The 5th MSJ-SI
Mathematical Society of Japan
Seasonal Institute

Schubert Calculus


Top
Getting started
Culcure
Traveling basics
Access to OCU
Useful maps
Emergency contact
Internet, tel, etc
KKC (hotel)
OCU GuestHouse

Conference page
Megumi's (highly opinionated)

Guide to Japan for foreign participants

Kansai Kenshu Centre information

  • Please first look at this page.
  • Room lights

    You have to insert your keychain/keyholder (the long, thin part) into a slot which should be close to the door as you enter your room in order for any of the lights in your room to function.

  • Computer access

    There is Internet available in every room. You must, however, bring your own laptop and LAN cable. If you forget or do not have a LAN cable, there is a small number of LAN cables available at the KKC front desk.

  • Payments

    Payments can be made in cash, or by VISA or Mastercard. Payments are made when you check out of the KKC.

  • International telephone calls

    International telephone cards can be purchased at vending machines in the ground-floor lobby of the KKC (next to the cafeteria). It may be cheaper to call from your room, or perhaps from the payphone in the lobby -- it depends on the country you're calling. Please read the instructions posted next to the vending machine for details.

    Public telephones are located across the hall from the vending machines, again in the ground-floor lobby.

  • Getting some exercise

    • There is a no-frills "Gymnasium" on the second floor (go up the stairs which are past the ground-floor lobby and sitting area) for the use of any KKC guest. This is NOT a ``fitness centre'' in the North American sense; it's just a large-sized room with some ping-pong tables (if you want to play ping pong, you can ask for raquets and balls at the front desk) and a volleyball net.

      CULTURAL NOTE: In Japan, it's customary to change shoes when entering a gymnasium (to keep the floor clean and unscratched). There are gym shoes available for guest use right next to the entrance.

    • There is also a tennis court at the KKC for guest use.
    • We will try to arrange for participants to have the option of working out at a fitness centre close to the university.

  • Laundry notes

    Laundry at the KKC is free of charge, but you need your own detergent, or else (probably easier) purchase small packets of it at the KKC front desk. An iron and ironing board are both available, although the instructions for the irons (not completely straightforward, in my experience) are in Japanese. Also note: ironing boards in Japan are often just that -- boards, no legs. You just lay them on a flat surface while using them. For the washer and dryer, instructions in English are hanging on laminated cards along the wall.

    CULTURAL NOTES:

    • Washers and dryers in Japan are NOTHING like what they are in (say) North America. They are tiny, low-voltage affairs. DO NOT assume that, for instance, you can throw in a pair of jeans and expect it to be dry within 30 or 45 minutes. It is going to be hot, humid, and rainy; you'll never get them dry at the tiny dryers at KKC.

      If you are ``touristing around'' Japan for a while and will definitely need to do some serious amount of laundry, then my personal suggestion is to do as the Japanese do, and take a few hours some afternoon and go to a professional laundromat. These places have huge, professional-grade dryers that really WILL dry your laundry. You should give yourself at least a few hours to do your laundry. Bring a book. (The point is, that Japan is so lacking in space, that most Japanese just don't have any room in their apartments to have a large washer or dryer. Many Japanese go to these laundromats to do their own laundry as well.)

    • Women's and men's laundry rooms at the KKC are different, so please bear that in mind and make sure you're in the right laundry room. Out of consideration for others, guests are required to finish their laundry by 22:00.

      Final note: the sign says you must be in the laundry room while you run your laundry, though how they would enforce this, I don't know.

  • Food allergies and other serious dietary restrictions

    If you (or any guest who will accompany you) have a serious food allergy or an otherwise serious dietary restriction, please please PLEASE let us know beforehand and we will, to the extent possible, make arrangements with the kitchen staff of KKC. Unfortunately, the kitchen staff generally don't speak English; however, we will prepare a note for you that you can show to the kitchen staff so they can guide you to the appropriate dishes. (They will have been warned beforehand that you will be requiring their help.)

    If you let us know your dietary restrictions and they are such that we and/or the KKC cafeteria staff cannot accomodate your needs, we will let you know this in advance so that you can, at the least, plan ahead.

  • Lounge and Cafe

    The ground floor of the KKC has a large lounge and cafe area. The cafe is not open 24 hours, but is open for parts of the afternoon and evening for light snacks and drinks. The lounge is also equipped with a large-screen television (so you can avail yourself of Japanese popular culture) and has several newspapers (including at least one in English).

  • Alcohol

    Alcoholic beverages such as Asahi and Heineken beer and some sakes are available 24/7 at the vending machines at the back of the KKC cafeteria. You do not need to consume this in the cafeteria, of course: take them out to the lounge or lobby or upstairs to your rooms, as you wish.

  • Hot water on each floor

    If you wish to take advantage of the green tea that is available in your rooms, there is hot water available in the hallway of each floor, so you can go fill up your teapot.

  • Room amenities

    Except perhaps for its size (which is much smaller than most Western hotels), the KKC rooms have more or less the same amenities as usual Western hotels. Shampoo, conditioner, and towels are available. There will be a small closet, desk, phone, and small TV. There is a radio system built into a wall beside your bed. (Speaking of radio, yes, there is an English-language radio station in Japan.)


  • Baths and showers

    CULTURAL NOTES:

    • The Japanese love baths, which they take every evening, and taking showers is not part of the custom. As such, you will not find a North American-style shower head (affixed to the wall) in the bathing area, although there will be a hand-held shower. The bathtub will be deep and narrow by North American standards; you are meant to fill it high with hot water and sit, chin-deep, in aforementioned hot water -- and relax. Enjoy.
    • An additional bath-related custom in Japan, and hence in Japanese hotels, is to change into a ``yukata'' -- a light cotton kimono-type garment -- after an evening bath. (To be fair, the custom is less and less followed in private homes these days, but it still lingers in the hotels, where they provide you with one.) That's why you'll find a yukata (that's what it is) on your bed when you enter your room.