Duration and Venue

Duration:

December 15 (Tue.) – December 18 (Fri.), 2009

Venue:

Hotel Southern Plaza Kaiho, Naha City, Okinawa, Japan

Official Language

The official language of ISMG2009 is English.
All official documents associated with ISMG2009 must be in English.

Foreign Exchange

The currency of Japan is Japanese yen (JPY). You can exchange U.S. dollar to JPY at head and branch offices of The Bank of Okinawa, Bank of the Ryukyus, THE OKINAWA KAIHO BANK, and Mizuho Bank Naha Branch. Other exchangeable currencies are shown as the following table.
Please note that only certain banks can exchange these currencies.
Here below is the map of banks near to the venue.

Credit Cards

International credit cards such as American Express, VISA, Diners Club and MasterCard are accepted at major hotels, restaurants, and stores.
However, some stores, restaurants and other businesses in Okinawa accept only Japanese yen in cash. Thus, carrying Japanese yen in cash is highly recommended. You can withdraw Japanese Yen using major international cards from Yucho ATMs (green colored ATMs), located at the post offices. Here below is the map of Yucho ATMs near to the venue.
Please be aware that most ATMs in Japan are not open 24 hours a day.

Passport and Visa

Any foreign visitor who wishes to enter Japan must have a passport.
That which remains valid during the period of stay. Nationals of many countries are eligible to enter Japan without a visa unless the purpose of the visit is to reside in Japan, to obtain employment or to otherwise engage in remunerative activities. For information, please contact Okinawa Congress Corporation: ismg2009@okicongre.jp

Electricity

In Japan, the electrical power supply to households is at 100 V and Okinawa operates at 60 Hz. If you want to use electric appliances which you brought in from your country, please check its compatibility in the appliances instruction manual. Please note that there are no columnar-shaped plugs or 3-pin plugs used in Japan but 2-flat-pin plugs are used instead.

Consumption Tax

A 5% consumption tax is added to all purchases. Prices indicated on goods include the consumption tax.

Food and Drinking water

Tap water is safe to drink everywhere in Japan. You can drink tap water in Okinawa as is, but it is hard water and some people mind the smell of chlorine. Japanese, Chinese, Western, Korean and local Okinawan cuisines are available. Mineral water, including major imported brands, can be obtained at supermarkets and convenience stores.

Insurance

The organizers accept no responsibility for accidents that involve participants. Participants are encouraged to purchase travel insurance before leaving their home country.

Local customs

In Japan, smoking is banned in many restaurants, hotels and other public facilities. Also, tipping is not customary in Japan.