General information for participants from abroad

TIME DIFFERENCE
All of Japan is in the same time zone, 9 hours ahead of G.M.T.
CLIMATE AND CLOTHING
Average Temperature & Precipitation in Osaka
Jan.

Feb.

Mar.

Apr.

May

Jun.

Max. Temp

9C (49F)

9C (49F)

13C (56F)

20C (67F)

24C (76F)

27C (81F)

Min. Temp.

3C (37F)

3C (37F)

5C (41F)

11C (51F)

15C (60F)

20C (68F)

Precipitation

44 mm

59 mm

100 mm

121 mm

140 mm

201 mm

Jul.

Aug.

Sep.

Oct.

Nov.

Dec.

Max. Temp

31C (89F)

33C (91F)

29C (84F)23C (73F)

17C (63F)

12C (54F)

Min. Temp.

24C (75F)

25C (77F)

21C (70F)

15C (59F)

10C (49F)

5C (41F)

Precipitation

155 mm

99 mm

175 mm

109 mm

66 mm

38 mm

MONEY
1) Currency and Money Exchange
The unit of Japanese currency is yen. Coins are available in 1, 5, 10, 50, 100 and 500 yen and banknotes in
1,000, 2,000, 5,000 and 10,000 yen. Exchange banks and money exchange counters can be found atKansai International Airport for money exchange and purchasing of the travelers checks. A passport may berequired for currency exchange service. Exchange bank is also available near Port-liner Sannomiya station.
2) Travelers Checks and Credit Cards
Travelers Checks are accepted by leading banks and hotels and stores in major cities.
International credit cards such as Visa, American Express, Diners Club and MasterCard are also acceptable
at these major establishments. However, Credit card transactions are not always convenient outside bigcities so obtaining cash beforehand is recommended when you travel Japan.
3) ATMs
Automatic Teller Machines (ATMs) are commonly available at banks and post office throughout Japan.
However, many DO NOT accept foreign credit cards or cash cards and their service hours are very often
restricted. For ATMs that accept credit cards, it is advised to contact each credit company beforehand andcheck the location of each ATM and its availability as these conditions vary from machine to machine.
Foreign credit, debit and cash cards can be used at Post Office ATMs in locations throughout Japan. Post
Offices where this service is available display stickers indicating which cards are accepted. Cards from theCirrus, Plus, Maestro and Visa Electron networks can be used. Accepted credit cards include Visa,MasterCard, American Express and Diners Club.

<Banks, Post Office and Convenience Stores near the CDB>a) Mitsui Sumitomo Bank (Sannomiya)
1-5-1, Sannomiya-machi, Chuo-ku
Kobe 651-0021
Tel: 078-332-5911
Office hours: 9:00 a.m to 3:00 p.m on weekdays.
10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. on Saturday, Sunday and National holidays
ATM: 8:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m. on weekdays and Saturdays
8:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m on weekdays and Sundaysb) Mitsui Sumitomo Bank (Port island – Sentan Iryo Center Mae Station)
ATM ONLY
3-1-2, Minatojima-nakamachi, Chuo-ku
Kobe 650-0046
Tel: 06-6534-2900
ATM: 8:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m. on weekdays and Saturdays
8:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. on Sundaysc) Post Office (Port island- Park city nai)
6-2-1 Minatojima-minamimachi, Chuo-ku
Kobe, 650-0046
Tel: 078-302-3045
Office hours: 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. on weekdays (Closed on Saturdays and Sundays)
ATM: 9:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. on weekdays
9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. on Saturdays
Closed on Sundays
HEALTHCARE1) Water
Tap water is safe to drink anywhere in Japan. Mineral water can be easily obtained at super markets,convenience stores and other similar places.
2) Hospitals
Medical systems and facilities in Japan are well established so that you can expect to receive a highstandard medical treatment if you have any health problem during your stay.
ELECTRICITY
The voltage used throughout Japan is uniformly 100 volts alternating current at a frequency of 60 Hertz. A
step-down transformer is required to convert the voltage. There are no columnar-shaped plugs or 3-pin plugs
used in Japan but 2-flat pin plugs are used instead. It is therefore advised to purchase a plug adapter
beforehand.
POSTAL SERVICE
Hotels and convenience stores often provide simple postage services. Post offices are open daily from9:00 to 17:00 except Saturdays, Sundays and national holidays.
TELEPHONES
1) Domestic calls
Public telephones accept 10 yen and 100 yen coins and/or telephone cards. A local call costs 10 yen perminute. No change is give for partial use of a 100 yen coin. Prepaid telephone cards cost 1,000 yen atconvenience stores and similar places.
2) International calls
A direct overseas call can be made from a public telephone displaying an International and Domestic
Telephone sign. These phones can be found at airports, hotels and other key facilities. Direct dial calls canbe made via a telephone company using the company’s access number.
Direct dial access number
KDDI: 001-010
SoftBank Telecom: 0061-010
NTT Communications: 0033-010
PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION
For general transport, taxis are plentiful and train and bus services are convenient throughout Japan.
TOURIST INFORMATION
Tourist Information Centers provide reliable information for your travel, accommodation and sightseeing inJapan.
1) Kansai Tourist Information Center (Kansai International Airport):
Arrival Floor, passenger Terminal Building, Kansai International Airport
Tel: 0724-56-6025
Office hours: 9:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. every day2) Kobe Information Center (Hello Station Kobe)
Beside Sannomiya station
Tel: 078-322-0220
Office hours: Open from 9:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. every day
RESTAURANTS
There are many restaurants in Sannomiya, Kobe downtown which is about 20 minutes ride the port liner train
from the CDB. You can enjoy various kinds of cuisine from Japanese traditional cuisine to Western cuisines.