About Tokyo
WELCOME TO TOKYO
Tokyo is the capital of Japan, and one of the largest cities in the world. Within a relatively small area, this ancient city, historically known as ‘Edo’, remains the center of politics, finance and culture in Japan.
Tokyo is an international hub and promotes many cultural, financial, and business ideas to the outside world.
FACTS AND FIGURES
Time Zone
+ 09:00 hour GMT/UTC
Temperature and Climate
The month of April in Tokyo is generally warm with an average high of around 20℃, yet, the average low is around 10℃so it is recommended that you wear a jacket during the daytime and evening hours. The peak of cherry blossom viewing is between the end of March to the middle of April. We recommend you arrive in Tokyo before the date of this conference if you would like to take advantage of being able to see the best cherry blossom viewings.
Language
The official language in Japan is Japanese. You can also use English at many shops and there are many information signage boards in English, Chinese, Korean and other languages around the city. Many information centers employ staff who can speak foreign languages, so if you have any issues with language barriers, they will be able to help you.
Currency
The official currency of Japan is the Japanese Yen (JPY/ ¥). Currently, 1 USD is approximately 150 JPY (as of April 2024)
Using ATMs in Japan
Most ATMs in Japan do not accept credit cards or cash cards issued abroad. However, Japan Post Bank ATMs, accept foreign credit cards and offer an English service menu. The following "International ATM Service" notice is located on the machine with services accepted. Please note that a service charge may apply.
Seven Bank ATMs, located inside 7-Eleven convenience stores, accept foreign-issued credit cards and cash cards, and provide vocal and on-screen guidance in the English, Korean, Chinese, and Portuguese languages. The machines also accept debit cards for cash withdrawals. The following ATMs can be used and can commonly be found. (Japan Post Bank/ Seven Bank / American Express/ Visa / Mastercard / Diners Club / JCB /China Union Pay)
Taxi
Taxis have display boards to show the availability status. You can take a taxi displayed as "空車" (Vacant). Taxi stands are located near stations, airports and commercial establishments. The basic fixed fare of a taxi is 730 yen for the initial 2km, and 320 yen is added for each additional km.
Electricity
The electrical power supply in Japan is uniformly 100 volts AC throughout Japan, but with two different cycles: 50 in eastern Japan including Tokyo. Leading hotels in major cities have two outlets of 100 and 220 volts but their sockets usually accept a two-pin plug only.
Emergency Telephone Numbers
In an emergency, please dial the following numbers. English-speaking operators are on duty 24 hours a day.
Police – 110 Fire & Ambulance – 119
Insurance
The conference organizers cannot accept liability for personal injuries sustained, or for loss or damage of property belonging to congress participants (or their accompanying persons), either during, or as a result of the conference. Please ensure that you have the appropriate insurance.
PLACES OF INTEREST
Tokyo Skytree
Tokyo Skytree is the tallest tower in Japan with a height of 634 meters. The observation hall, 450 meters aboveground, lets you enjoy a panoramic view of Tokyo. You can also enjoy shopping, dining, and entertainment facilities from more than 300 shops at “Solamachi (Sky Town)” sprawling at the base of Tokyo Skytree. From the conference venue, it will take about 45 minutes by train.
For more information please access the following links:
https://www.tokyo-skytree.jp/en/
https://www.tokyo-solamachi.jp/en/
Asakusa
“Asakusa” is known for its old-town atmosphere and has been a prosperous center of commerce and traditional arts since the Edo period. Asakusa’s main attraction is Sensoji Temple, a very popular Buddhist temple, built in the 7th century. “Nakamise Shopping Street”, a 200 meter long shopping street, is the main approach to Sensoji Temple and provides visitors with a variety of traditional and cultural street food, restaurants, sweets, knick-knacks and souvenirs. From the conference venue, it will take about 35 minutes by train.
For more information please access the following link:
https://matcha-jp.com/en/3095
“Shinjuku Gyoen” National Garden
Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden is one of Tokyo's largest and most popular parks. It has spacious lawns, meandering walking paths and tranquil scenery that will definitely make you feel relaxed and rejuvenated. In spring season, Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden becomes one of the best places in the city to appreciate the cherry blossoms. From the conference venue, it will take about 25 minutes by train.
For more information please access the following link:
https://www.gotokyo.org/en/spot/75/index.html
GETTING AROUND TOKYO
By train
The easiest and simplest way to move around Tokyo is by train and subway. They are punctual and the stations have signage written in English and other languages, so you will be able to navigate the city with ease. There are prepaid e-money IC Cards called “Suica” and “PASMO”, and if you purchase such prepaid cards, you can move around the city more smoothly.
“Tokyo Subway Ticket”, a train pass with which allows you to ride all of Tokyo’s subways for 24, 48 or 72 hours, is also a good option.
https://www.tokyometro.jp/tst/jp/
By taxi
Taxis are also a comfortable option when you prefer to go directly to your destination. Taxis in Japan are metered, and in Tokyo, the price is 500 JPY per 1km.
By bus
The bus transport networks are also well developed in Tokyo. It is helpful to note that, to ride a bus you can use the same prepaid e-money IC Cards (“Suica” and “PASMO”) for taking a train. If you do not use an IC Card, please make sure to take a ticket from the machine in the bus when you get on and pay the corresponding fee when you get off.
USEFUL LINKS & TOOLS
Please visit the following websites for more information.
Tokyo Basic Information: https://abouttokyo.jp/
Place to Visit: https://www.gotokyo.org/en/index.html