Visa information (as of Sep. 2025)
Visa exempt countries and regions include Taiwan, Korea, United States, Canada, and EU countries. If you do not live in the countries and regions, please see the website of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and apply visa a month before the conference:
http://www.mofa.go.jp/j_info/visit/visa/index.html
Indonesia
Visa Waiver is now available. E-passport registration is required.
http://www.mofa.go.jp/press/release/press4e_000498.html
From China & India
We ask you to come to Japan using a tourist visa, which is the easiest way to get a visa. It does not require an invitation letter. You just need to show that you have enough money for your round trip.
If you have special reasons for not getting that visa, please let us know by Oct 25. Since we are not an official organization in Japan, the organizer needs to individually invite you. Thus, there is some risks that your request of a business visa might be rejected. We recommend the non-commercial tourist visa. If you need an invitation letter for a visa, please send us the following information:
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The title of your talk
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The place of the embassy where you will submit
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Full name (in Latin alphabet)
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Sex (Male/Female)
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Date of birth (Year/Month/Day), Age
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Nationality
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Occupation
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Filled Itinerary in Japan (p. 7)
Asking for a GNOME.Asia Summit Invitation Letter
Please register and indicate on your form that you need a visa letter. You can also contact us at asia@gnome.org to request a letter.
Asking for Accommodation Documents
You should ask your host/hotel/residence to send you a confirmation of your reservation.
Mobile Data Communication
These days, you can get a SIM card quickly at the airport, convenience stores or electric item stores. eSIM is also available.
Traveling insurance
Medical expenses in Japan are quite expensive without insurance. We strongly recommend signing a travel insurance contract before leaving your country or region.
Electric outlet and plug
Outlets used in Japan are compatible with Type-A and supply 100 V.
Climate in December
The temperature in December is 6–12 degrees Celsius. It might drop below freezing at night. If you come from a tropical area, please be careful.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tokyo#Climate
Exchange
You need cash at many places (e.g., shops and restaurants) in Japan. You can withdraw cash at convenience stores (7-Eleven, Familymart, and Lawson) if you have an international card.
Toilet
Japanese toilets are generally divided into urinals, squat toilets (washiki), and Western-style toilets (yoshiki). In newer buildings, like the Asia Summit venue, you'll mostly find Western-style toilets, but older buildings may still have squat toilets. If you're using a Western-style toilet, do not stand on the seat. Sit down when using it.
Please note that in Japan, it is safe to flush toilet paper down the toilet. Do not dispose of it in a waste bin. However, do not flush sanitary napkins, tampons, or other hygiene products down the toilet. Dispose of them in the bins provided.
