closed-toe shoes.
  • For temple visits and dinner restaurants: neat, pressed clothing in subtle colors (avoid shorts, tank tops, and flashy patterns).

Greetings

  • A respectful bow is customary.

Shoes Etiquette

  • Remove shoes before entering temples, traditional restaurants, and many indoor spaces.
  • Wear comfortable, easily removable footwear.
  • Pack clean, hole-free socks (dark-coloured socks preferred for formality).

Eating Etiquette

  • Avoid eating while walking, as it is considered impolite.

Currency and Payments

1

Currency

Japanese Yen (JPY). Approximate exchange rate: 1 SGD = 110 JPY.

2

Payment Methods

Major hotels, restaurants, and department stores accept credit cards.

Carry cash for traditional establishments, small shops, and temples.

3

ATMs and Tipping

ATMs: Available at 7-Eleven stores and post offices.

Tipping: Not required in Japan.

Connectivity

Wi-Fi

Rent a pocket Wi-Fi or get a SIM card at the airport for internet access.

Power Supply

Japan uses 100V electricity with Type A plugs (two flat pins). Bring an adapter for your devices.

Health and Safety

Health

No specific vaccinations required, but consider travel insurance.

Safety

Kyoto is very safe, but always keep an eye on your belongings in crowded areas.

Popular Souvenirs You can Purchase

1

Matcha Tea

Popular Souvenirs: Matcha tea and sweets.

2

Crafts

Traditional Kyoto crafts like ceramics or fans.

3

Kimono

Kimono or Yukata (lightweight kimono).

Additional Tips

Respect Local Customs

Be mindful of photography restrictions, especially in temples and shrines.

Stay Hydrated

Carry a reusable water bottle (tap water is safe to drink).

Time & Planning

Kyoto operates one hour ahead of Singapore.

Smoking Regulations

Smoking is prohibited in most public areas. Use designated smoking spots.

Healthcare Preparedness

Most medical facilities primarily communicate in Japanese; bring necessary medication.

Travel Agents Contact

Nemo Glassman

+81 90-9875-1696

Rina Kyotani

+81 80-9604-9398

Chiyomi Yokō

+81 90-2585-7437

About Japan & Kyoto

1

History

For over a millennium (794-1868), Kyoto was Japan’s imperial capital, shaping the nation’s culture, spirituality, and traditions. It remains a living treasury of Japanese heritage, home to 1,600 Buddhist temples and 17 UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

2

Modern Japan

Today, Japan is the world's third-largest economy, balancing modern innovation with its deep cultural roots. Kyoto exemplifies this harmony, offering a glimpse into Japan’s past while embracing the future.

Japan’s National Attire - Kimono

Kimono

The kimono, Japan's traditional garment, symbolizes elegance and grace. Once daily wear, it is now reserved for special occasions.

Fabric

Made from silk or other fabrics, kimono patterns reflect seasons, events, and traditions.

Jewellery

Jewelry is usually avoided to prevent damage to the delicate fabric.

Japan’s National Sport - Sumo

History

Sumo wrestling originated over 1,500 years ago as a Shinto ritual and remains a revered tradition.

Training

Wrestlers live in sumo stables (heya), adhering to strict regimens.

Rituals

Before each match, ritualistic purifications like salt throwing are performed, making sumo both a sport and a cultural spectacle.

Japan’s Fundamental Beliefs

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