Climate

Average temperatures in Hiroshima in September range between 22°C and 31°C.

Passport and Visa

A valid passport is required to enter Japan. In addition, some foreign nationals are required to obtain a visa. For details, please visit the Web site of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan (http://www.mofa.go.jp/j_info/visit/visa/index.html) and contact the Japanese Consulate or diplomatic mission in your country.

Currency and Money Exchange

The unit of Japanese currency is the Yen. You can buy Yen at foreign exchange banks and other authorized money exchangers. At international airports, currency exchange counters are usually open during normal office hours. The exchange rate fluctuates daily depending on the money market.

Banks, Credit Cards, and ATMs

Banks are open from Monday to Friday, 9:00-15:00 (closed on Saturdays, Sundays, and national holidays).
International credit cards such as American Express, VISA, Diners Club, and MasterCard are widely accepted at hotels, department stores, shops, and restaurants.
Foreign credit cards and cash cards can be used to make withdrawals in Japan Yen at post office ATMs and Seven Bank ATMs throughout Japan:

• Post Offices Cash cards from the Cirrus, PLUS, Maestro, and Visa Electron networks can be used. Accepted credit cards include VISA, MasterCard, American Express, and Diners Club.
• Seven Bank ATMs are placed at 7-Eleven convenience stores throughout Japan, and service is available 24 hours a day in English, Korean, Chinese, and Portuguese. Cash cards from the PLUS and Cirrus networks can be used. Accepted credit cards are VISA, MasterCard, American Express, JCB, and China UnionPay.

Electricity

The voltage used throughout Japan is uniformly 100 volts, AC with frequency of 60Hz in Western Japan (including Hiroshima) and 50Hz in Eastern Japan. 2-flat-pin plugs are used in Japan.

Taxes

Consumption tax is a flat rate across the country of 5% on all purchases (at time of writing). There are no additional local Hiroshima taxes. The displayed price on goods and services is required by law to be tax-inclusive. Receipts and bills often indicate tax and service charge for your reference.

Telephones & Mobile Phones

The mobile phone protocol in Japan is different from that in other countries; it is best to check with your current provider whether or not you can use your mobile phone in Japan. Mobile phones are available for rental at airports, but not in the city of Hiroshima. Public telephones can be found in hotels, the meeting venue, and throughout the city. International calls can be made from NTT grey public telephones and others that are marked as such. Cards can be purchased that allow international telephone calls from any telephone, using a PIN code.

Tipping

Tipping is not practiced in Japan - impeccable service is expected and delivered always. Some restaurants and hotels include a service charge in the bill that you pay. This will always be fully explained. Some shops place a tray near the cash register, this is for you to make your payment and for the change and receipt to be passed back to you, it is not a request for a tip. You pay your restaurant bill as you exit not at the table so not tipping is quite intuitive.

Time Zone

All of Japan is in the same time zone, 9 hours ahead of G.M.T. Daylight Saving Time is not practiced in Japan.