About Japan

Japan is made up of four main islands located off the east coast of Asia. The climate consists of four distinct seasons. It has a beautiful, rugged landscape dominated by mountains, including the majestic Mount Fuji, Japan’s highest mountain. Thus, sensitivity to form and balance in nature play an important role in Japanese aesthetics. Japan is also a country of vast contrasts. Ancient cultural traditions coexist alongside world-renowned technological excellence. These elements make Japan a fascinating place for visitors.

About Tokyo

Tokyo is the largest industrial and cultural center in Japan, yet it is considered to be one of the safest cities in the world. The Imperial Palace, home of the emperor of Japan, is located in the middle of the city. Historical districts and exquisite gardens contrast with modern business and shopping districts. There is also a rich cultural life, which embraces traditional festivals and museums.

Access

Tokyo is easily accessible from any place of Japan and around the world. The conference venue is located in the middle of the city and about 85 minutes from Narita Airport by express train or airport limousine bus. Haneda Airport for domestic lines is located about 30 minutes by taxi from the venue.

Tourist Information

VISA

Every foreign visitor entering Japan must have a valid passport. Visitors from visa required countries should apply to the Japanese consulate office or diplomatic mission in their respective country. For details, please contact the Registration office. Please give yourself plenty of time to get the necessary paperwork completed in time for your departure.

DUTY FREE IMPORT

Personal effects and professional equipment can be brought into Japan duty free as long as the customs officer deems their contents and quantities to be reasonable. You can also bring in 400 cigarettes, 500 grams of tobacco or 100 cigars; 3 bottles of alcoholic beverages; 2 ounces of perfume; and gifts and souvenirs whose total market price is less than 200,000 yen or its equivalent. There is no allowance for tobacco or alcoholic beverages for persons aged 19 years or younger. Firearms and other types of weapons, and narcotics are strictly prohibited.

CLIMATE

The average temperature in Tokyo during the period of the Conference is 13°C (High: 17°C, Low: 10°C).
The average temperature in Hokkaido during the period is 4.6°C (High: 8°C, Low: 0°C), and so you may need a sweater and a coat in the mornings and the evenings.

CLOTHES

It is recommended to bring Light jackets, light sweaters and other similar kinds of tops.

LANGUAGE

Japanese is the official language. However, many Japanese understand English to a certain extent.

TIME

The local time in Japan is GMT +9 hours.

ELECTRICITY

Electric current is uniformly 100 volts AC throughout Japan, but with two different frequencies: 50 Hz in eastern Japan including Tokyo, and 60 Hz in western Japan including Kanazawa, Nagoya, Kyoto and Osaka. Leading hotels in major cities have two outlets of 100 and 220 volts but their sockets usually accept a two-pin plug only.

BUSINESS HOURS

	Weekdays	Sat.	Sun. & National Holidays
Banks	09:00-15:00	closed	closed
Post Offices	09:00-17:00	closed	closed
Dept. Stores	10:00-20:00	10:00-20:00	10:00-19:30
Shops	10:00-20:00	10:00-20:00	10:00-20:00
Museums	10:00-17:00	10:00-17:00	10:00-17:00
Offices	09:00-17:00	closed	closed

Some main post offices are open seven days a week.
Most museums are closed on Mondays.

TRAVELER’S CHECKS AND CREDIT CARDS

Traveler’s checks are accepted only by leading banks and major hotels in principal cities; the use of traveler’s checks in Japan is not as popular as in some other countries. VISA, MasterCard, Diners Club, and American Express are widely accepted at hotels, department stores, shops, restaurants and nightclubs. However, some ATMs do not accept credit or debit cards which are issued outside of Japan. The main exeptions are Post Office ATMs, during business hours.

CURRENCY EXCHANGE

Only Japanese yen (¥) is acceptable at regular stores and restaurants. Certain foreign currencies may be accepted at a limited number of hotels, restaurants and souvenir shops. You can buy yen at foreign exchange banks and other authorized money exchangers on presentation of your passport.

SHOPPING

Shops and other sales outlets in Japan are generally open on Saturdays, Sundays and national holidays as well as weekdays from 10:00 to 20:00. Department stores, however, are closed on one weekday, differing by store, and certain specialty shops may not be open on Sundays and national holidays.

TIPPING

In Japan, tips are not necessary anywhere, even at hotels and restaurants.

DRINKING WATER

Tap water is safe to drink anywhere in Japan. Mineral water including major imported brands can be easily obtained from supermarkets, convenience stores and other similar places.

JAPANESE FOOD

Food is a large part of Japanese culture while dishes such as sushi and sashimi are world famous. There are also delicious dishes like sukiyaki and the very healthy shabu-shabu that are made with thinly sliced meat and vegetables. Another popular dish is tempura which is made by deep frying seafood and vegetables. Thanks to the abundance of regional and international dishes, Japan becomes a gourmet’s paradise.

USEFUL NUMBERS

Country dialing code: +81
Tokyo area code: (0)3
Fire: 119
Ambulance: 119
Police: 110