DESTINATION:
Kanazawa | Japan A PRACTICAL GUIDE TO THE 2015 JCI WORLD CONGRESS Dear 2015 JCI World Congress Delegates and Honored Guests, Greetings from JCI World Headquarters! It is my great honor to welcome you to Kanazawa, Japan for JCI’s largest, most impactful annual event. This year is particularly exciting as we culminate the 100th Anniversary of the JCI Movement celebrations. JCI members all over the world have spent this year celebrating and sharing JCI’s legacy of impact; we are excited to now join together for this final global celebration. The Congress Organizing Committee and JCI World Headquarters team have been working hard to develop an outstanding program of exciting events, workshops and forums for this year’s JCI World Congress. You will have opportunities to develop your skills as an active citizen, connect with members and partners from all over the world, learn new ways to create impact and celebrate all that we have accomplished in 2015 and even the last century. I encourage you to make the most of your time at the JCI World Congress. This is an unforgettable opportunity, so I hope you will come to each event with your passion for creating positive change and the creativity necessary to accomplish our long-term goals. Kanazawa is a beautiful city with a rich arts and crafts culture, delicious food and unique sights. I am sure you will feel warmly welcomed during your stay in Japan. We hope that this guide will help you in preparing well for your upcoming trip, and we are excited for all of the new experiences that await you in Kanazawa. Please do not hesitate to ask any questions you may have; we at JCI World Headquarters are happy to help. Thank you and I look forward to seeing you soon in Kanazawa!
Arrey Obenson JCI Secretary General
World Congress Information Accommodations
Explore Kanazawa
Headquarters Hotel
Kenrokuen Garden
Kanazawa, Ishikawa 920 – 8518
One of the Three Great Gardens of Japan, Kenrokuen Garden is a traditional Japanese garden located in central Kanazawa next to Kanazawa Castle. Kenrokuen, which means, “having six factors,” was given the name because of six attributes that enhance the beautiful landscape: spaciousness, tranquility, artifice, antiquity, water sources and a magnificent view from the garden. Plan your trip to enjoy the colorful red and yellow leaves in the autumn season.
ANA Crowne Plaza Kanazawa 16–3 Showamachi
Tel: +81-76-224-6111 Fax: +81-76-224-6100 www.anacrowneplaza-kanazawa.jp
Venues The 2015 JCI World Congress events will take place at the Headquarters Hotel, the ANA Crowne Plaza, as well as the Nikko Hotel, Miyako Hotel, Ishikawa Sports Center, Ishikawa Industrial Exhibition and the Ishikawa Ongakudo Concert Hall.
Kanazawa Castle Kanazawa Castle is a large, well-restored castle located
Registration
adjacent to Kenrokuen Garden. In 1583, Lord Maeda
Delegates are strongly encouraged to register online
Toshiie moved to Kanazawa. For the next 280 years,
before arriving in Kanazawa. Upon arrival, registered
the Maeda family resided in Kanazawa Castle and
delegates should pick up their name badges at the
governed the Kaga Province. Unfortunately, some
ANA Crowne Plaza. The registration desk will be open:
portions have been destroyed due to multiple fires, however many have been reconstructed. The Ishikawamon Gate, which was rebuilt in 1788, and the
• 3 November from 09:00 to 16:00 • 4 – 7 November from 09:00 to 18:00
Sanjikken Nagaya, which was rebuilt in 1858, both still
Only delegates who register will be allowed to participate
remain and are designated as important cultural sites.
in Congress events.
Higashi Chaya District
Admission will be restricted to delegates wearing Congress badges and holding event entry tickets, when necessary.
The Higashi Chaya District is the largest of three well-preserved chaya districts in Kanazawa. A chaya, meaning “teahouse,” is an exclusive type of restaurant where guests are entertained by performing geisha; this tradition has been around since the Edo period (1603 – 1867). Visit this district to discover Japanese history, culture and architecture, while also exploring a variety of restaurants, teahouses and souvenir shops selling gold leaf products.
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DESTINATION: KANAZAWA | JAPAN
Health Vaccines are not required to enter Japan, however make sure you are up-to-date on routine vaccines before every trip. These vaccines include measles-mumpsrubella (MMR) vaccine, diphtheria-tetanus-pertussis vaccine, varicella (chickenpox) vaccine, polio vaccine and your yearly flu shot.
Travel Visa
Traveling to Kanazawa
Japan requires individuals from some nations to obtain
From Komatsu Airport
visas before entering the country. Visit jciwc2015.com to determine whether or not you need to apply for a visa before departing for Kanazawa.
If traveling from the Komatsu Airport (RJNK) after arrival, delegates can take a shuttle bus to Kanazawa Station from the airport. The shuttle bus, which boards at bus
Apply early to ensure that your visa request is processed
stops #1 and #2, departs 10 –15 minutes after
in time for your travel, as this can sometimes take weeks
domestic arrivals.
or even months for approval.
From Narita International Airport
Visas cannot be obtained upon arrival in Japan. Even if
If traveling from the Narita International Airport (NRT),
a visa is not required for travel, make sure to bring your
the recommended method of transportation is to take
passport and that it is valid for at least 90 days following
the Narita Express Train to Tokyo Station and transfer
your departure date.
to the Hokuriku Shinkansen of the East Japan Railway
Customs officials may also request a hotel reservation,
Company for your travel to Kanazawa.
return airfare ticket or proof of adequate financial
From Kanazawa Station
resources that will cover your expenses during your stay
The Headquarters Hotel is only a 1– 2 minute walk from
in Japan.
Kanazawa Station; so as soon as you exit you will be in the heart of the action of the JCI World Congress.
Congress Events Attire National dress, dark business suits or tuxedos, cocktail or evening dresses are appropriate for: • JCI Opening Ceremony • JCI Awards Ceremony featuring the 2015 JCI Ten Outstanding Young Persons of the World (JCI TOYP) Honorees • JCI Presidential Inauguration and Gala
Transportation By Bus There are a number of bus routes in Kanazawa. Buses leave Kanazawa Station every few minutes. By Car If you want to rent a car, we recommend making advance reservations through the Internet. When renting a car in Japan, you must show your valid international
Business suits or national dress are appropriate for: • General Assemblies Business casual dress is appropriate for: • JCI Official Courses, JCI Skills Development courses, forums and workshops • JCI Programs
driver’s license. By Taxi Taxis are always available by the East Gate of Kanazawa Station as well as other main areas nearby. The meter starts at approximately ¥700 and the average fare for trips within the city is around ¥1000.
Casual dress (unless otherwise indicated) is appropriate for: • National parties • Global Village
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About Kanazawa, Japan Located in the central portion of mainland Japan, Kanazawa is the capital of Ishikawa Prefecture and is well known for its well-preserved Edo Period districts,
Explore Kanazawa Continued
art museums and regional handicrafts. The southeast area of the city faces the mountains and the northeast faces the Sea of Japan. Kanazawa has a population of approximately 465,000 and is the Hokuriku area’s center of economy and culture as well as a leading tourist
Yuwaku Hot Spring
destination with nearly 8 million tourist visits per year.
The Yuwaku hot spring, once used as a secret hot spring
Language
by Kaga Province’s feudal rulers, is a mountainous resort located southeast of Kanazawa. The area is surrounded
The national language of Japan is Japanese. Most
by beautiful seasonal scenery and only takes 30
Japanese citizens under the age of 40 have studied
minutes by car from Kanazawa Station. There are nine
English, however class instruction tends to focus on
comparatively small hot spring inns in the area where
formal grammar and writing rather than on practicing
people can enjoy a one-day bathing experience in the
conversation. Outside of tourist attractions it is rare to
public bathhouse named Shirasaginoyu.
find individuals who are conversant in English.
Nagamachi Samurai District
Time Zone GMT +09:00 hours
Nagamachi samurai district, located at the entrance of the former Kanazawa Castle, is where samurai and their families used to reside. The area has well-preserved residences, earthen walls, private entrance gates, narrow lanes and water canals. One of the main attractions in this district is Nomura-ke, a restored samurai residence displaying the lifestyle and artifacts from this era when samurai were prosperous before Japan’s feudal era came to an end.
Omi-cho Market
Weather The weather in Japan is generally temperate with four distinct seasons. Autumn is from September to November and is characterized by light breezes and cooler temperatures. In November, the temperature will typically range between 8 –10ºC or 46 – 50ºF.
Electricity In Japan, the standard voltage is 100 volts and the
Omi-cho Market, established in the middle of the 18th
standard frequency is 50/60 Hz. The power sockets that
century, has been Kanazawa’s largest fresh food market
are used are Type A and Type B using two, non-polarized
and display of Japanese gastronomic culture since the
pins. Delegates planning to bring electronic devices
Edo Period. Today, it is a busy and colorful network of
should invest in adaptors to ensure compatibility with
covered streets lined by nearly 200 shops and stalls
local power supply.
specializing in local seafood and produce. You can also find flowers, clothing and other cultural Japanese items
For more information, please visit: www.iec.ch/worldplugs
for sale here.
Plug Type A
Plug Type B
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DESTINATION: KANAZAWA | JAPAN
Currency
Internet Access
The Japanese Yen (¥) is the currency of Japan. Major
Although Wi-Fi is available throughout Japan, it is
foreign currencies can be converted to yen from either
generally only available to subscribers to a variety of paid
cash or traveler’s checks at banks or post offices.
services, most of which are difficult for overseas travelers
Please note that traveler’s checks are not accepted in
to subscribe to.
restaurants and shops in Japan, therefore it is highly suggested to have some cash with you as you arrive
Therefore, it is better to purchase a prepaid SIM card or
in Japan. For your convenience, there is a currency
rent a mobile Wi-Fi router at the airport upon arrival.
exchange office called Travelex in the Kanazawa Station.
Credit cards Most restaurants and shops accept credit cards.
ATMs Most Automatic Teller Machines (ATMs) in Japan do not accept credit, debit and ATM cards issued outside of Japan.
You can learn more about those options here: www.narita-airport.jp
Tourism Resources With a wide range of activities, entertainment, shopping and historical tourist attractions, there is something special for everyone in Kanazawa. To decide how to schedule your perfect post-Congress plans, visit the following sites for more information: • www.kanazawa-tourism.com
However, credit, debit and ATM cards issued outside
• www.hot-ishikawa.jp
of Japan may be used to make cash withdrawals at ATMs located in branches of Japan Post and 7-Eleven convenience stores. Cards that are typically accepted at Japan Post and 7-Eleven ATMs include Visa, Plus, MasterCard, Maestro, Cirrus, American Express and JCB. These ATMs have English language menus available.
Attire in Kanazawa There is no strict dress code for visiting temples and shrines, but modest skin coverage is recommended. However, remember to remove your shoes when entering temples; there are usually slippers by the entrance for you to change into. Casual clothes including jeans are fine for sightseeing.
Gratuity Tipping is not part of Japanese culture and tips are never expected for services rendered.
Cultural Notes Correct and proper manners are very important in Japanese culture. It is always best to generally behave in a polite
Telephone
and respectful manner toward those whom you meet; this should ensure you avoid any cultural faux pas.
Japanese telephone numbers consist of an area code plus the number. It is unnecessary to dial the area code
Photography is usually permitted on temple grounds, but is
when making a call within any given area code. When
forbidden in some temples, so please keep an eye out for
dialing Japan from another country, dial the country
appropriate signs.
code 81, followed by the area code (drop the ‘0’) and the number. The most common toll-free prefixes are 0120, 0070, 0077, 0088 and 0800. You may obtain directory assistance by dialing 104, but there will be a charge for the service. You can learn more about Japanese telephone numbers here: www.narita-airport.jp
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Congress Key Events Tuesday 3 November
Explore Kanazawa Continued
First Timers Orientation Will 2015 mark your first trip to a JCI World Congress? Learn more about how to get the most out of your JCI event experience by attending this detailed event overview. The First Timers Orientation will be the first
21 Century Museum of Contemporary Art st
Built in 2004, the 21st Century Museum of Contemporary
official event of the entire World Congress, taking place before Opening Ceremony. Schedule your travel plans accordingly so you don’t miss out.
Art is unique and distinguished from other museums and
Opening Ceremony
buildings in Kanazawa. The museum is round in shape
Kicking off the 2015 JCI World Congress, Chief Delegates
with walls of glass and does not have a facade or main
and JCI National Presidents will come together at the
entrance; it was designed without a front or back to
Opening Ceremony to greet delegates, represent their
discourage its visitors from approaching the museum,
countries and model their traditional dress. Come cheer
and consequently its art, from only one direction. It
for your National Organization, enjoy live entertainment
exhibits work from acclaimed contemporary artists from
and connect with JCI’s vibrant community of young active
Japan and around the world and also includes areas
citizens. Start your World Congress by experiencing this
where visitors can enter for free.
celebration uniting all JCI delegates from around the world.
Oyama Shrine Originally constructed in 1599 on Mount Utatsu, Oyama Shrine was later moved to its present location in 1873. It was constructed to honor Maeda Toshiie, the first lord of the powerful Maeda Clan. Oyama Shrine is most known for its unusual gate, designed by a Dutch architect, using elements of European and Asian religious elements. The gate, which originally guarded the entrance to the Kanazawa Castle, has since moved to the Oyama Shrine, which also features a statue of Lord Toshiie and a garden with ponds and bridges.
Wednesday 4 November 2016 JCI Vice President Candidates Presentation and Caucus Eager to represent their fellow members at the international level, candidates for 2016 JCI Vice President will discuss their ideas on how to create even greater impact in every JCI Local and National Organization. Come and learn more about the candidate and how they want to impact the world through JCI before finding out who will represent you next year!
Thursday 5 November 2016 JCI Executive Vice President and President Candidates Presentation and Caucus Watch as the candidates for 2016 JCI Executive Vice President and 2016 JCI President field questions from an expert panel and layout their strategies for how they will lead JCI in the coming year. Learn more about their views on important issues, what motivates them and start thinking about how you can align your activities with their plans before finding out who is elected!
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Meet the JCI Presidents As we celebrate the 100th Anniversary of the JCI
Friday 6 November
the unique opportunity to attend an interactive forum with
Advancing the Global Goals for Sustainable Development
a group of former JCI World Presidents who contributed
Delegates will explore the newly adopted Sustainable
Movement, 2015 JCI World Congress delegates will have
to JCI’s 100-year legacy through leading. In this forum, JCI Presidents delegates will have the chance to sit with, hear from and discuss with individual World Presidents.
Development Goals (SDGs) and interact with one another in order to develop ideas on how young people can take ownership of the goals, participate in raising awareness and implement the goals in their communities across
JCI World Debating Championship In this contest, teams from all corners of the world will face off for the title of JCI World Debating Champions. The groups will test their teamwork, critical thinking and
the globe. We will also be looking at one of the key ways in which JCI will support youth to advance the SDGs, through the launch of the Global Youth Empowerment Fund.
problem solving skills while discussing topics that are relevant to challenges and issues in communities around the world.
Saturday 7 November
JCI World Public Speaking Championship
Collaborating for Impact: JCI TOYP Honorees Workshop
Winners of the 2015 JCI Area Conference Public
Just like all JCI members, the JCI Ten Outstanding Young
Speaking Championships will showcase their skills to
Persons of the World (JCI TOYP) honorees take action
determine who goes home with the title of JCI World
in their communities, creating sustainable solutions for a
Public Speaking Champion. Cheer on your Area’s
better world. In this workshop, Congress delegates have
representative and hear their thoughts on a topic that
the opportunity to meet, collaborate and share ideas with
matters to young active citizens. The topic of this year’s
these ten inspirational individuals. To solve the greatest
competition is “Young People are the Key Element in
challenges of our time, collaboration amongst young
Creating Sustainable Change in their Communities.”
active citizens is key.
JCI Twinning Ceremony The JCI Twinning Program is an opportunity for JCI
JCI Awards Ceremony featuring the 2015 JCI TOYP Honorees
organizations to exchange ideas with other members
With nearly 200,000 JCI members taking action to create
from a different part of the world. JCI World Congress is
sustainable impact around the world, the celebratory
often the place where Twinning partnerships begin. After
JCI Awards Ceremony showcases the best JCI projects,
finding an organization that shares your international
members and leaders. As exciting segments of the
goals, collaborate with their members and expand your
ceremony this year, the 2015 JCI TOYP honorees’
global impact. Don’t miss the Twinning Ceremony to see
stories of impact will be showcased as they accept their
JCI National Organizations formalize their partnership.
prestigious awards. Support your JCI National and Local Organization, along with the ten JCI TOYP honorees and
Sharing the Secrets of Impact: How to Effectively Monitor, Evaluate and Report
leave feeling inspired.
This session will focus on how young active citizens can use the JCI Active Citizen Framework to measure the positive change created from their local projects and how to share that story of impact with their community to create more opportunities for motivation, collaboration and impact. Using critical thinking exercises, JCI project testimonials and group discussions, participants of the session will leave with the understanding of how they can expand the impact of their Local Organization and the actions they take!
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Sunday 8 November JCI Presidential Inauguration and Gala Concluding this grand event, delegates will come together in honor of a successful Congress. Earlier in the week, the 2016 JCI President and Board of Directors will
Contact Information Congress Organizing Committee
have been elected and on this night the President Elect
The World Congress Organizing Committee Director
will be inaugurated and receive his or her presidential
Norihide Bob Suzuki can be reached at: jciwc2015.com
chain. Also, join in on the largest 100th Anniversary celebration of the year. Mingle with fellow members while enjoying local cuisine and celebrating the legacy of the JCI Movement.
World Headquarters Team JCI World Headquarters can be reached via the following: Tel: +1-636-449-3100 Email: info@jci.cc
Emergency In the case of an emergency such as fire, rescue and ambulance services in Kanazawa, please dial 119. If you require police assistance, please dial 110. For more information on use of these emergency services, visit: japaninfoswap.com