Venue
Pacifico Yokohama, 1-1-1 Minato Mirai, Nishi-ku, Yokohama, is a world-class integrated convention centre situated on the water front in Yokohama's Minato Mirai 21 area.
Click here to view a map of the venue
Entry into Japan
Every foreign visitor entering Japan must have a valid passport. Visitors from countries whose citizens require visas should apply to the Japanese consulate or diplomatic mission in their own country. For further information, please visit www.mofa.go.jp/j_info/visit/visa/index.html
Requests for official invitations in support of visa applications should be sent to fisita2006program@congre.co.jp
Language
The official language of the Congress is English. Simultaneous translation (English/Japanese) will be provided during the plenary sessions only.
Climate
The temperature in Yokohama during the period of the Congress ranges between 15°C and 21°C with the chance of occasional rain showers.
Programme Changes
The organisers are not liable for any changes made to the programme. Please visit the web site regularly for updates.
Final Programme
The final programme will be provided on-site in the delegate bag.
Currency Exchange
Only Japanese yen (JPY) is acceptable at regular stores and restaurants. Certain foreign currencies may be accepted at a limited number of hotels, restaurants and souvenir shops. You can buy JPY at foreign exchange banks and other authorised money exchangers on presentation of your passport. Traveller's Cheques and Credit Cards Traveller's cheques are accepted only by leading banks and major hotels in principal cities, and the use of traveller's cheques in Japan is not as popular as in some other countries. VISA, MasterCard, Diners Club and American Express are widely accepted at hotels, department stores, shops, restaurants and nightclubs.
Tipping
In Japan tips are not necessary anywhere, even at hotels and restaurants.
Shopping
Shops and other sales outlets in Japan are generally open on Saturdays, Sundays and national holidays as well as weekdays from 10:00 to 20:00. Department stores, however, are closed one day per week, differing by store, and certain speciality shops may not open on Sundays and national holidays.
Tax
A consumption tax of 5% is added to all purchases. Prices shown include this tax.
Taxis
The fare consists of an initial flag-down price of approximately JPY 660 plus an additional cost per distance covered and time elapsed. Payment is made at the end of the ride, and you need to pay only the amount marked on the meter. Trains, subways and buses are recommended as inexpensive means of transportation.
Mobile Phones
Please note that GSM mobile phone service is not available in Japan. Mobile phones can be rented for use during your stay in Japan.
Electricity
Electric current is uniformly 100 volts AC throughout Japan, but with two different cycles: 50 in eastern Japan including Yokohama, and 60 in western Japan including Kyoto and Osaka. Leading hotels in major cities have two outlets of 100 and 220 volts but their sockets usually accept a flat two-pin plug only.
Time Zone
Japan is 9 hours ahead of GMT.
Insurance
Participants are encouraged to obtain travel insurance (medical, personal accident and luggage) in their home country prior to departure.