ISHAM2009 Tokyo

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, however, not all ATMs accept foreign debit or credit cards. We recommend that you check with your card company for applicable ATM locations in Tokyo. ATM withdrawal hours: 9:00 - 20:00 daily.

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Climate and Clothing

Generally, the weather at the end of May is mild. The average temperature in May would be 18

(64F) with low 15

(59F), high 22

(71 F). Although there are days when it gets cold in the morning and evening, it is generally warm and comfortable in Tokyo in Spring. It will be warm enough to wear a short-sleeved shirt during the daytime.

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Credit Cards

American Express, Diners Club, Visa and MasterCard are widely accepted at hotels, department stores, shops and restaurants.

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Currency

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.

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Electricity

Voltage in Japan is 100V and the frequency ranges 50-60 Hz depending on the area (Tokyo is 50Hz). The socket is type A,

which has two flat plug holes. If you plan to bring any electric appliances that are not convertible, transformers and/or plug adaptors are necessary.

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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.

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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 secretariat after you complete your registration to the Conference. Please note that an invitation does not imply a commitment by the organizers to bear any expenses.

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Visa and Passport to enter Japan

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.”

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Visa to enter China for Satellite Symposia

For visas to enter China to attend the Satellite Symposia, please contact directly to the Secretariat for Satellite Symposia at isham2009@fungalinfection.cn in China.

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Public Transportation

Tokyo offers a variety of transportation means, from trains, buses, monorails to water buses and ships. Use them wisely and you will be able to travel quickly and smoothly around Tokyo.

-	How to use trains:
	http://www.tourism.metro.tokyo.jp/english/access/ac_tra/train.html#01
-	How to use buses:
	http://www.tourism.metro.tokyo.jp/english/access/ac_tra/bus.html

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Restaurants

Tokyo is known for a wide range of dining opportunities including Japanese, Continental, Chinese, Indian, Italian, and Korean cuisines. Restaurant serving times are generally: breakfast: 7:00 a.m. - 9:00 am; lunch: 12:00p.m. - 2:00 p.m.; dinner: 5:30 pm - 10:00 pm.

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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.

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Tax

Consumption tax is 5% of the price of commodities and services you are buying. It is already included in the indicated price.
In the Tokyo area, there is a hotel tax which is charged when you pay 10,000 yen or more for the room charge per night per person to your hotel. At hotels in Tokyo, the rate of the hotel tax is 100 yen for a room less than 15,000 yen and 200 yen for a room 15,000 yen or more.

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Telephone and Cellular Telephone

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 telephone in Japan, please check with your provider prior to your departure to verify whether your phone will operate in Japan. Alternatively, many airlines and travel companies offer overseas cellular telephone rental services. Please check with your travel agent or airline.
Cellular telephones may be rented after arrival in Japan at Narita, Kansai and Central Japan (Nagoya) airports.Cellular telephones are widely used in Japan, however please note that it is common etiquette to refrain from using a cellular telephone in restaurants, on public transportation and inside museums, historic buildings, etc.

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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 Saving Time period):

Asia/Oceania:	Beijing: -1 hour; New Delhi: -3.5 hours; Seoul: 0 (same); Singapore: -1 hour; Sydney: +1 hour;
Europe:	Frankfurt: -8 hours; Geneva:-8 hours; London: -9 hours;Paris: -8 hours;
U.S.A.:	Los Angeles: -17 hours; Chicago:-15 hours; New York: -14 hours.

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Tipping

Tipping is not generally required in Japan, as the service charge is always included in the bill at restaurants and in the taxi fares.

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