Kyoto (京都, Kyōto) served as Japan's capital and the emperor's residence from 794 until 1868. It is one of the country's ten largest cities with 1.5 million inhabitants and a modern face. Over the centuries, Kyoto was destroyed by many wars and fires, but due to its exceptional historic value, the city was dropped from the list of target cities for the atomic bomb and escaped destruction during World War II. Countless temples, shrines and other historically priceless structures survive in the city today.

The city suffered severe damage during World War II, but it was rebuilt in the postwar period and emerged as a key economic center in Japan. Today, Osaka is a modern and cosmopolitan city but still retains its rich cultural heritage and traditional charm.

Top Attractions in Kyoto
 

Nijo Castle	Nishiki Market	Kiyomizudera	Higashiyama
Kyoto National Museum	Fushimi Inari Shrine	Kinkakuji	Daigoji Temple

Kyoto Food Guide
 

Kaiseki Ryori: Kaiseki ryori has its origin in the tea ceremony, but later evolved into an elaborate dining style popular among aristocratic circles. Kyoto-style kaiseki ryori (kyo kaiseki) is particularly refined, placing an emphasis on subtle flavors and local, seasonal ingredients. A kaiseki meal has a prescribed order of courses which is determined by the cooking method of each dish. One way for travelers to enjoy kaiseki is staying at a ryokan where a kaiseki dinner is included with the stay. But kaiseki meals can also be enjoyed at restaurants, including high-end ryotei, many of which can be found in the Pontocho and Gion districts. A good kaiseki meal usually costs around 10,000 yen per person, but prices can go as high as 30,000 yen or as low as 6,000 yen. Some restaurants depart from tradition and include elements of foreign cuisines.

Shojin Ryori: Whereas kaiseki developed out of the affluence of the aristocrats, shojin ryori developed from the austerity of Buddhist monks. Prohibited from taking the life of other living creatures, Buddhist monks had to make do without meat or fish in their diet. Consisting of strictly vegetarian dishes, shojin ryori can nonetheless be savory and filling. Travelers who spend the night at a temple lodging will be able to enjoy a meal as part of the stay. A common ingredient in shojin ryori is tofu, which is a local specialty of Kyoto. The preparation of tofu is so common that it can also be referred to as Tofu Ryori ("tofu cuisine"). One popular dish that is widely served at tofu restaurants in Kyoto is Yudofu, soft tofu simmered with vegetables in broth. A meal of Yudofu usually costs 1500 to 2000 yen, but the price can be higher or lower depending on the quality of the restaurant. The Nanzenji and Arashiyama districts are particularly famous for tofu cuisine.

Obanzai Ryori: Obanzai Ryori is the traditional home-style cooking of Kyoto. It is made up of multiple small dishes that are usually quite simple to prepare. Local produce that is in season is best suited for the dishes. Although the cooking methods are usually not complicated, obanzai dishes can be made very rich by chefs skillfully bringing out the natural flavors of the ingredients. Restaurants that serve obanzai ryori can be found all over Kyoto. Many of them have a relaxed and friendly atmosphere that reflects the home style of cooking. A full meal usually costs 2000 to 3000 yen, but can vary depending on the number and type of dishes ordered.

Kawayuka/Kawadoko: Kawayuka, or Kawadoko as it is known outside of central Kyoto, is the summer pasttime of dining outdoors on temporary platforms built over flowing water. Developed as a way to beat the summer heat, kawayuka is a great way to experience Kyoto cuisine while taking in the cooling effects of the flowing water and lively summer atmosphere. The most famous area to experience kawayuka is along the Kamogawa River in central Kyoto, especially around Pontocho. From May to September, restaurants here construct temporary wooden decks over the canal on the river's west bank. Many places serve kaiseki meals, however other types of cuisine are also available. Kibune and Takao in the forested mountains north of central Kyoto, are also popular places to try kawayuka, although here it is called kawadoko. In Kibune especially, the platforms are built just centimeters above the river and provide almost complete relief from the summer heat.
 

Visa Application

Entry Visa
Currently, the Japanese Ministry of Foreign Affairs grants visa waivers/exemptions to approximately 60 countries that have special agreements with Japan. If you are unsure whether or not you need to apply for a short-term visa to enter Japan in order to attend this conference, please consult the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan website.
If your country is not listed, you will need to contact the Embassy of Japan, or the nearest Consulate of Japan in your home country, to receive guidance on the application process and necessary documents. For more information please visit the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan website.
As part of the visa application process, you may be required to submit a Letter of Invitation from the MLPR Organizing Committee.

Letters of Invitation
A Letter of Invitation is an official document that confirms payment of registration fees and extends an official invitation to the paid registrant to attend and participate in the upcoming conference. In other words, it provides the holder with an official reason to come to Japan. It may be required by your university for administrative purposes, and will likely form one of the documents required for visa application if you are from a country that does not have a visa exemption agreement with Japan.

Letters of Guarantee
MLPR cannot provide Letters of Guarantee. Please note that a Letter of Guarantee is different from a Letter of Invitation. Depending on your professional situation, background and nationality, you may be required to submit a Letter of Invitation and/or Letter of Guarantee.
A Letter of Guarantee is a letter in which an individual or body agrees to be legally and financially responsible for you during your stay in Japan. You may know an individual or institution in Japan willing to act as a guarantor, or, if you have no connection with the country, Japanese immigration authorities may find that it is acceptable to have your university act as the guarantor.

Further Visa Assistance
All questions/concerns regarding the status of your visa should be directed to the Japanese immigration authorities or Japanese Embassy in your home country.
If your visa application is denied, please note that MLPR will not be able to change the decision of the Japanese immigration authorities, nor will MLPR engage in discussion or correspondence with the Japanese immigration authorities or the Japanese Embassy on behalf of the applicant.

MLPR is not authorised to assist with the visa process beyond providing a Letter of Invitation.