Passports and Visas

All persons entering Japan must have a valid passport. In addition, persons coming from certain countries must have a visa issued by a Japanese consulate in their country. Please be aware that in some cases it takes more than one month to obtain a visa. For details, please contact the Japanese embassy or consulate nearest you (Guide to Japanese Visas).

If you need support for VISA, please contact the contact person (announced later) via email after completing online registration. They will provide detailed instruction on how to request a document necessary for visa application from us. Application service charge is required for each applicant, and payment must be made by credit card only.

Currency Exchange

Only Japanese yen is acceptable at stores and restaurants. You can exchange money at the airports, foreign exchange banks and other authorized exchanges upon presentation of your passport. The exchange rate is roughly JPY 100 to 1 US dollar, JPY 115 to 1 Euro (as of Aug. 2016).

Credit Cards and Traveler's Checks

Visa, Master Card, American Express, Diners Club and JCB are widely accepted at hotels, department stores, shops and restaurants. Only major banks and hotels in principal cities accept traveler's checks and their use in Japan is not as common as in some other countries.

Insurance

Participants are advised to provide their own personal insurance. The Organizing Committee will assume no responsibility on behalf of participants for accidents, sickness, and theft or property damage.

Electrical Appliances

Japan operates on 100 volts for electrical appliances. The frequency is 60 Hz in the western part of Japan, including Kobe.

Tipping

There is no custom of tipping in Japan. Instead, at places such as restaurants, bars and hotels a 10% service charge is usually added to your bill.

Climate in Kobe

The average temperature in this season is around 31℃ during the day and 25℃ at night.

Tax

8% consumption tax will be added to your bill.

Useful web sites for the travel in Japan

- Japan Travel Updates: http://www.jnto.go.jp/

At this site, you may find useful information to make travel plans, accommodation and shopping in Japan. Several regional maps are also available on this site.

- Official Kobe Tourism Site: http://www.feel-kobe.jp/_en/