Visa

Information on visas and entry is subject to change depending on the status of COVID-19 infection in Japan.
Please be sure to check the website of the Japanese Embassy or Consulate-General in your area of residence for the latest information before applying.
To find the Japanese Embassy or Consulate-General with jurisdiction over your area, please click on the link below.
Countries & Regions | Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan (mofa.go.jp)

On September 26, 2022, the Japanese government announced a review of border measures from October 11 onwards.
To enter Japan, ALL foreign participants were required "Entrants, Retenees Follow-up System (ERFS) " registration to apply for a Visa.
However, it will not be necessary after October 11th.
Also the visa exemption measures will be resumed from 0:00 am (JST) on October 11, 2022.
When entering Japan, it is still necessary to submit a certificate of vaccination (3 times) or a negative test certificate taken within 72 hours before departure.
Be sure to check the latest information on border measures (Ministry of Health, Labor and Welfare) on the following page.
https://www.mhlw.go.jp/stf/covid-19/bordercontrol.html

Climate

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 17 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.

Credit Cards

Most major credit cards such as American Express, Visa, Mastercard, Diners Club, and JCB are accepted at major stores and facilities. When checking in to a hotel, they serve as identification in lieu of a cash deposit. Note, however, that some facilities do not accept credit cards at all, and others may accept only certain types, so carry some cash at all times.

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".
https://www.customs.go.jp/english/summary/passenger.htm

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.