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Fukuoka has the geometrical advantage of being closer to the Asian Continent than other places in Japan.
With this advantage, Fukuoka has been serving as a gateway to import Asian culture from ancient times.
The ancient Chinese scroll known as 'Record of the Later Han Dynasty' records how, in AD 57, the Emperor Gwang Wu gave a golden seal to an envoy from Japan. The golden seal (see Photo) found in Shikanoshima Island is a proof that there was exchange of continental cultures in the 1st century. During the 7th century till the 11th century, Korokan (an ancient guest-house) was the hub of cultural exchange.
Later, in the 16th century, wealthy merchants from Hakata went overseas, seeking for profitable business.
In 1889, the 22nd year of the Meiji Era, the City Administration Organization gave birth to Fukuoka City. In 1989, the Asian-Pacific Expo was held to celebrate the First Centennial of the Fukuoka City Administration at Momochi district, where modern facilities such as Fukuoka Tower and Fukuoka City Museum have been built one after another. Fukuoka is a city of marvelous historical sites, beautiful natural views with mild climate, colorful Japanese festivals known as "Yamakasa" and "Hakata Dontaku", arts and crafts such as Hakata clay dolls and silk fabric. Fukuoka is the biggest city in Kyushu, with population of over 1.4 million people, occupying a central role in travel, information and entertainment, and is one of Japan's eight largest cities. |
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| The climate in Fukuoka is rather mild with the annual average temperature being around 17 °C. However, September is still a hot month in Fukuoka, and the average temperature in September is 28 °C with humidity 74%. Sometimes the lingering summer heat is so intense that the temperature at daytime can be over 30 °C and 25 °C in the evening. Once or twice in September, typhoon may hit or pass the western part of Japan and may disrupt transportation system for one or two days. Appropriate clothing for daytime is summer wear, long sleeve jacket or shirt for evening and air-conditioned rooms. |
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The unit of currency in Japan is Yen (indicated by ¥ or JPY). The exchange rate seems to be fluctuating especially these days and thus you had better check it just before your departure. Most foreign currencies can be exchanged at most local banks in the downtown area. Big city hotels, like Hotel Nikko Fukuoka, can handle only US dollars and sometimes Korean Won. Traveler's checks cannot be accepted at most shops. Major credit cards are widely accepted, except at small souvenir shops or self-supporting restaurants. Please note that local banks close at 15:00 on weekdays and close on Saturadys and Sundays. Cash dispenser and cashing machines may be open until 18:00 for 7 days. The most convenient and recommended place for money exchange is Fukuoka Airport. There are local bank offices and several cashing machines operated by credit-card companies and Japan Postal Service. These banks provide better rate than hotels. Branch offices of local banks are open for business in the international-flight terminal and also in the basement of the domestic-flight terminal No. 2, where you may exchange major foreign currencies (like US dollar or EURO) into Japanese Yen. Please also note that there are NO cashing and exchange machines near Fukuoka International Congress Center, the venue of the 25th ITTC. The nearest cash dispenser and bank office exist at a distance of 15-20 minute walk from the Congress Center. |
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Visitors entering Japan from foreign countries must carry a valid passport and, in some cases, a visa is required. Participants are advised to contact their Japanese Embassy or local travel agency for details.
If you need our help or necessary documentations, please contact us at ittc-2008@riam.kyushu-u.ac.jp to Ms. Mizuho Mizutani, Main Administration Supporter.
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General Information for the 25th ITTC is also prepared in Microsoft WORD file.
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