For the citizens of most countries, a valid passport is sufficient. However, visitors coming from certain countries may need a tourist visa. Please consult your travel agent or the nearest Japanese consulate or embassy.
Only Japanese yen (JPY) is acceptable at regular stores and restaurants. We encourage you to exchange your money into Japanese Yen at the airport upon departure or arrival. It will be difficult to find the foreign exchange bank or other authorized currency exchanges around the symposium venue.
Traveler's checks are accepted only by leading banks and major hotels in principal cities, and the use of traveler's checks in Japan is not as poplar as in some other countries. VISA, MasterCard, Diners Club, and American Express are widely accepted at hotels, department stores, shops, restaurants and nightclubs.
In Japan, tips are not necessary anywhere, even hotels and restaurants.
The organizer cannot accept responsibility for accidents that might occur. Participants 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.
The average temperature in Awaji City during the period of the symposium (January) ranges between 6 to 13 degrees Celsius.
Electric current is uniformly 100 volts AC, throughout Japan, and frequency of Western Japan including Awaji City is 60Hz. Their sockets accept a two-leg plug only.
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 open on Sundays and national holidays.