General Information

General Information

Language: 
The official language of the congress is English. Sessions and posters will be presented in English.

Visa & Passport:
A valid passport is required to enter Japan. A visa may also be required for some foreign nations; please contact the Japanese Consulate or diplomatic mission in your country at least three months before your departure for Japan. For details, you may contact your local travel agent or airline. Alternatively, visa information is available on the Japan Ministry of Foreign Affairs' web site (http://www.mofa.go.jp/j_info/visit/visa/index.html).
On this site, please scroll down to “Application Procedures Before Entry.”

Letter of Invitation:
Participants wishing to obtain a visa to enter Japan may require an official invitation letter. Such letters will be available upon request to the Organizing Committee of ICI 2010 after you complete your registration to the Congress. Please note that an invitation does not imply a commitment by the organizers to bear any expenses.

Currency and Credit Cards:
Currency in Japan is the Yen (/JPY). Notes are available in denominations of 10,000, 5,000, 2,000 and 1,000 yen. Coins are minted in denominations of 500, 100, 50, 10, and 1 yen. Exchange at the airport is recommended for your convenience. Most foreign currencies and travelers' checks can be exchanged at banks and hotels where you stay. However, we highly recommend purchasing travelers' checks or cash in Yen or U.S. dollars before leaving your home countries. A passport may be required for currency exchange services.
Major credit cards (American Express, Diners Club, Visa and MasterCard) are widely accepted at hotels, department stores, shops and restaurants.

Climate and Clothing:
Summer weather in the Kansai area is very warm. The average temperatures in August are low 72°F (22°C) and high 91°F (33°C), and it is usually humid. Average rainfall for August is 145 mm.
Light, breathable clothing is recommended with a light cardigan or similar jacket as well, as the conference hall, all hotels and most restaurants are fully air-conditioned.

Electricity:
Japan’s electricity voltage is 100V A.C. with a frequency of 60Hz in the Kobe area. Please note that plugs in Japan are a 2 flat-prong type (similar to U.S. plugs), so a plug adapter for personal appliances may be necessary if you require a 3-prong or round plug.

Restaurants:
Japanese restaurants offer the freshest sushi, tastiest noodles and lots of local specialties, all at affordable prices.
Kobe has a wide variety of restaurants serving traditional Japanese cuisine and is known for its authentic international cuisine, including Chinese, French, Italian, Indian, and Korean dishes.
Restaurant serving times are generally: breakfast: 7:00 - 9:00 a.m.; lunch: 12:00 p.m. - 2:00 p.m.; dinner: 6:00 p.m. - 10:00 p.m.

Please visit Dining in Kobe in more various information.

Time:
Japan Standard Time is 9 hours ahead of G.M.T. The time difference for major international cities is shown below (decrease by 1 hour during Daylight Savings Time period):
Asia/Oceania: Bangkok: -2 hours; Beijing: -1 hour; Jakarta: -2 hours; Seoul: 0 (same); Singapore -1 hour;
U.S.A.: Los Angeles: -17 hours; Chicago: -15 hours; New York: -14 hours.
Europe: Frankfurt: -8 hours; Geneva: -8 hours; London: -9 hours; Paris: -8 hours;

Tipping:
Tipping is not customary in Japan, as the service charge is generally included in the bill at most hotels, restaurants and in taxi fares.

Insurance:
The Organizing Committee can accept no responsibility for accidents or damage to the private property of participants. Please make your own arrangements for health insurance and any other necessary insurance.

Banks:
Banks are open from Monday to Friday, 9:00-15:00 (Closed on Saturdays, Sundays and national holidays). Automatic teller machines (ATMs) are commonly available throughout Japan.
Please note that not all ATMs accept foreign debit or credit cards. We recommend that you check with your card company for applicable ATM locations in Kobe area.

Shopping:
General hours are from 10:00 a.m. to between 7:00 p.m. and 8:00 p.m. Most department stores are open 7 days a week. Also, most convenience stores are available 24 hours a day.

Tax:
Consumption tax is 5% of the price of commodities and services you are buying. It is already included in the indicated price.

Telephone and Cellular Phones:
Public telephones are available for local, long distance and international calls. They are dark gray or green in color and accept coins or pre-paid telephone cards.
If you wish to use your cellular phone in Japan, please check with your carrier prior to your departure to verify whether your phone will operate in Japan. Alternatively, many airlines and travel companies offer overseas cellular phone rental services. Please check with your travel agent or airline.
Cellular phones may be rented after arrival in Japan at Narita, Kansai and Central Japan (Nagoya) airports. Cellular phones are widely used in Japan, however please note that it is common etiquette to refrain from using a cellular phone in restaurants, on public transportation and inside museums, historic buildings, etc.

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Useful Links

International Union of Immunological Societies

Japanese Society for Immunology

The Japan Society for Clinical Immunology

Japan National Tourist Organization

Kobe Convention & Visitors Association

Feel Kobe Visitor Information

Osaka Visitor's Guide

Welcome to Kyoto

Kansai Window Tourism

Japanican.com - Tours, Hotel/Ryokan Booking in Japan

Nara City Sightseeing Information Center

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