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Travel Information


Passport and Visa

Every foreign visitor entering Japan must have a valid passport. Visitors from countries whose citizens require visas should apply to the Japanese consulate or diplomatic mission in their own country. For further information, please visit http://www.mofa.go.jp/j_info/visit/visa/index.html.
Requests for official invitations in support of visa applications should be sent to cov5-regi@the-convention.co.jp.

Notice! Participants in the CEV workshop (field excursion AX at Jeju Island) should contact the leader (Dr. Young Kwan Sohn, yksohn@gnu.ac.kr) about visas to enter South Korea.

Climate

The weather in Shimabara in November is normally fine and relatively dry; the temperature is about 15 to 20°C in the daytime, and about 10°C or less at night.

Currency, Bank and Post Office

Japanese yen (¥, JPY) is the currency in Japan. Some shops can accept credit cards, but the major payment method in Shimabara is cash. Obtaining cash beforehand is recommended. Japan has one of the lowest crime rates in the world, so carrying cash is not a real problem. Bank hours are 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., Monday to Friday (arriving by 2:30 p.m. is recommended). Foreign exchange facilities are available at international airports as well as a bank in the city. Post offices are open during business hours. An extra post office branch will be opened during the conference. Also, some 24-hour convenience stores have ATMs (automatic teller machines). They are open everyday and withdrawals using major credit cards (American Express, Visa, Diners, and so on) are possible.

Notice! November 23 (Friday) is a national holiday (Labor/Thanksgiving Day) in Japan. Banks and post offices and some shops will be closed the same as on Saturday and Sunday.

Business Hours

  Weekdays Saturday, Sunday and National Holidays
(Fri., November 23, Labor/Thanksgiving Day)
Banks 9:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. Closed
Post offices 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. Closed
Offices 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. Closed

Tax

A consumption tax (VAT) of five percent is included on all goods purchased in Japan.

Insurance

Medical systems and facilities in Japan are well established so that you can expect to receive a high standard of medical treatment. However, medical services are not free for overseas visitors. All participants are strongly advised to take out their own private medical coverage and personal insurance for the duration of the conference and accompanying field excursions.


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