About Fukuoka
Fukuoka is an energetic city and the center of core city of politics, economy, culture and fashion in Kyushu. As "a gateway to Asia", it is well serviced by international air. It also has great accessibility in the city, for instance it only takes 5 minutes to Hakata station and 11 minutes to Tenjin from Fukuoka airport. Fukuoka is expected to further leap forward as its population reached 1.5 million, so come and take a look at this vibrant city.
The LUIGANS Spa & Resort: Conference Venue
A 30-minutes car ride from the center of Fukuoka, the Luigans Spa & Resort is lying in the middle of "Uminonakamichi Seaside Park" along the coast of Shikanoshima Island. The Luigans Spa & Resort is the Japan's solo resort located in a goverment-management park. Enjoy a stunning blue of the cobalt blue ocean on Japan's largest grass garden.
Related Link: http://www.luigans.com/en/
Climate
Weather in March: Average temperatures are maximum 14°C / 57°F, minimum 6°C / 43°F. The beginning of March is still a cold season of cold wind and snow. Warm underclothing, layered wears and a thick coat to protect against the cold wind are necessary, as are gloves and mufflers. For more information, please visit Japan Meteorological Agency at: http://www.jma.go.jp/en/yoho/214.html
Time Zone
+9 hours (GMT) (+14 hours from EMT and +17 hours from PST). Japan does not observe daylight saving time.
Currency
The currency in Japan is the yen (\). Coins are minted in denominations of \1, \5, \10, \50, \100 and \500. Bank notes are printed in higher denominations of \1,000, \2,000, \5,000 and \10,000. US$1 is about \120 (As of February, 2015)
You can exchange currency at some major hotels, but the service is usually limited to major currencies. Banks are closed on national holidays, Saturdays and Sundays.
ATMs are widely available, where you can withdraw cash in Japanese yen (depending on your credit card's terms and conditions) all through the week, if necessary.
Also, please note that credit cards may not be accepted at small shops/restaurants and taxis.
Tax and Tipping
TAX
From April 2014, 8% consumption tax is levied on all goods and services in Japan, except for items that are purchased "duty-free".
Tipping
It is not necessary to pay any tips for special services in Japan. Hotels and some restaurants require service charges, but in this case the service fee is already included in the bill.
Voltage
100V/60Hz. Japanese plugs are A-type, two flat-pin plugs. Please make sure you have the correct adapters. Voltage converters or adapters will NOT be provided at the conference site. Please bring your voltage converters and plug adapters (100 volts).
GSM / W-CDMA/LTE Coverage
Only W-CDMA and/or LTE are available. For availability of GSM chip-roaming, please check with your carrier. CDMA2000 and/or LTE are also available in the area.
Drinking Water
Tap water is generally safe to drink in Japan.
For more information on Fukuoka and Japan, please visit:
