Passport and Visa
All foreign nationals wishing to enter Japan is required to present a valid passport at the port of entry.
Visas are not required for participants from countries with Reciprocal Visa Exemption Arrangements with Japan. Those who are from other countries are required to apply for a visa, but usually entry into Japan within 90 days is relatively easy. Note that since the process may take time, try applying well in advance of making final travel arrangements at a local Japanese embassy or consulate. The local arrangement committee will prepare necessary documents such as an official invitation letter from our Committee upon request. Further information regarding the visa acquisition could be found in the Japanese Ministry of Foreign Affairs site.
Duty Free Import
Personal effects and professional equipment can be brought into Japan duty free as long as their contents and quantities are deemed reasonable by the customs officer. 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. Strictly prohibited are firearms and other types of weapons, and narcotics.
Insurance
The organizer cannot accept responsibility for accidents that might occur. Delegates are encouraged to purchase travel insurance before leaving their home country. Insurance plans typically cover accidental loss of belongings, medical costs in case of injury or illness, and other possible risks of international travel.
Climate
The temperature in Tokyo during the period of the conference ranges between 20 to 25 degrees Celsius.
Electricity
Electric supply is uniformly 100 volts, AC, throughout Japan, but with two different cycles: 50Hz in eastern Japan including Tokyo, and 60Hz in western Japan including Kyoto, Nara and Osaka. Leading hotels in major cities have two outlets of 100 and 220 volts but their sockets usually accept a two-leg plug (type A) only.
Shopping
Shops and other sales outlets in Japan are generally open on Saturdays, Sundays and national holidays as well as weekdays from 10:00AM to 8:00PM. Department stores, however, are closed during one weekday, differing by store, and certain specialty shops may not open on Sundays and national holidays.
Money
Denominations
The unit of Japanese currency is Yen (\). Coins are available in denominations of 1, 5, 10, 50, 100 and 500 Yen. Bank notes are available in denominations of 1,000, 2,000, 5,000 and 10,000 Yen.
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. At the international airports, currency exchange counters in the arrival lobby are open from 6:30AM to 11:00PM. The exchange rate fluctuates daily depending on the money market, so refer to the most recent rate in news sources or at banks.
Traveler's Checks and Credit Cards
Traveler's checks are not as popular as in some other countries; they are accepted only by leading banks and major hotels in large cities.
International credit cards ( VISA, MasterCard, Diners Club, and American Express ) are widely accepted at hotels, department stores, shops, restaurants and nightclubs. However, credit card transactions are not always convenient outside large cities, so obtaining cash beforehand is recommended when you travel to the countryside.
Automatic Teller Machines (ATMs)
ATMs are commonly available in large urban areas throughout Japan. However, most of them do not accept international credit cards or cash cards. Their service hours are often restricted during the day time on weekdays (Mostly from 9:00AM to 5:00PM or later, Monday through Friday, and Saturday morning).
For ATMs that accept credit cards, it is advised to contact their customer support desk beforehand to check the location of ATMs and their availability as these conditions vary from machine to machine. In general, international credit, debit and cash cards can be used at over 21,000 Post Office ATMs in locations throughout Japan. Post offices where this service is available display stickers indicating which cards are accepted. Cards from the Cirrus, Plus, Maestro and Visa Electron networks can be used.
Customs
There is no limit on the amount of any currency that may be brought into or taken out of Japan. However, if you transport (any currencies, checks, or securities) exceeding 1,000,000 Yen worth in Japanese currency in or out of the country, you must declare at the customs.
Tipping
Tipping is not necessary anywhere, even at hotels and restaurants.
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