Travel & Visa Information
Visa Information
Do You Need a Visa?
- Japan has visa exemption agreements with many countries. Citizens of over 60 countries can enter Japan without a visa for short-term stays (usually up to 90 days) for purposes such as attending conferences.
- If your country is not part of the visa waiver program, you will need to apply for a Short-Term Stay Visa.
Visa Application Process
- Applications must be submitted at your nearest Japanese Embassy or Consulate.
- Required documents typically include (but please check for specific requirements with your local Embassy or Consulate):
- A valid passport
- Completed visa application form
- Recent passport-size photograph
- Flight itinerary & proof of accommodation
- Visa application documents issued by the local organisers:
- Letter of guarantee
- Letter of Invitation
- Itinerary in Japan
- Overview of organisation
- An official workshop invitation letter – please request this by emailing the CMIP IPO after you have completed your registration.
Visa processing times can vary significantly. We strongly recommend applying for you visa as soon as possible to avoid disappointment.
We can provide registered participants with visa application documents issued by the organiser through this portal (a visa support payment fee of 11,000 JPY is required).
Please note, participants who have received a Travel Support Award from the CMIP IPO are not required to pay the visa support fee.
Accommodation
- A wide range of hotels, ryokans (traditional inns), and guesthouses are available in Kyoto.
- Popular areas for visitors include:
- Near Kyoto Station (convenient for transport)
- Downtown Kyoto / Kawaramachi area (shopping & dining)
- Around ICC Kyoto (for easy access to the venue)
Travel Tips for March in Kyoto
Public transport (subway, buses, taxis) is very reliable and widely used.
March is early spring in Kyoto. Temperatures range from 5°C – 15°C. A light coat or jacket is recommended.
Early blooming cherry blossoms may be visible by late March, so expect busy travel seasons at popular sightseeing spots.