TRAVEL INFORMATION
Passport and Visa
Every foreign visitor entering Japan is required to carry a passport valid more than six months. Visitors from countries whose citizens require visas should apply to the Japanese consulate or diplomatic mission in their own countries. For further information, please visit http://www.mofa.go.jp/j_info/visit/visa/index.html.
Any delegate of GEOPARKS 2012 requiring an invitation letter issued by the local organizing committee should e-mail geoparks2012@web.jtb.jp, allowing sufficient time for processing the application.
Climate and temperature
Shimabara is mild and pleasant in May with temperatures ranging from a minimum of 11°C during night to a maximum of 30°C during day; the average temperature is 20°C. Temperature and humidity increase in the subsequent summer months.
Tax
A consumption tax (VAT) of 5% is included on all items purchased in Japan.
Insurance
Medical systems and facilities in Japan are well established and offer a high standard of medical treatment. However, medical services are not free for overseas visitors. Delegates are strongly advised to obtain private medical coverage and personal insurance for their travel periods.
Tipping
In Japan, tipping is unnecessary, even at hotels and restaurants.
Electricity
Electric current is uniformly AC 100 V in Japan. The plug is type A, characterized by two vertical pins.
Restaurant Information
Restaurants in the Shimabara area generally open from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Several local pubs remain open till late. In the Unzen area, however, very few restaurants offer service at night. Delegates who stay in the Unzen area are recommended to make dinner reservations at their hotels in advance, except for the conference dinner.
Currency, Banks, and Postal Service
The Japanese yen (JPY) is the country's currency. Although several shops accept credit cards, the usual payment in Shimabara is by cash. Besides, foreign exchange service in Shimabara city is also limited. Reserving some amount of Japanese yen beforehand is recommended, by exchanging currency at an international airport. Generally, bank hours are from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. from Monday to Friday. Some convenience stores open 24 hours offer ATM services from which cash withdrawal is possible using a major credit card such as American Express, MasterCard, Visa, or Diners. Post offices are open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. from Monday to Friday.
