Attending the congress

Banks in Japan typically operate from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., Monday to Friday, and are closed on weekends and public holidays.

Government offices generally operate from 8:30 a.m. to 5:15 p.m.

Private businesses are usually open from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., while shops, including those in shopping districts, typically open around 10 a.m. and close around 8 p.m. However, operating hours can vary by store and location, and some may be closed on certain days, so it’s advisable to check specific details in advance.

The official currency in Japan is the Japanese Yen (JPY).

Upon arrival, you can exchange foreign currencies for Japanese Yen in the Airport at the Money Exchange Counter. It’s advisable to carry some cash, as some places may not accept credit cards.

ATMs that accept international cards are widely available in Yokohama, operating 24-hours a day. However, availability may vary by location, so it’s advisable to check beforehand.

Banks in Japan typically operate from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., Monday to Friday, and are closed on weekends and public holidays.

For Japan there are two associated plug types, A and B. Plug type A is the plug which has two flat parallel pins and plug type B is the plug which has two flat parallel pins and a grounding pin. Outlets with two flat pins (Type A) are more commonly found. Japan operates on 100V supply voltage and 50/60Hz.

Police: 110
Fire department/Ambulance (medical emergencies): 119
Maritime emergency (coastal incidents):118

Japan visitor hotline (operated by the Japan National Tourism Organization):

• Within Japan: 050-3816-2787
• From overseas: +81-50-3816-2787

Available 24/7, support in English, Chinese, Korean, and Japanese.

The official language in Japan is Japanese.

While English is generally understood at hotels and major tourist attractions, it may not be widely spoken by staff at department stores or local restaurants. However, signs, menus, and public transportation guides in Yokohama are often available in English, and some facilities have staff who can assist in English.

Yokohama, like the rest of Japan, operates in the Japan Standard Time (JST) zone, which is GMT+9:00.

Expect the daytime high temperatures in Yokohama to be around 14°C (57°F) and nighttime lows near 7°C (45°F) in March. On average, the city receives about 8 hours of sunshine per day during this period.

At the end of March, temperatures in Yokohama range between 7°C and 14°C. During the day it can be sunny, but mornings and evenings can still be quite chilly. A medium-weight jacket or coat is recommended. While rainfall is minimal, occasional warmer days can push temperatures above 20°C, so it’s a good idea to pack some lighter clothes as well for comfort.

In Yokohama, a variety of tax-free shops can be found across the city. Mitsui Outlet Park Yokohama Bayside and Yokohama Motomachi Shopping Street are the main locations, which feature numerous tax-free shops offering a wide range of products. You may also find several shops in the Minato Mirai area, including MARK IS, Landmark Plaza, Queen’s Square, and Colette Mare, that offer tax-free shopping as well.

Traditional duty-free shops are located within international airports.

Just steps away from PACIFICO Yokohama, you’ll find plenty to explore on foot:

Enjoy a pleasant walk through the scenic Minato Mirai area, one of Yokohama’s most iconic waterfront districts. Stroll along the Kishamichi Promenade—a former railway track turned into a charming pedestrian path over the water—and take in views of the historic Nippon Maru sailing ship, docked beside the Yokohama Port Museum. From there, you can head toward the Red Brick Warehouse, a popular cultural and shopping complex housed in beautifully preserved historic buildings. Continue your walk to Elephant’s Nose Park (Zou-no-Hana Park), a relaxing open space along the waterfront offering views of the bay and art installations. All of these spots are free to visit and perfect for enjoying Yokohama’s atmosphere at a leisurely pace.

In Japan, it’s not common to tip for services provided in bars, cafes, restaurants, taxis, and hotels. There are certain situations where tipping might be considered appropriate such as private guide or driver. However, tipping is not expected and should be done discreetly, even in these cases. The tip should be put in an envelope. It is possible to purchase small cash envelopes at convenience and stationery stores.

Mosquito repellent can be used; however, March is not the season for mosquitoes.

Most public toilets in Japan are free of charge, located in stations or department stores.