Travel Tips

Visas

It is the responsibility of participants to ensure that they obtain a visa if required, and the passports, travel documents and visas are valid for travel. For information on entry requirements, please consult your nearest Japanese embassy or consulate, or visit the Ministry of Foreign Affairs website:
http://www.mofa.go.jp/j_info/visit/visa/index.html

For those who require an application form or other visa assistance, please contact ISAP 2016 Travel Desk:
isap2016@ntaoka.co.jp

Getting There

Direct international flights to Okinawa are available from Seoul, Busan, Taipei, Hong Kong, Shanghai, and Beijing. Domestic flights to Okinawa are available from all major cities in Japan.

For details of flights to Naha International Airport, please see:
http://www.naha-airport.co.jp/en/

Approximate travel times and taxi fares from Naha airport are as follows:
Naha Area :　15 mins, JPY1,500
Ginowan Area (the conference venue) :　40 mins, JPY3,500

Getting Around

Taxis are widely available in Okinawa, with the meter beginning at 500 or 600 yen. Please ask your driver in advance if you wish to pay by credit card. Some typical travel times and approximate fares to and from the Venue, Okinawa Convention Center, are as follows:

Naha city area :	20-30 mins, JPY2,000 – 3,000
Chatan Area :	15-20 mins, JPY1,500 – 2,500

Your hotel concierge can call a taxi for you or arrange for a hired car.

Money Matters

The local currency is the Japanese yen. Most stores will not accept any other currency. For shopping and dining, payment by credit card is generally accepted throughout Japan, but some business, especially smaller establishments, require payment in cash. VISA and MasterCard are the most commonly accepted card brands.

Unfortunately, many ATMs are not equipped to accept cards issued outside of Japan. Please consult your hotel concierge or card issuer website for help locating an international ATM. ATMs at most Japan Post locations accept all VISA and MasterCard credit and debit cards.

Tipping

Tipping is not customary in Japan. It is not necessary to tip taxi drivers, wait staff, or hotel staff.

Weather and Clothing

Okinawa in October remains warm, with lows of around 23 degrees at night, reaching up to about 28 degrees during the day. Light clothing is ideal when venturing outdoors, but be prepared for chilly mornings and evenings, and for the possibility of strong air conditioning in some rooms and restaurants. Dressing in layers and carrying a sweater or light jacket is always recommendable.

Electricity

The standard electricity supply is 100 volts, provided from A-plug (US style) two prong outlets.

Water

Tap water is safe to drink, but bottled mineral waters are available at most hotels and at any convenience store or supermarket.

Local Time

Japan Standard Time (JST) is 8 hours ahead of Greenwich Mean Time (GMT +8). There is no daylight savings time in Japan.

Medical Emergencies

All participants are advised to ensure they have medical insurance coverage before traveling to Japan. In case of a medical emergency, English speaking doctors and medical staff are available.

Insurance

ISAP 2016 doesn’t accept any responsibility for any loss, damage or injury of any kind which may arise from cancellation of, participation in, or registration for ISAP2016. Participation in all organized events is at the participant's own risk.

As registration fees do not include insurance coverage of any kind, attendees are strongly urged to ensure they have sufficient coverage for all eventualities, including travel and trip interruption insurance.