35th International Symposium on Pediatric Surgical Research

1. About a VISA
2. A vaccination certificate or a negative COVID-19 test
3. Download the apps for health monitoring

1. About a VISA

Currently, the visa exemption measures for ordinary passport holders of 68 countries/regions are temporarily suspended, as border measures against novel coronavirus (COVID-19).
Meanwhile, the abovementioned visa exemption measures will be resumed from 0:00 am (JST) on October 11, 2022.
Please see more detailed information on the following website.
https://www.mofa.go.jp/j_info/visit/visa/short/novisa.html

Please check the detailed information above.
If you are not from a VISA exempted country/region or plan to enter Japan before October 10, please contact the Congress Secretariat for assistance in preparing the necessary documents for your VISA application.

2. A vaccination certificate or a negative COVID-19 test

Every passenger entering Japan must submit a completed questionnaire, and a vaccination certificate or a negative COVID-19 test result. One's quarantine depends on the classification of the country or region of stay prior to one's arrival in Japan as well as one's vaccination status. The Japanese goverment can only approve vaccination certificates that indicate the use of vaccines which are approved in Japan. Those who are required to isolate must submit a written pledge to complete follow-up health checks.
Please see more detailed information on the following website.
https://www.mhlw.go.jp/stf/covid-19/bordercontrol.html
https://www.mofa.go.jp/ca/fna/page4e_001053.html

3. Download the Apps for health monitoring

The visitor to Japan needs to download two apps before the flight. Please download them using following QR codes.

MySOS

This is a similar app to VeriFLY. You can pre-register your certificate of vaccination and negative result of COVID test. You may use this to report your health condition every day during your stay (It’s very simple, you just need to tap “I’m OK” button and report where you are).
https://mysosp.page.link/sfY2kRrviv4t4eFy7

COCOA

This is a contact tracing app in Japan. You have to do nothing but downloading it, but they will check at the airport that you have it in your phone.
http://onelink.to/pqh97x

Climate

The average temperature in October in Osaka is 23℃. October is one of the most pleasant months to stay in Japan as the weather is warm and sunny, but is not hot and humid anymore.

Electricity

Electric voltage is uniformly 100 volts, AC, throughout Japan, but with two different cycles: 50 in eastern Japan including Tokyo, and 60 in western Japan including 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.

Japanese Traffic

There are usually heavy traffic jams in the downtown area of Osaka. Bus is convenient but mostly late. Railways are preferred.
https://osaka-info.jp/en/information/useful-access/

Currency

Only Japanese yen (JPY) is acceptable at regular stores and restaurants. There are 3 different denomination bills:
10000, 5000 and 1000, and 6 different denomination coins: 500, 100, 50, 10, 5 and 1.Certain foreign currencies may be accepted at a limited number of hotels, restaurants and souvenir shops. You can buy yen at foreign exchange banks and other authorized money exchangers on presentation of your passport.

Credit Cards

All major credit cards, such as American Express, Visa, Mastercard and Diners Club, are accepted at all major hotels, restaurants and tourist facilities. They may not be accepted at small shops.

Tipping

Tipping is not customary in Japan, therefore, you don’ t have to do so. At hotels and major restaurants a 10-15 % service charge will be added.

Time

Japan Standard Time is 9 hours ahead of Greenwich Mean Time (GMT +9).

COVID-19

Although the pandemic of COVID-19 tends to currently decrease in the world including Japan, some regulations are still required for entry to Japan. The information will be updated at the website of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan.

For more information about travel and culture please visit the site of Japan National Tourism Organization.
http://www.jnto.go.jp/