VISA to Japan
Attendees requiring an entry visa should inquire at their local Japanese embassy or consulate regarding the required visa and documents. We advise you to apply for your visa as soon as possible, as visa applications may take a while. See VISA to Japan for details.
Cash Dispensers
Japanpost Bank has an international ATM service (Cash Dispenser) (http://www.jp-bank.japanpost.jp/en/ias/en_ias_index.html). You can find green “JP” signs in Nara. Note that most of ATMs do not work 24 hours (For example, cash dispensers around Kintetsu-Nara station are available at 08:00-21:00 on weekdays).
For the locations of JP Bank ATMs and Japan Post Offices, in which JP Bank ATMs inside, see this map or pages 4-5 of the Program Booklet of ACM Multimedia 2012.
Currency Exchange
Foreign currency could be exchanged in the following two banks in downtown Nara.
- Mitsubishi Tokyo UFJ Bank Nara branch (Next to Kintetsu Nara station)
- Mizuho Bank Nara branch (Near Hotel Fujita Nara)
These banks are open from 9:00AM to 3:00PM on weekdays. The locations of these banks are indicated by $ marks in this map.
Time Zone
GMT +9. Daylight saving time is not used in Japan.
AC Sockets (Outlets)
Physical type: A (identical to the type in North America), 100 V, 60 Hz in Nara.
Language
Japanese. English is available at most stores and restaurants in Nara.
Credit Cards
Major stores and restaurants in the city accept credit cards including American Express, Visa, Diners Club and MasterCard. However, obtaining cash beforehand is recommended because some local stores do not accept credit cards.
Weather
Average high temperature around the end of October: +20°C(+68°F), low temperature: +10°C(+50°F). 4-6 rainy days in a month. Weather forecast can be checked at: http://www.jma.go.jp/en/week/335.html
Emergency calls in Japan
- 119 (Ambulance)
- 110 (Police)
How to use chopsticks
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m8mw8SWS5nM
Airport Limousine Bus
You can get to Kansai International Airport (KIX) by airport limousine bus. It takes about one and a half an hour, and costs 2,000 JPY. You have to buy a ticket at ticket counters before getting on the bus. See here, for details.
