Nara is located in center part of Japan, which was the glorious capital of Japan from 710 to 794 (see http://narashikanko.jp/en/index.html). In the past, as the first capital, it remains a number of historic temples, including world's oldest wooden building (see http://www.horyuji.or.jp/horyuji_e.html) and Japan's largest Buddha statue. The UNESCO listed the eight places as Historic Monuments of Ancient Nara of World Heritage in 1998.

The year 2010 marks the 1300th Anniversary of the founding of Nara Heijo-kyo Capital. To celebrate this special occasion, Nara has been begun planning and organizing amount of projects. (see http://www.1300.jp/foreign/english/index.html)

Travelling to Nara

Nara can be reached from Narita Airport via Tokyo and Kyoto by Shinkan-sen. Kansai Airport is also connected to Nara via Namba station. However, transfer from Narita Airport is more convenient than Kansai airport due to few access flights to Kansai Airport.
(see http://www.pref.nara.jp/nara_e/dd_aspx_menuid-1181.htm)

From Narita Airport via Tokyo and Kyoto by Shinkan-sen

Narita to Tokyo

The fastest option to get to JR Tokyo Station is the JR Narita Express (NEX, http://www.jreast.co.jp/e/nex/index.html), requiring roughly one hour. All seats are reserved. The fare between Narita Airport and Tokyo Station is about 2740 yen. There are departures every 30 to 60 minutes.

Tokyo to Kyoto

Tokyo and Kyoto are connected with each other by the JR Tokaido Shinkansen. Nozomi superexpress requires approximately 140 minutes to reach Kyoto. The regular fare on a Nozomi train from Tokyo to Kyoto is 13,320 Yen for a reserved seat.
(see http://english.jr-central.co.jp/index.html)

Kyoto to Nara

The limited express trains of Kintetsu railway (http://www.kintetsu.co.jp/foreign/english/index.html) take about 35 minutes and cost 1,110 Yen from Kyoto Station to Kintetsu Nara Station.

From Kansai Airport via Namba

Kansai Airport to Namba

"Rapi:t" limited express trains (Airport Express) take 30 minutes and cost 1390 yen (all seats reserved) from Kansai Airport to Namba Station.
(see http://www.nankai.co.jp/global/english/traffic/station/kansaiairport/index.html)

Namba to Nara

From Kintetsu Namba Station by limited express (Kintetsu Line), the trip to Kintetsu Nara takes about 30 minutes. It costs 1040 yen.

Symposium Venue

Nara Prefectural New Public Hall is near to the Kintetsu Nara Station.
http://www.shinkokaido.jp/english/index.html

Access Information to the Venue

From Kintetsu Nara Station

Nara New Public Hall is located about 1.5 km east of Kintetsu Nara Station. From "Kintetsu Nara Eki" bus stop Lane 1 to Nara New public Hall, take bus No.2 to "Daibutsuden Kasuga Taisha-Mae" or bus No.70 or 97 to "Ken Shin Kokaido".

Hotel Accommodation

The recommended hotels are announced on the registration page, where the hotel reservation is open.