Department of Orthopaedic Surgery,
Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry,
and Pharmaceutical Sciences

2-5-1 Shikata-cho,Kita-ku, Okayama
700-8558 Japan
PHONE : +81-86-235-7273
FAX : +81-86-223-9727
Nippon Travel Agency Co., Ltd
Chu-shikoku Convention Group

2-1-7,Ekimae-cho,Kita-ku, Okayama
700-0023 Japan
PHONE : +81-86-259-5578
FAX : +81-86-250-7682
E-mail : jkcos2016@wjcs.jp
General Information
Climate

As Japan is a long, narrow country, the temperature varies a lot from north to south, even on the same day. May is one of the best times for visiting most of Japan, the temperatures are still comfortable. From the end of May, the rainy season (tsuyu) visits some parts of Japan, and while it does not rain every day, the weather tends to be overcast and dreary. The average temperature in Okayama during the period of the meeting will be 19°C, ranging from a low 14°C to a high 24°C.

Passport and Visa

To visit Japan, you must have a valid passport. A visa is required for citizens of countries or regions that do not have a visa-exemption agreement with Japan.
*For details, please contact the nearest Japanese Embassy or Consulate.

Upon your request, we will issue an official invitation letter for the purpose of visa application. Please be advised that we cannot issue the letter unless you are either an accepted author or a registrant who has completed registration payment. In addition, we cannot provide any other letters or documents except the above invitation letter.

Currency Exchange, Traveler’s Checks and Credit Cards

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. A foreign currency exchange service is available at major banks located in the downtown area of Okayama and are open between 09:00 and 15:00 on weekdays but closed on weekends and national holidays. Traveler’s checks can be also cashed for yen on showing your passport.

Credit Cards are widely accepted at hotels, department stores, shops and restaurants.
Electricity

The voltage used throughout Japan is 100V A/C, but there are two different cycles: 50 in eastern Japan including Tokyo, and 60 in western Japan including Okayama, Kyoto, Osaka and Nagoya. Leading hotels in major cities have two outlets of 100 and 220 volts but their sockets usually accept a two-leg plug only. There are no columnar-shaped plugs used in Japan. International attendees are advised to bring their own adapters.

Shopping

Okayama offers many attractions to its tourists, shopping certainly being one of the best. Shops and other sales outlets are generally open on Saturdays, Sundays and national holidays as well as weekdays from 10:00 to 20:00. Certain specialty shops may not open on Sundays and national holidays.

Tax-free shops in Kurashiki
TENMAYA Kurashiki
1-7-1, Achi, Kurashiki City, Okayama 710-8550
TEL: +81-86-426-2111
General Opening Hours: 10:00 - 19:30
http://www.tenmaya.co.jp.e.tm.hp.transer.com/kurashiki/index.html
Ario Kurashiki
12-2, Kotobuki-cho, Kurashiki City, Okayama 710-0813
TEL: +81-86-434-1111
Opening Hours: Shops) 9:00 - 21:00
Restaurants) 11:00 - 22:00
http://www.ario-kurashiki.jp/web/en/
Mitsui Outlet Park Kurashiki
12-3, Kotobuki-cho, Kurashiki City, Okayama 710-0813
TEL: +81-86-423-6500
Opening Hours: 10:00-20:00
http://www.31op.com/kurashiki/english/
** Please be advised that there are some stores which do not offer tax exemption service in above indicated malls.
** Please confirm the procedures at;
Tax-free Shopping Guide
http://tax-freeshop.jnto.go.jp/eng/shopping-guide.php
Insurance

Participants in the JKCOS 2016 are encouraged to purchase travel insurance before leaving their home country, as the meeting organizer will not have responsibility for accidents that might occur to them. Insurance plans typically cover accidental loss of belongings, medical costs in case of injury or illness, and other possible risks of international travel.

Duty Free Import

Personal effects and professional equipment can be brought into Japan duty free as long as their contents and quantities are deemed reasonable by the customs officer. You can also bring in 400 cigarettes, 500 grams of tobacco or 100 cigars; 3 bottles of alcoholic beverages; 2 ounces of perfume; and gifts and souvenirs whose total market price is less than 200,000 yen or its equivalent. There is no allowance for tobacco or alcoholic beverages for persons aged 19 years or younger. Firearms and other types of weapons, and narcotics are strictly prohibited. For details, please visit the website of Japan Customs. Click here.

Tipping
In Japan, tips are not necessary anywhere, even at hotels and restaurants.