Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Mobile Phones
Japan's mobile-phone networks use 3G (3rd generation) technology on a variety of fre-
quencies. Thus, non-3G mobile phones cannot be used in Japan. This means that most for-
eign mobile phones
will not work
in Japan. Furthermore, SIM cards are not commonly
available in Japan. Thus, for most people who want to use a mobile phone while in Japan,
the only solution is to rent a mobile phone.
Several telecommunications companies in Japan specialise in short-term mobile-phone
rentals, which is a good option for travellers whose own phones won't work in Japan, or
whose own phones would be prohibitively expensive to use here.
The following companies provide this service:
mobile-phone rental for as low as ¥2900 per week. Incoming calls (whether international
or domestic) are free, and outgoing domestic calls are ¥90 per minute (outgoing interna-
tional calls vary according to country and time of day). Free delivery anywhere in Japan is
included and a free prepaid return envelope is also included.
phones for ¥3900 per week and offers free delivery of the phone to your accommodation.
Domestic rates are ¥35 per minute and overseas calls are ¥45 per minute.
Time
Kyoto local time is nine hours ahead of GMT/UTC. There is no daylight-savings time.
When it's noon in Kyoto, it's 7pm (the day before) in Los Angeles, 10pm (the day before)
in Montreal and New York, 3am (the same day) in London, 4am in Frankfurt, Paris and
Rome, 11am in Hong Kong, 1pm in Melbourne, and 3pm in Wellington.
Tourist Information
The following local tourist offices are good sources for maps and information:
8:30am-7pm)
Located in the main concourse on the 2nd floor of the Kyoto Station building
that runs between the
shinkansen
station and the front of the station (near Isetan depart-
