Hotel Southern Plaza Kaiho, Okinawa, Japan
December 15(Tue) - 18(Fri), 2009
The official language of ISMG2009 is English.
All official documents associated with ISMG2009 must be in English.
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.
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.
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
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.
A 5% consumption tax is added to all purchases. Prices indicated on goods include the consumption tax.
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.
The organizers accept no responsibility for accidents that involve participants. Participants are encouraged to purchase travel insurance before leaving their home country.
In Japan, smoking is banned in many restaurants, hotels and other public facilities. Also, tipping is not customary in Japan.
Amazing nature of Okinawa attracts and fascinates people coming in from any parts of the world. Surrounded by gorgeous yet relaxing emerald-green oceans and blue sky you will appreciate a variety of experiences of the wondersof nature such as coral reefs abound in the beautiful oceans inhabited by brightly colored tropical fish. A typical menu of participative tour activities would include Bird Watching, Trekking, Snorkeling and Sea Kayaking.
In Okinawa you can enjoy both modern and traditional shopping which will certainly fulfill your hearts. The most famous is the Kokusai Street where a variety of shops and restaurants entertain all visitors. For traditional items deeply reflect Okinawan culture you find various art crafts, ceramic and lacquer arts, dyed and woven textile Bingata cloths, and glass craft of Ryukyu glassware all of which will be pleasant and excellent souvenir gifts for you to bring back home. For a delightful local cuisine, visit very unique Makishi Public Market where you can enjoy fresh and most tasteful local dishes.
Okinawa awaits you with its unique, proud history,
dazzling nature and much more...
© 2009 Marine Genomics. All Rights Reserved.