Date

October 30 (Thursday)- November 2 (Sunday), 2008

Venue

Toshi Center Hotel, Tokyo, Japan
2-4-1 Hirakawa-cho, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo
102-0093 Japan
http://www.toshicenter.co.jp/e/index.html

Official Language

English and Japanese

Banks

Banks are open from Monday to Friday, 9:00-15:00 (Closed on Saturdays, Sundays and national holidays). Automatic teller machines (ATMs) are available for withdrawing by credit card everyday from 9:00 to 20:00 at major banks.

Climate and Clothing

Generally, the weather at the end of October and the beginning of November is pleasant and dry. The average temperature in Tokyo during the conference period is likely to be 18°C (64 F) (Low 16°C (61F) / High 21°C (70F)).
From October onward, when the temperature starts falling in the morning and evening, a jacket would be advisable. However, a heavy coat will not be necessary and there are still quite a few days when shirtsleeves would be comfortable during the day.

Credit Cards

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

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, 5 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 country. A passport may be required for currency exchange services.

Electricity

Voltage in Japan is 100V and the frequency is either 50 or 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.

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.

Passport and Visa Requirements

A valid passport is required to enter Japan. In addition, some foreign nations require a visa. Please contact the Japanese Consulate or diplomatic mission in your country at least three months before your departure for Japan. For details, please check the website of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan (http://www.mofa.go.jp/j_info/visit/visa/index.html) or contact the Japanese Embassy in your country, as required steps to obtain visas vary from country to country. To request a set of documents to obtain visas to the Secretariat, prior registration to the Meeting and payment of your registration fee are required.

Public Transportation

Tokyo offers a variety of transportation means, from trains, buses, monorails to water buses and ships. Use them wisely and you will have much less stress to travel within Tokyo.

How to use train

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

Restaurants

Tokyo is known for various range of dinning opportunity including Japanese, Chinese, Indian, Italian, and Korean cosines. 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.

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 in 24 hours.

Tax

A consumption tax is 5% of the price of commodities and services you are buying. It is already included in the indicated price.
If you stay in Tokyo area, there is a hotel tax which occurs 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 or more.

Mobile Telephones

Mobile telephone rental is recommended, as most foreign cellular phones are not compatible with Japan's network. Mobile phone rental shops are conveniently located at Narita and other international airports. Please check with your mobile network provider prior to your departure.

Time

Japan Standard time is nine hours ahead of Greenwich Mean Time. The time difference for major international cities show below (decrease by 1 hour during Daylight Saving Time period):
Asia/Oceania: Bangkok: -2 hours; Beijing: -1 hour; Jakarta: -2 hours; Seoul: 0 (same); Singapore: -1 hour;

Europe: Frankfurt: -8 hours, Geneva:-8 hours; London: -9 hours; Paris: -8 hours;
U.S.A.: Los Angels: -17 hours; Chicago:-15 hours; New York: -14 hours.

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.

Special illumination and evening visit to the Meiji Jingu Shrine

In commemoration of the 50th anniversary of the reconstruction of Meiji Jingu Shrine, one of the most beautiful Shinto shrines in Tokyo located in a wooded park, “Akarium,” an artistic illumination will take place from October 31 to November 1. The illumination will start from the street leading up to the shrine, “Omotesando,” all the way to the inner shrine buildings, 5:30-8:30 p.m.

For more information, please see the following link:
http://www.meijijingu.or.jp/english/index.html

Also, it is possible to make a reservation to visit some of the inner buildings of the Meiji Jingu Shrine in the evening, from October 27 (Mon.) to 30 (Thu.).
Advance reservations are required for these special evening visits. If you would like to reserve a ticket, please contact the Secretariat.

Please come and enjoy the illuminated Meiji Jingu Shrine on this very special occasion.

13th PRCP Secretariat
E-mail: prcp2008@congre.co.jp