Q: What types of clothes should I pack?
A: As tourists, we can wear whatever we want. For the symposium, think comfort above all. Business casual is fine. AC inside (so have a light layer), but hot outside
Q: Do I need to get medical shots before I come to Japan?
A: Please refer to your country’s recommendations for travel shots.
Q: Should I take any pre- or probiotics?
A: You can, but Japan has superior water and food.
Q: What should I do to protect against COVID?
A: Look into getting a booster shot ahead of time. Masks are fine to wear, so remember to bring masks if you’d like to wear them.
Q: What outlets are used in Japan? Will I need a power adapter?
A: The most common electrical outlets in Japan are Type A, 2-pin ungrounded outlets. If you are accustomed to other outlets, or use 3-prong chargers, we ask that you bring a travel adapter or 3-to-2 prong power converter.
Q: How do I get from the Haneda airport to the hotel?
A: By Train:
Transit Routes
Keikyu Airport Line (approximately 14～25 minutes)
JR Yamanote Line (approximately 12 minutes).
By Taxi
7600 JPY
By Bus
Q: How do I get from the Narita airport to the hotel?
A: Narita Express: Through train access from Narita Airport to Shibuya Station. ( Approximately 90 minutes/ Fare JPY 3,190/one way.)
Limousine Bus: From Narita Airport, Approximately 90 minutes
Fare JPY adult 3,200, child 1,600/ one way.
https://webservice.limousinebus.co.jp/web/en/Top.aspx
Q: How do I get a pass for the Tokyo area subway?
A: Prepaid Transportation Card: Suica or Pasmo (however, you need to pay 500 Yen for the card, and then get your money back when you leave Japan. For this reason, if you are going to use the Tokyo area (or Kyoto or other cities) subways, it’s worth getting a “Red Welcome Suica” that is specifically for tourists, and so does not require a down payment on the card. Otherwise it’s identical (and can be used in convenience stores as well as the subway!). It looks like this:
The red “Welcome Suica” is available in Haneda and Narita airport, in the little travel tourist office, located at the following locations (which is where you need to go anyway if you are going to take the subway from the airport):
【Welcome Suica Purchase Locations】Station staffed by “駅たびコンシェルジュ” at Narita Airport Station, Airport Terminal 2 Station, and Haneda Airport Terminal 3 Station.
Dedicated machines for Welcome Suica at Narita Airport Station, Airport Terminal 2 Station, and Haneda Airport Terminal 2 and Terminal 3 Stations.
【Welcome Suica Purchase Restriction】Limited to 1 card per person.
More info here: https://www.getaroundjapan.jp/archives/9146
Q: What is the JR train? Do I need a JR pass for the symposium?
A: JR train is for long-distance travel around Japan. You do not need a JR pass for the symposium (unless you are planning on traveling before or after the symposium to cities far from Tokyo).
Q: What is the Japanese currency, exchange rates, and ways to get cash when in Japan?
A: The yen is the official currency of Japan. 1 Yen = 0.0068 USD or 0.0063 Euro.
Japan Post Bank ATMs: You can dispense cash from one of the many Japan Post Bank ATMs located nationwide. Most of them are in the Post Offices, but you can also find some at train stations and supermarkets. Service hours differ by ATM. The service is available in English.
Seven Bank ATMs: Withdraw cash from the nationwide network of ATMs located mainly in the Seven Eleven convenience stores. Find screens, receipts and voice guidance in 12 languages—English, Korean, Chinese simplified, Chinese traditional, Portuguese, Thai, Malay, Indonesian, Vietnamese, French, German, and Japanese) when using cards issued overseas.
Mizuho Bank: Head to one of the Mizuho Bank branches to withdraw cash using an international card. Withdrawals and balance inquiries are possible. However, you cannot make deposits or transfers.
Mitsubishi UFJ Bank: Use your Visa, MasterCard, Maestro or Cirrus card to withdraw cash.
Mitsui Sumitomo Bank: You can use your Visa, MasterCard, Maestro or Cirrus card at branches of SMBC Banks.
Q: How much cash should I have on hand for the symposium?
A: It is up to you, but some things to think about:
Q: How can I get cash and convenience store items while in Tokyo?
A: 7-11 and other convenience stores in Tokyo are widespread and can get money or rent chargers. They are also great for breakfast.