GENERAL INFORMATION
About IRAM ?[
Period
August 31(Sun.)-September 4(Thu.), 1997
Venue
Kyoto International Conference Hall (KICH)
Phone:075-705-1234(Intl.+81-75-705-1234)
Fax:075-705-1100(Intl.+81-75-705-1100)
Kyoto International Conference Hall opened in 1966 as Japan's first national convention facility for international meetings. Nestled at the foot of Mt. Hiei and surrounded by the natural beauty of Lake Takaraga, but still situated quite close to the center of the city of Kyoto-the former imperial capital from the early ninth to the late nineteenth century, and the most important center of traditional Japanese culture-it has built up a reputation as a world-famous conference site.
Its distinctively modern architecture based on the design of traditional gasshozukuri(a house with a steep rafter roof), together with a large garden and lake where one can leisurely stroll, make this venue thc most suitable for social and intellectual exchanges.
Coffee and Snacks
Coffee, tea, juices, snacks and light meals will be offered in the Exhibition Hall(for the technical exhibition and poster sessions)from September l through September 4.
About Japan
Passport and Visa
Every overseas visitor entering Japan must have a valid passport Visas are not necessary for a short visit from many countries. However, visitors from countries whose citizens must have visas should apply to a Japanese consular office or diplomatic mission in their respective country. For further details, please contact your travel agent or a local consular office.
Customs
Japanese customs is fairly lenient and allows bringing in items necessary for personal use. Duty-free imports include: 3 bottles of liquor, 400 cigarettes or 1 00 cigars, 2 ounces of perfume, and 2 extra watches (each Valued less than \30,000).Strictly prohibited arc firearms, weapons and narcotics.
Taxes
There will be a value-added tax of 5 percent on all expenditures after April l, 1997.
Climate and Clothing
With the congress being held in the late summer, early fall period, the temperature in Kyoto should be between 19｡?C(66｡?F)and 29｡?C(84｡?F). We recommend light and short-sleeved clothes during day time. Please also bring a jacket or long-sleeved clothes as the conference hall and hotels are air-conditioned.
Currency Exchange
Only Japanese yen(\) acceptable at regular stores and restaurants. Some credit cards will be accepted at many hotels, restaurants and souvenir shops. You can exchange money at banks and other authorized money exchangers and hotel cashiers on presentation of your passport. For your reference, $l=109 yen (as of August 20,1996)
Traveler's Checks and Credit Cards
Traveler's checks are accepted only by leading banks and major hotels in principal cities, and their use in Japan is not as popular as in some other countries. Master Card, Diners Club, Visa, American Express and JCB are widely accepted at hotels, department stores, shops, restaurants and nightclubs.
Tipping
In Japan, personal tips are not necessary even for hotel porters or taxi drivers. Porters at stations, however, require a standard charge. A 1O% charge for all services instead of tips is included in bills at hotels and restaurants.
Electrical Appliances
Japan operates on 100 volts for electrical appliances. The frequency is 50 Hz in eastern Japan including Tokyo and 60 Hz in western Japan including Kyoto.
Shopping
The business hours of most department stores are 10:00 to 19:00.They are open on Sundays and national holidays, but alternately closed on Mondays, Wednesdays or Thursdays. Business hours for retail shops differ, but most operate from 10:00 to 20:00 and are open on Sundays and national holidays.
