Helpful Websites
Guide to Japan
http://www.jnto.go.jp/eng/
Tokyo Convention & Visitors Bureau
http://www.tcvb.or.jp/en/
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.
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
Autumn starts in September, with nice, cool breezes after the hot and humid summer. It is a very refreshing period. Many leaves turn red and yellow and the temperature at night and in the morning can drop dramatically.
The average temperature of September in Tokyo is 24 °C.
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.
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).
Travelers Cheques and Credit Cards
Travelers 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.
Tipping
Individual tipping is not common in Japan, since a 10 to 15% service charge is added to the bill at leading hotels and higher-class restaurants.
Time Zone
Japan is in a single time zone, nine hours ahead of UTC. No Daylight Saving Time.