Complimentary Programs

Thanks to Tokyo Metropolitan Government, complimentary programs will be provided for IROS 2013 overseas participants and spouses during the conference dates as follows. All programs are conducted in English. The participants should make reservations in advance at the conference venue.

Schedule

Cultural Programs: The free cultural programs conducted in English gives you an opportunity to feel Japanese traditions.

Tokyo City Tour: The free bus tour with English speaking guide takes you to the most popular sightseeing areas in Tokyo. *the itinerary is subject to change.

*the afternoon tour on the day of the evening banquet will disband around 17:00.

Please sign up for the programs at “TOKYO CITY TOUR” desk near registration area at Tokyo Big Sight.  Booking will be accepted on a first-come-first-served basis.

All programs are for the registered overseas participants and their spouses.

CP-1. Japanese Kimono Experience

The Kimono is an internationally recognized symbol of Japan. This traditional dress is worn nowadays on formal occasions. Kimono are T-shaped, straight-lined robes with attached collars and long, wide sleeves, wrapped around the body and secured by a sash called an Obi, that is tied at the back. In this program, you will be wearing a real Kimono.
Date & Time: Nov. 5th, 10:00-12:00, 14:00-16:00
Capacity: 30 persons per each time slot.
Cost: free of charge (Kimono will be prepared by Tokyo Metropolitan Government)
Place: #101 conference room, Tokyo Big Sight

CP-2. Ikebana Experience

Japanese Flower Arrangement is called “Ikebana” and is a creative expression within certain rules of construction. Using seasonal flowers, a master will give a demonstration on how to arrange the flowers. You get the chance to try your hand at Ikebana.

Date & Time: Nov. 6th, 10:00-12:00, 14:00-16:00
Capacity: 30 persons per each time slot.
Cost: free of charge (flowers & tools will be prepared by Tokyo Metropolitan Government)
Place: #9-E training room, TFT (Tokyo Fashion Town) Building East 9F (5 minute-walk from Tokyo Big Sight)

TOUR-1. Half Day Tour to Meiji Jingu Shrine

In central Tokyo is one of Japan’s most visited shrines, encompassing an impressive 700,000 square meters of towering forest, an iris garden, and 19th-century shrine compounds and graveled footpaths. Here, you can distance yourself from the modern sights and sounds of the nation’s capital, to where Emperor Meiji and Empress Shoken have been enshrined since 1920. Meiji Jingu is where the Japanese people also honor life events, such as New Year’s, births and weddings.

Date & Time: Nov. 5th, 9:00-12:30, 13:30-17:00
Capacity: 40 persons per each time slot.
Cost: free of charge
Gather at Tokyo Big Sight and break up at Tokyo Big Sight
*the afternoon tour will disband at 17:00 for the evening banquet. The bus will stop at the hotel GLAND PACIFIC & Tokyo Big Sight for drop-off.

TOUR-2. Half Day Tour to Edo-Tokyo Museum and Asakusa District (Senso-ji Shrine)

After crossing a replica of Nihonbashi Bridge, you enter the museum that showcases Tokyo during the Edo era, starting in the 17th century and lasting 265 years. Here you discover how the village of Edo was built, encounter the townsfolk in their daily routine, and learn about the industries and cultural activities of the time. Exhibits include famous scenes from Kabuki performances and the process of making Ukiyoe woodblock prints. Asakusa Sensoji, the oldest Buddhist temple founded in 628, and the 200m-long covered avenue of traditional stalls leading up to the temple. The huge red lanterns of Kaminari-mon (Thunder Gate) remain perennial favorites with both tourists and Tokyoites.

Date & Time: Nov. 6th, 8:00-12:30, 13:30-18:00
Capacity: 40 persons per each time slot.
Cost: free of charge
Gather at Tokyo Big Sight and break up at Tokyo Big Sight

Contact Address

Social Event Chair
Yasushi Nakauchi, Univ. Tsukuba

Email: social(at)iros2013.org