General Info.
Official Language
The official language of the conference is English. All presentations including discussions shall be made in English.
Registration Desk/Conference Office
The Conference Office is situated in the meeting room inside the center building of National Olympics Memorial Youth Center.
Opening Time Registration Desk:
4 September 2013 12:00-17:00
5 September 2013 08:30 – 17:00
6 September 2013 08:30 – 17:00
7 September 2013 08:30 – 17:00
On 5th September morning, it is expected that the registration desk will be highly crowded. We recommend you come to the registration desk on 4th September and attend the welcome reception.
Public Transportation
National Olympics Memorial Youth Center can be reached from Sangubashi station of Odakyu line. It takes about 7 minutes from the station to the conference venue.
Lunch and Refreshments
Lunch is not included in the registration fee. Delegates can use the restaurant located inside National Olympics Memorial Youth Center. Some guidemaps are provided in the conference kit. Some refreshments during the technical sessions will be provided.
Internet Access
Broadband wireless internet access is available at this symposium. Participants will receive their passcodes (ID & Password) for access, free of charge, at the registration desk.
Information for Chairpersons
Chairpersons are requested to contact the Registration before the start of their session to receive an updated schedule if necessary. Oral presentations are scheduled for 20 minutes and additional 5 minutes for discussion.
Passport and Visa
Every foreign visitor entering Japan must have a valid passport. Visitors from visa required countries should apply to a Japanese consular office or diplomatic mission in their respective country. For further details, please contact your travel agent or the local consular office in your country.
Tipping
In Japan, tips are not necessary anywhere, even at hotel and restaurants.
Climate
The temperature in Tokyo during September can vary from 25℃ to 33℃.
Electricity
The voltage used throughout Japan is uniformly 100 volts, A.C. There are two kinds of frequencies in use; 50 Hz in eastern Japan (including Tokyo) and 60 Hz in western Japan. A convertible type of electrical appliance such as a hair dryer, travel iron and shaver will therefore be convenient; otherwise a step-down transformer is required to convert the voltage. There are no columnar-shaped plugs or 3-pin plugs used in Japan but 2-flat-pin plugs are used instead. It is therefore advised to purchase a plug adapter beforehand.
Time Zone
All of Japan is in the same time zone, 9 hours ahead of G.M.T. (8 hours in the case of summer time)
Currency
The YEN is the official national currency of Japan, denoted by JP¥ or ¥.
Notes and Coins
There are 4 kinds of notes and 6 kinds of coins.
Notes: 10,000 yen, 5,000 yen, 2,000 yen and 1,000 yen
Coins: 500 yen, 100 yen, 50 yen, 10 yen, 5 yen and 1 yen
Currency Exchange
Major foreign currencies are exchanged at the airports, banks, and the Central Post Office.
Major convenience stores (mostly open 24 hours) have ATMs with cash dispensers that accept most major credit cards. As at May 2013, one US Dollar = approx. 99 Yen / one EURO = approx. 130 Yen. Look for current exchange rate.
Credit Cards and Checks
Major hotels, restaurants and shops accept credit card payment. Many places do not accept payment by bank checks.
Electricity and Voltage
The electricity supply in Tokyo is 100 V AC 50 Hz with a non-polarized two-pronged plug/socket arrangement (see the photo on the left) that will accept an ungrounded two-pronged plug as often used in North America. (Note that North American three-pronged plugs, as well as two-pronged polarized plugs with one larger prong will both *need an adaptor, as will plugs from other parts of the world.) The official hotels do not have adaptors to adjust to your electricity devices. We strongly urge that you bring your own adaptor and transformer.
Safety
Tokyo is generally safe, even at night. Although there are no specific threats affecting visitors to Tokyo, visitors should take the normal common sense precautions that they would take in their home countries.
Sightseeting & Shopping
Please visit the following sites for information:
Japan National Tourism Organization (JNTO)
Tokyo Convention & Visitor Bureau
Insurance
The organizing committee does not assume any responsibility for accidents or damage to the private property of participants. We recommend making arrangements for health insurance or any other necessary insurance(s) by yourself.
