Host Organization
Department of Orthopaedic Surgery,
Faculty of Medicine,
The University of Tokyo
7-3-1, Hongo, Bunkyo-ku,
Tokyo, 113-8655, Japan
Congress Secretariat
Congrès Inc.
〒103-8276
Onward Park Building, 3-10-5
Nihonbashi, Chuo-ku Tokyo,
103-8276, Japan
Tel：03-3510-3701
Email：joa2026@congre.co.jp
Information for Participants
About Kobe
Kobe is a vibrant port city known for its international atmosphere and scenic beauty between sea and mountains. Please enjoy your stay during business or meetings.
Time zone in Japan
Japan Standard Time (JST) is 9 hours ahead of UTC (UTC+9).
May in Kobe
In May, it can be warm enough for short sleeves during the day, but you may need a light long-sleeved jacket in the mornings and evenings.
Average temperature: 18°C to 23°C / 64.4°F to 73.4°F
Money, tipping
Currency
Japan uses yen (Japanese: 円, symbol: ¥, code: JPY). Coins come in 1, 5, 10, 50, 100, and 500-yen denominations while bills come in 1,000; 2,000; 5,000; and 10,000-yen denominations. As of May 2026, the exchange rate is approx. 155–160 yen to the US dollar and approx. 180–187 yen to the Euro.
Credit cards
International credit cards such as American Express, Visa, Diners Club, and MasterCard can be used at most banks, hotels, inns, and stores. Although not accepted at as many locations as these cards, China UnionPay can also be used. However, some stores do not accept any credit cards, so it is a good idea to have some cash on hand.
Cash advances (ATM)
Roughly 32,000 Japan Post Bank ATMs located throughout Japan, as well as over 26,000 Seven Bank ATMs installed in 7-Eleven convenience stores, offer cash advances for credit cards issued overseas. Most 7-Eleven convenience stores are open 24/7. Logos displayed on or near the ATMs indicate which credit cards can be used.
Tipping
It is not necessary to tip for service in Japan at places such as restaurants, bars, taxis, airports and hotels. However, hotels and some restaurants indicate an additional service charge on their bills or menus, respectively.
Cashless payment
In accordance with government policy, cashless transactions are promoted in large stores, restaurants, and shopping malls and can be used in many independent stores.
Free Wi-Fi
From cafés to train stations to airports, an increasing number of locations in Kobe offer high-speed Internet connection via free Wi-Fi. Wi-Fi logos are displayed where services are available.
KOBE FREE Wi-Fi
Free Wi-Fi Guide
https://www.city.kobe.lg.jp/documents/5984/kobe_free.pdf
Electricity
Voltage in Japan is 100 V, while frequency varies by location: 50 Hz in eastern Japan including Tokyo and 60Hz in western Japan. A 2-flat-pin type socket is used.
Smoking
In Kobe, smoking is prohibited indoors at facilities such as restaurants, accommodation establishments, and other places used by many people. Smoking is only allowed in designated smoking rooms inside buildings. In addition, smoking is also prohibited outdoors in certain areas of the city, including streets and parks. Please smoke only in designated smoking areas.
Language
Japanese is the official language of Japan and English is widely spoken in Kobe. Information desks at various facilities are often staffed with people who can speak English.
Transportation / Airport
A well-developed transportation network allows easy and convenient movement in and around the city, so you can come and go almost anywhere just by trains, subways or buses.
https://www.feel-kobe.jp/en/index.html
Average time to Key destinations from Airports
© 2025 The 99th Annual Meeting of the Japanese Orthopaedic Association