Climate

The weather in September can still be quite hot, but less humid and days are often clear and fine. Average tempreture is around 21 - 27 degrees (Celsius).

Currency & Foreign Exchange

Only Japanese yen (JPY) 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. Japanese money comes in bills (1,000yen, 2,000yen, 5,000yen and 10,000yen) and coins (1yen, 5yen, 10yen, 50yen, 100yen and 500yen).

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. Firearms and other types of weapons, and narcotics are strictly prohibited.

Electricity

In Japan 2-flat-pin plugs are used instead of columnar-shaped plugs or 3-pin plugs. The voltage used throughout Japan is uniformly 100 volts, A.C. There are two kinds of frequencies in use; 60 Hertz in western Japan and 50 Hertz in eastern Japan.

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.

Time Zone

Japan is in a single time zone, nine hours ahead of UTC. No Daylight Saving Time.

Tipping

Individual tipping is not common in Japan, since a 10 to 15% service charge is added to the bill at leading hotels and high-class restaurants.

Traveler’s Cheques and Credit Cards

Traveler's cheques are accepted by leading banks, hotels and stores in major cities. International credit cards such as VISA, Diners Club, MasterCard, American Express and JCB are also acceptable at these major establishments. Credit card transactions, however, are not always convenient outside big cities. So obtaining cash beforehand is recommended when you travel to the countryside.