TRAVEL

Access to Kobe

Kobe is near to Kansai International Airport (KIX), a major gateway to Japan, making it ideal for international conventions. Additionally, Kobe Airport opened in February 2006 bringing with it new land, air and sea access options. Other local airports include Osaka Itami airport. Travel to Kobe is easier and smoother than ever before. Within the city there are various public and private rail services (JR, Hankyu, Hanshin, Kobe Kosoku, Sanyo, Kobe Rail, and Hokushin Express). Furthermore there is a subway system, the Kobe New Transit Port Liner, plus a comprehensive bus network, all of which ensure participants can move around town safely and efficiently.

Below we have listed a number of different options on how to get to Kobe city. Access to the conference venue from Sannomiya (the central hub of Kobe city) and Shin-Kobe (Shinkansen/bullet train station) will be provided at a later date.

From Kansai International Airport to the Center of Kobe

There are a number of options from KIX airport to Kobe but the two most popular are by Coach or by Ferry

1. •** RECOMMENDED ROUTE** You can take a Coach from KIX airport to Sannomiya with buses departing every 20 minutes, taking 1 hour 5 minutes. One-way ticket is ~ ¥1,950 and return ticket is ~ ¥3,080. http://www.okkbus.co.jp/en/timetable/kix/f_kob.html
   

•A Ferry option from KIX airport  to Kobe airport (Bay Shuttle Ferry) takes 30 minutes and cost ~ ¥1,850 one way. After arriving at Kobe airport, you must transfer to the Port liner to Sannomiya (20 minutes, ~ ¥300).  http://kobe-access.jp/en/half/index.html

General Access to Kobe

From Tokyo to Kobe

Tokyo to Shin-Kobe Approx. 2 hrs. 47 minutes by Shinkansen (bullet train) ~ ¥15,000

1 hour by air to Kobe city airport. Prices vary but airlines include ANA, Skymark

From Osaka to Kobe

Shin Osaka to Shin Kobe Approx. 20 minutes by Shinkansen (bullet train) ~ ¥3,000

Osaka JR to Sannomiya, approximately 30 minutes ~ ¥400

From Kyoto to Kobe

Kyoto to Shin Kobe Approx. 30mins by Shinkansen (bullet train) ~ ¥3,500

Kyoto JR to Sannomiya, approximately 60 minutes ~ ¥1000

Useful links and tips

The following website is extremely useful for travel around Japan: http://www.hyperdia.com/en/. They also have an app but it is only free for one month so download it as close to the conference date as possible. The website and app provides useful and precise information regarding train times, prices and platform numbers.

If you plan to travel around Japan before or after the conference then consider purchasing a JR Pass (available for purchase outside Japan only): http://www.japanrailpass.net/en/

Purchasing train tickets:

•All machines have an English language option but if you are having trouble then move to a manned ticket desk where the staff can help you. Mostly they can speak good English so you should not experience any problems.

•If you need a receipt then be certain to select ‘receipt’ on the machine when you purchase the ticket, as the ticket gates do not return your fare ticket.

•You must buy a ticket before riding the train. If you are unsure of cost please ask or purchase the lowest price ticket and use the ‘fare adjustment’ machines to pay the correct amount at your arrival station. Fare adjustment machines are located in all stations near the ticket gates.

•If using the Shinkansen (bullet train) you will be issued more than one ticket. Keep all tickets, as you must insert all through the ticket gates.

•If using buses then you pay when you exit the bus. Most buses in Kobe have a flat rate (¥210), other cities may vary.