Our summit is an all-day event featuring keynote speakers, group panel sessions, insightful discussions and networking with peers from 30+ countries.

We have two special guests lined up this year: Howard Lindzon (Stocktwits, Social Leverage founder) and Nathan Rodland (Robinhood's founding COO).

You'll also connect with top founders and C-suite leaders, each of whom lead iconic fintech brands. Some of these guests include: Mohammed AlShammasi (CEO of Derayah Financial), Egem Eraslan (Founder & CEO of Midas), and Chattrin Laksanabunsong, (Chief Product Officer of Dime!).

There is no dress code for this event, so please wear whatever makes you feel comfortable! Last year, people wore button down shirts, polo shirts, jeans etc. Of course, coming casual works too based on your preference.

We have a welcome dinner on May 19th and the full-day summit on May 20th. We highly encourage guests to arrive no later than May 19th and stay until the 21st to fully experience the Summit.

We have reserved a hotel block at The Westin Miyako Kyoto with a group discount price, where the Summit will be held. When booking at The Westin Miyako Kyoto before March 26th, the Summit guests will receive this preferred rate.

You can secure your spot at the Summit through our RSVP link and reserve a preferred room rate at The Westin Miyako Kyoto (where the Summit is held) through our booking link.

Absolutely! Please feel free to book your own accommodations and let us know if you will need any support regarding transportation to/from the Summit venue at The Westin Miyako Kyoto.

Kyoto offers a variety of luxurious hotels including:

• Four Seasons Hotel Kyoto
• Hotel Okura Kyoto
• Hotel The Mitsui Kyoto, a Luxury Collection Hotel & Spa
• Hoshinoya Kyoto
• Park Hyatt Kyoto
• ROKU KYOTO, LXR Hotels & Resorts
• Sowaka

Tokyo offers a variety of luxurious hotels including:

• Aman Tokyo
• Hotel Chinzanso Tokyo
• Mandarin Oriental, Tokyo
• The Okura Tokyo
• The Peninsula Tokyo
• The Ritz-Carlton, Tokyo

May is one of the best months to visit Kyoto, as the weather is pleasant and warm with temperatures ranging from 15°C to 26°C (59°F to 79°F). Mornings and evenings can be cooler, dipping to around 13°C to 16°C (55°F to 61°F).

Our recommended packing list includes breathable clothes for the day and light sweaters or jackets for the evening. If you plan to explore the city, we also recommend bringing comfortable walking shoes, sunglasses, and sunscreen. While May is relatively dry, occasional showers can occur, so packing a small, foldable umbrella or a light rain jacket is a good idea.

Alpaca's team would be happy to assist you in this. Please contact your dedicated Success Manager if you have one or contact us via [email protected].

We highly recommend you arrive at Osaka Kansai International Airport (KIX) for ease of travel. KIX allows international flights from all over the place and is connected to 65 airlines. You can find a flight map here.

Another option is the Osaka Itami Airport (ITM), but it is primarily used for domestic flights.

Express Train - The Haruka Limited Express is a direct train service running from KIX to Kyoto Station and takes approximately 75-80 minutes to reach Kyoto Station. The train costs anywhere between ¥2,900 and ¥11,160 one-way depending on the type of seat you purchase (non-reserved, reserved, or first class). Make sure to book either a 'First Class (Green) Car' or an 'Ordinary Car (Reserved Seating)'. You may not be able to get a seat if you only purchase an ordinary (non-reserved) ticket

Taxis - Taxis are available at Kansai International Airport but can be quite expensive for the long distance to Kyoto. Some companies offer a flat rate of around ¥20,000 to ¥25,000 from KIX to Kyoto Station.

Uber or Rideshare - Availability can be limited in some areas, and pricing is usually on the higher side compared to trains or buses. If using Uber from KIX, head to Terminal 1, 1F (South) to meet your driver in the designated pick-up area.

Shuttle Bus - Hankyu Kanko Bus operates a “limousine bus” between Osaka Itami Airport (ITM) and Kyoto Station every 20-30 minutes, with a travel time of about 50-60 minutes. The fare is ¥1,340. Reservations are not available; boarding is on a first-come, first-served basis. Tickets may be purchased at airport ticket machines or counters, and IC cards are accepted. Please consult the timetable and pickup locations before traveling.

Taxis - Taxis are available at Osaka Itami Airport but can be quite expensive for the long distance to Kyoto. Some companies offer around ¥15,000 to ¥20,000 from ITM to Kyoto Station.

Train - If you travel from ITM Airport to Kyoto Station by train, it takes about 1 hour and 15 minutes. There is no direct train from ITM Airport to Kyoto station, so you must make 2 or 3 transfers along the way. Please find the train route here.

The best way to reach Kyoto station from Tokyo is the Shinkansen (bullet train) which takes 2 hours and 15 minutes. Learn more about how to buy tickets for the bullet train. A general instruction guide is also available.

Please be aware that Tokyo Station has different gates for different bullet train routes. When taking the bullet train from Tokyo Station, you must enter through the correct gate for the Tokaido-Sanyo (Kyusyu) Shinkansen, which has an orange-colored gate.

You cannot enter through the Tohoku Shinkansen gate, which has a green-colored gate, as it will not allow access. The Tohoku Shinkansen runs in the opposite direction from Kyoto.

There is a free shuttle service offered by the hotel that runs on regular intervals throughout the day (9 AM - 6PM on weekdays). You may also choose to book a taxi or rideshare.

Yes, several companies offer full-day chartered taxis or private car services including MX Taxi Business & Private Transfer, Klock: Kyoto & Nara Private Car Charter, Go with Guide, and Easy Travel Japan.

For sushi and seafood, Sushi Matsumoto and Gion Sushi Tadayasu are considered top-rated sushi spots.

If you're looking for wagyu or the famous Kobe beef Hafuu, Gion Mikaku, and Gozanbo are great options.

For yakitori (AKA Japanese bbq skewers) a great local option is Kokekokko Kyoto.

If you desire a more casual dining experience, Honke Owariya is Kyoto's oldest soba noodle shop (over 550 years old) while Kyo Chabana offers Kyoto-style okonomiyaki (savory pancakes).

For fine dining, Michelin-starred restaurants, Kitcho Arashiyama, Gion Sasaki, and Kikunoi Honten are great options.

Nishiki Market - A five-block shopping street with more than one hundred shops and restaurants offering premium food, traditional sweets, and high-end culinary experiences.

Tofuku-ji Temple - Offers one of Kyoto's most impressive Zen gardens and stunning autumn foliage. It is one of the Kyoto Gozan or 'five great Zen temples of Kyoto'

Ryoan-ji - A world-renowned Zen rock garden with a mysterious yet minimalist design.

Kinkaku-ji (Golden Pavilion) - A stunning Zen temple covered in gold leaf, set against a picturesque garden and pond. It is designated as a World Heritage Site, a National Special Historic Site, a National Special Landscape, and one of the 17 Historic Monuments of Ancient Kyoto.

Fushimi Inari-taisha Shrine - This popular tourist attraction famous for its torii gates is a mountainside Shinto shrine dating back to 711 A.D. featuring a path with hundreds of traditional gates.

Meiji Shrine - A peaceful Shinto shrine surrounded by lush forests, perfect for a tranquil start to your trip.

Tokyo Tower or Shibuya Sky Observation Deck - Catch Tokyo's breathtaking skyline at sunset.

Golden Gai - Explore Tokyo's famous alleyway bars, each with a different theme, in Shinjuku.

Imperial Palace & East Gardens - A historic and peaceful place near Tokyo Station.

Hamarikyu Gardens - A beautiful traditional garden with a tea house overlooking the city skyline.

Many local shops and restaurants prefer cash but credit cards are accepted at most large establishments. We recommend carrying both cash and cards during your stay in Kyoto.

For inquiries about attendance, accommodations, or general information, please contact us directly at [email protected]