◆ Climate

Average temperatures in Niigata in May range between 12°C and 21°C.

◆ Currency and Money Exchange

The unit of Japanese currency is the Yen. You can buy Yen at foreign exchange banks, major hotels, and other authorized money exchangers. At international airports, currency exchange counters are usually open during normal office hours. The exchange rate fluctuates daily depending on the money market.

◆ Banks, Credit Cards, and ATMs

Banks are open from Monday to Friday, 9:00-15:00 (closed on Saturdays, Sundays, and national holidays). International credit cards such as American Express, VISA, Diners Club, and MasterCard are widely accepted at hotels, department stores, shops, and restaurants.
Foreign credit cards and cash cards can be used to make withdrawals in Japan Yen at post office ATMs and Seven Bank ATMs throughout Japan:

•	Post Offices Cash cards from the Cirrus, PLUS, Maestro, and Visa Electron networks can be used. Accepted credit cards include VISA, MasterCard, American Express, and Diners Club.
•	Seven Bank ATMs are placed at 7-Eleven convenience stores throughout Japan, and service is available 24 hours a day in English, Korean, Chinese, and Portuguese. Cash cards from the PLUS and Cirrus networks can be used. Accepted credit cards are VISA, MasterCard, American Express, JCB, and China UnionPay.

◆ Electricity

The voltage used throughout Japan is uniformly 100 volts, AC with frequency of 50Hz in Eastern Japan (including Niigata and Tokyo). 2-flat-pin plugs are used in Japan.

◆ Taxes

Consumption tax is a flat rate across the country of 8% on all purchases.

◆ Telephones & Mobile Phones

The mobile phone protocol in Japan is different from that in other countries; it is best to check with your current provider whether or not you can use your mobile phone in Japan. Mobile phones are available for rental at airports. Public telephones can be found in hotels, the meeting venue, and throughout the city. International calls can be made from NTT grey public telephones and others that are marked as such.

◆ Tipping

Tipping is not practiced in Japan - impeccable service is expected and delivered always.
Some restaurants and hotels include a service charge in the bill that you pay.

◆ Time Zone

All of Japan is in the same time zone, 9 hours ahead of G.M.T. Daylight Saving Time is not practiced in Japan.