All of Japan is in the same time zone, 9 hours ahead of G.M.T.

Every foreign visitor entering Japan must have a valid passport. A visa is required for citizens of countries that do not have visa-exempt agreements with Japan. Please contact the nearest Japanese Embassy or Consulate for visa requirements. If you should require any assistance in preparing documents for visa application, please contact the Registration office.

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.

The temperature in Osaka during the period of the Conference ranges between 15-25 degrees Celsius. It is recommended to bring light jacket in the mornings and evenings.

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 Osaka, Kyoto and Nagoya).

There are no columnar-shaped plugs or 3-pin plugs used in Japan but 2-flat-pin plugs are used instead.

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.

Traveler's checks are accepted only by leading banks and major hotels in principal cities; the use of traveler's checks in Japan is not as popular as in some other countries. VISA, MasterCard, Diners Club, and American Express are widely accepted at hotels, department stores, shops, restaurants and nightclubs.

There will be instances where merchants may not display the card acceptance marks so do not hesitate to ask the salesperson if your card is accepted. You can use cards for Shinkansen (JR) fares; however, may not use them to pay for most of short distance train/subway fares. You can withdraw cash nationwide at ATMs in Japan Post Bank and in Seven Bank.

Visa-ATM Locator http://www.visa.co.jp/visitjapan/atm-locator/

In Japan, tips are not necessary anywhere, even at hotels and restaurants.

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.