URSI GASS 2023

VISA & Useful Information

VISA & COVID-19 Travel information

Participants for certain countries are required to obtain visas to enter Japan. Obtaining requisite visas from the Japanese Embassy or the Consulate office located in your country is required prior to arrival in Japan.

The visa waiver measures for ordinary passport holders of 68 countries/regions resumed on October 11th 2022. Please refer to JNTO website and MOFA website for more details.

Letter of Invitation

If you need a Letter of Invitation to participate in URSI GASS 2023, please read the following information carefully and contact us.

How to apply for a Letter of Invitation

To issue the Letter, we need the following information:

  • Your passport number
  • Your name as displayed on your passport
  • Your nationality
  • Purpose of your visit to Japan
  • Your abstract ID number (in case you have a paper)
  • Authors (in case you have a paper)
  • Title of paper (in case you have a paper)
  • Your email address
  • Other related information (in case of need)

Please send this information by email to the URSI GASS 2023 Secretariat at gass2023_invitationletter-grp@g.chuo-u.ac.jp

When you will receive the Letter

We will send you the Letter by email after you have registered and the payment of your Registration Fee has been received.
The Letter will contain the above information you have provided and certify that you have registered and paid to attend the conference.
The Letter will not guarantee to support your travel expenses nor the costs of attending the conference.

Language

Japan’s official language is Japanese, but English is understood in major cities.

Time Zone

Upon your arrival, please set your clock to Japanese time.
To adjust your clock, please see the information here.

Weather

Generally, the weather at August is pleasant and dry. The average temperature in Sapporo during the conference period is likely to be 22℃(72℉)(Low 18℃(64℉) / High 26℃(79℉)), but the humidity is low and the temperature is cool during the morning and evening.

Currency

Only Japanese yen (JPY) is accepted at regular stores and restaurants.
Certain foreign currencies may be accepted at a limited number of hotels, restaurants and souvenir shops.

ATM Information

Foreign currency can usually be exchanged at exchange counters, banks, and some hotels, and local convenience stores, such as FamilyMart, 7-ELEVEN, and Lawson.
Exchange rates fluctuate daily in accordance with financial market trends. Currency that can be exchanged depends on the exchange counter.

Tipping

In general, tips are not necessary, even at hotels and restaurants in Japan.

Electricity

The electrical power supply in Japan is uniformly 100 volts, AC, throughout Japan, but with two different cycles: 50 in eastern Japan including Sapporo. Leading hotels in major cities have two outlets of 100 and 220 volts but their sockets usually accept a two-leg plug only.