Travel Information
Climate
Tokyo lies in a temperate zone and enjoys a relatively mild, comfortable climate throughout the four seasons.
November is one of the best times to visit Japan, as the weather is relatively dry and mild, and the autumn colors are spectacular in many parts of the country. Travel activity tends to be low except around popular autumn leaf spots.
The highest temperature is 15 Celsius, and the lowest temperature is 9 Celsius.
Clothing: light jackets, light sweaters and other similar kinds of tops.
Electricity
In Japan, 2-flat-pin plugs are used instead of columnar-shaped plugs or 3-pin plugs. The voltage used throughout Japan is uniformly 100 volts, A.C. There are two kinds of frequencies in use; 60 Hertz in western Japan and 50 Hertz in eastern Japan (including Hokkaido). A convertible type of electrical appliances such as a travel iron, hair dryer, and shaver will therefore be handy. Otherwise, a step-down transformer is required to convert the voltage. 2-PIN 2-PIN + EARTH
Currency & Foreign Exchange
The local currency is Japanese Yen (JPY). Japanese money comes in bills (1,000, 2,000, 5,000 and 10,000 yen) and coins (1, 5, 10, 50, 100 and 500 yen). Major currencies, such as the US dollar and EURO, can be exchanged at international airports, major banks and major hotels. Banks are open from 9:00 to 15:00 on Monday to Friday.
Traveler's Checks and Credit Cards
Traveler's checks are accepted by leading banks and hotels in major cities. International credit cards such as American Express, VISA, Diners Club, MasterCard and JCB are also acceptable at these major establishments. Credit card transactions, however, are not always convenient outside big cities. Therefore, obtaining cash beforehand is recommended when you travel to the countryside.
Duty Free Import
Personal effects and unaccompanied baggage that are for personal use, are free of duties and/or taxes within the allowance specified below. If you have both personal effects and unaccompanied baggage, please consider them together when referring to the allowance.
Clothes, toiletry articles, and other personal effects that are for personal use, as well as professional equipment that will be used during your stay in Japan, are all free of duties and/or taxes, if they are considered quantitatively appropriate and are not for sale.
More Information for the "Customs Declaration" :
http://www.jnto.go.jp/eng/basic-info/shopping/customs.html
Tipping
Tipping is not necessary unless you request some extra special service. Individual tipping is not common in Japan, since a 10 to 15 % service charge is added to the bill at major hotels and higher-class restaurants.
Time Zone
Japan is in a single time zone, nine hours ahead of GMT. No Daylight Saving Time is in effect.
Insurance
The organizers do not accept responsibility for individual medical, travel or personal insurance. Participants are advised to take out their own personal insurance policy.
Visa
Japan has visa exemption agreements with 61 countries and regions (as of April, 2012). Citizens of these countries who plan to stay in Japan no longer than the period specified in these agreements do not require a visa. Foreign participants should contact the Consular Section of the Embassy or Consulate General of Japan nearest you as soon as possible, to determine their particular visa requirements. Those requiring visas must initiate the application process well in advance of their departure date.
More detailed information how to obtain a Japanese visa is shown at the website below. "Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan" http://www.mofa.go.jp/j_info/visit/visa/
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