General Information City Information Tokyo, the capital city of Japan, where the congress will be held is one of the metropolises not only in Asia, but in the world. It has been the industrial and cultural center with more than 12 million people. Historical districts contrast with modern business and shopping areas. A rich cultural life also thrives, embracing a variety of modern and traditional custom. Visit http://www.tcvb.or.jp/ for more information on Tokyo. General information on Japan can be found at http://www.visitjapan.jp/ The Passport and Visa 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. If you require a visa to enter Japan, please check with your local Japanese Embassy or Consulate to obtain the necessary documents. Please give yourself plenty of time to get the necessary paperwork completed in time for your departure. Please refer to The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan Home Page at http://www.mofa.go.jp/j_info/visit/visa/index.html for more details. If you should require any assistance in preparing documents for visa application, please contact the Secretariat (e-mail: wcbwcbe-visa@ics-inc.co.jp). 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 The period of the Congress in March and April is spring time in Japan. Cherry trees usually blossom around this period. The temperature in Tokyo ranges between 10-19 degrees Celsius, providing fresh and balmy climate in Spring. Tipping The service charges are included in all the bills. Tips are not necessary anywhere, even at hotels and restaurants. Currency Japanese currency, yen (JPY), can be purchased at Narita International Airport and major hotels in Tokyo. Many hotels in the Shinjuku area convert US dollars to yen. Banks are open from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., Monday through Friday. Most department stores, hotels and restaurants accept payments by major credit cards such as American Express, VISA, MasterCard and Diners. Traveler's checks are accepted only by leading banks and major hotels in cities, and the use of traveler’s checks in Japan is not as popular as in some other countries. 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 with a total market price 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 Electric current is uniformly 100 volts, AC, throughout Japan, but with two different cycles: 50 in eastern Japan including Tokyo, and 60 in western Japan including Kyoto, Osaka and Nara. Leading hotels in major cities have two outlets of 100 and 220 volts but their sockets usually accept a two-leg plug only. Shopping 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. Mega electronics stores around Shinjuku station offer the latest electronic goods.