Passports and Visas

Every person entering Japan must have a valid passport. In addition, persons coming from certain countries must have a visa issued by a Japanese consulate in their own country.
Please be aware that in some cases, it takes more than one month to obtain a visa. For details, inquire at your nearest Japanese Embassy or Consulate.
Useful web site: http://www.mofa.go.jp/j_info/visit/visa/index.html

 

Currency Exchange

Japanese currency is the only form of cash acceptable at stores and restaurants in Japan. You can exchange money at the airport, foreign exchange banks, and other authorized
exchange institutions upon presentation of your passport. We suggest exchanging your money at the airport upon arrival. The exchange rate is roughly 118 yen to 1 U.S dollar, and 147yen to 1 Euro (as of September, 2006).

 

Credit Cards and Traveler's Cheques

Visa, Master Card, American Express, Diners Club, and JCB are widely accepted at hotels, department stores, shops, and restaurants. Only major banks and major hotels in principal cities can accept traveler's cheques, and their use in Japan is
not as common as in some other countries.

 

Banking

Most banks conduct foreign currency exchange transactions from 9:00 to 15:00 on weekdays.

 

Tipping

There is no custom of tipping in Japan. Instead, at places such as restaurants, bars, and hotels, a 10% service charge is usually added to your bill.

 

Insurance

Participants are advised to provide their own travel insurance,as the Organizing Committee will assume no responsibility for personal accidents, sickness, theft, or property damage.

 

Climate

The average temperature in August is around 30°C and it is very humid.

 

Electrical Appliances

The voltage used throughout Japan is uniformly 100 volts, A.C.
There are two kinds of frequencies in use; 50 Hertz in eastern Japan and 60 Hertz in western Japan (including Nagoya, Kyoto and Osaka). A convertible type of electrical appliance such as a hair dryer, travel iron and shaver will therefore be handy; otherwise a step-down transformer is required to convert the voltage. There are no columnar-shaped plugs or 3-pin plugs used in Japan but 2-flat-pin plugs are used instead.
It is therefore advised to purchase a plug adapter beforehand.

 

Tax

A 5% sales tax will be added to your bill for most goods and services.

Useful Websites

JNTO (Japan National Tourist Organization) http://www.jnto.go.jp/
TCVB (Tokyo Convention & Visitors Bureau) http://www.tcvb.or.jp/
Narita Airport http://www.narita-airport.jp/en/
Haneda Airport http://www.tokyo-airport-bldg.co.jp/english/index.html
Airport Limousine Bus http://www.limousinebus.co.jp/e/index.html