ABOUT KYOTO
The NECA Conference 2025 will be held in Kyoto, Japan as the first international conference held by NECA since 2018. Japan has become one of the must-see destinations and Kyoto offers opportunities to see the authentic traditions of the Japanese while in a vibrant city location. Temples are located all around the city and opportunities to explore traditional tea making ceremonies, and many other cultural activities are widespread. The weather is excellent in May with temperatures warming up to an average of 24°C during the day and 14°C at night.
The conference is outside of the cherry blossom period when crowds and pricing are at an all-time high. This is still a busy tourist period in Japan with Golden Week celebrations on April 29 and May 3-5 so we recommend you book as soon as possible.
Getting to Kyoto
The nearest airport to Kyoto is the Kansai airport at Osaka or the Osaka International Airport. The Haruka Express train from Kansai airport takes less than 1 hour to Kyoto Station. The ACE Hotel is 20 minutes by cab from Kyoto Station. Transfers are at delegates own arrangements. Private transfers can be arranged before 28 February 2025 upon request. Further information on the best way to travel to the venue is shown on our FAQ page. We expect to provide additional information on our website leading up to the conference and during a webinar for attendees in March.
Free time activities
There are so many opportunities to experience Japanese culture in Kyoto. We hope you will take advantage of the tours on offer on Wednesday 7 May and Saturday 10 May. A free afternoon will be available on Friday 9 May for individual activities. Here are just a few suggestions of what to do to make the most of your time in Kyoto. The majority are run for very small groups and we recommend you book as early as possible to avoid disappointment.
NECA Secretariat does not have any bookings for these activities, the list does not represent all activities available within Kyoto and we do not guarantee the suitability or experience that will be provided by these companies.
Please note this is a very bust time of year due to Golden Week celebrations in Japan on April 29 and May 3-5. We recommend making any bookings for external activities at least a month in advance of
Cooking Class
If you are looking for an authentic experience in which you can learn how to cook traditional Japanese cuisine, a cooking class in Kyoto is for you!
Suggestions:
Japanese Cooking Classes in Tokyo, Kyoto and Osaka with Cooking Sun (cooking-sun.com) Home | Ramen Factory Kyoto (shinmiyazawam.wixsite.com)
https://www.sakura-kyoto.jp/cooking-class/
Tea Ceremony
The Tea Ceremony is so quintessential to Japan, and so much of a special welcome, that this the best way to settle into Kyoto, the ancient capital of Japan. It is here that many of the traditions that the world now calls “Japanese culture” began and became formalised and woven into daily life. The tea ceremony is less of a ceremony and more of a way of enjoying tea, admiring the exquisite utensils, and enjoying each others’ company.
Tea Making ceremony locations:
https://mai-ko.com/culture/tea-ceremony/
https://www.sakura-kyoto.jp/
FUKUJUEN UJI KOBO - 福寿園宇治工房 (ujikoubou.com)
Kyoto: Japanese Tea Ceremony in a Traditional Town House - Japan Wonder Travel
Kyoto: Tea Ceremony in a Traditional Tea House | GetYourGuide
Origami Class
Experiencing origami helps to shed light on a lot of what Japan and Japanese people are about. Is it a game? A beautiful decoration? Or a serious piece of engineering.
Suggestions:
The Best Origami Experiences in Kyoto - Tea Ceremony Japan Experiences MAIKOYA (mai-ko.com)
Animal Cafes
If you are an animal lover and enjoy being around furry friends, visiting an animal café in Kyoto should be on your must-do list. Animal cafes are very popular in Japan, since it is very difficult for Japanese people to own a pet due to strict rental agreements, small apartments and busy lifestyles.
Suggestions:
Kyoto - Locations - mipig cafe
https://kyotopug.com/en/
https://tukitotaiyou.jp/
https://www.loutre-kyoto.com/
https://owls-cats-forest.com/free/owls-kyoto
Walking Tours
Get a deeper experience of Kyoto food culture than would be possible on your own by joining a guided food tour. Try local authentic food that you can only find in Kyoto and explore the backstreets of the city with a local guide. If you are a foodie – this is a must do!
Alternatively explore the Gion district and hope to spot a Geisha while learning about this captivating culture.
Suggestions:
2024 (Kyoto) Nighttime All-Inclusive Local Eats and Streets, Gion and Beyond (tripadvisor.com.au)
Kyoto: Gion Geisha District Walking Tour | GetYourGuide
Samurai and Ninja Experiences
Travel back to the time of ancient Japan's fiercest warriors and assassins with a memorable samurai and ninja experience in Kyoto.
Suggestions:
Samurai And Ninja Experience Kyoto - Tea Ceremony Japan Experiences MAIKOYA (mai-ko.com)
Kyoto: Samurai Class, Become a Samurai Warrior | GetYourGuide
Make sure you keep some time to wander through the Nishiki Market, a 10-min walk from The ACE Hotel.
Of course, a trip to Kyoto for the conference must be extended to take in Hiroshima, Mount Fuji and Tokyo to name
just a few.
