Application
Participants who wish to reserve hotel accommodation and tours should apply via the Internet - URL: http://www.acplan.jp/barany2008/. Or, you can download the Hotel and Tours Application Form (PDF) and send it to the JTB Corp by fax or post-mail. Your reservation will be made upon receiving your completed form and deposit (¥ 10,000 per room) to be paid by your Credit Card.
Deadline of hotel and tours application: February 29, 2008.

Hotel application form (PDF)

Cancellation
In the case of cancellation, a written notification should be sent to JTB Kyoto office by fax or e-mail. Cancellation charges are as follows.

    Hotel:
    Up to 9 days before the first night of stay --- ¥ 2,000
    2 to 8 days before --- 20% of daily room charge (minimum ¥ 2,000)
    Less than 2 days before, or no notice given --- 100% of daily room charge

    Tours:
    Up to 21 days prior to departure day --- ¥ 2,000
    20-8 days before --- 10% of tour fare (minimum ¥ 2,000)
    7-1 days before --- 20% of tour fare (minimum ¥ 2,000)
    Prior to starting time, or failure to show without notice --- 100% of tour fare

Passport and Visa
All foreign visitors entering Japan must possess a valid passport. Participants requiring visas should apply to the Japanese Consulate or Mission in their countries prior to departure. For details, participants are advised to contact their travel agencies or to visit the official website of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan. For those who need to apply for a visa, please contact the Organizing Secretariat.

Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan:
http://www.mofa.go.jp/j_info/visit/visa/
Visa exemption countries:
http://www.mofa.go.jp/j_info/visit/visa/02.html
Japanese embassy or consulate:
http://www.mofa.go.jp/about/emb_cons/over/

Foreign Exchange and Credit Cards
The Meeting can only accept Japanese yen in cash or Master/Visa credit cards at the registration desk. Foreign currency exchange is available at major hotels, banks, the Kansai International Airport and the New Tokyo (Narita) International Airport. Major credit cards are widely accepted at hotels and shops. You can withdraw money using credit cards issued by VISA, Master Card, American Express, Diners Club, etc. at Japanese Post Office ATMs, but Please verify this with your credit card company before departure from your home country. It is suggested you bring sufficient cash in yen for your needs.

Japan Rail Pass
Participants planning to travel within Japan are recommended to purchase a Japan Rail (JR) Pass before departure from their home country, as it cannot be purchased in Japan. This pass includes all JR trains, including the Haruka, Narita Express and Bullet train, but some restrictions apply; the pass is not valid for "NOZOMI" trains on the Tokaido and Sanyo Shinkansen line. A 7-day pass costs ¥ 28,300 (ordinary class) or ¥ 37,800 (first class). URL: http://www.japanrailpass.net/

Climate and Clothing
In early April, the average temperature in Kyoto is approximately 11.8°C (53.24°F) with a high of 18°C (64.4°F) and low of 3°C (37.4°F). Participants are advised to bring a sweater or a raincoat since it can be chilly at night or when it rains.

Electric Power
Western Japan, including Kyoto is on 100V, AC/60Hz. Devices for 110V AC will work well. The plug type in Japan is type A with two flat blades without a ground pin, the same type widely used in the USA and Canada.

Consumption Tax
A national consumption tax of 5% is added to almost all commodities and services in Japan.

Tipping
Tipping is not customary in Japan.