General Information
Weather
You can expect fairly hot and humid weather during the conference (C25˚-32˚). The rainy season (tsuyu) officially ends in the middle of July, but come prepared, especially if you plan to walk through the park to the conference venue. Much of the 15 minute walk is shaded by trees, but you will be exposed to the sun part of the way. We will post information when the tsuyu forecast for 2011 is released.
All conference rooms will be air-conditioned, and the interior of the Museum is kept cool.
Language
Osaka is an international city, and foreign tourists are a common sight, so getting around is not difficult. All railway station names are given in kanji (Chinese characters), kana (syllabic Japanese characters), as well as in rōmaji (Latin alphabet). On the trains in the city, as well as on the monorail, and on some bus routes, stations are announced both in Japanese and in English before you reach them. Most Japanese people (especially the younger generation) can understand basic English, and are willing to assist foreigners who need directions. If you have a map in your hand and look confused, you can be pretty sure someone will ask if they can help you. Some of the larger restaurants have an English menu (ask if they don’t give you one), and even the smaller ones have pictures of the dishes they serve, that you can point to.
Practical Japanese Expressions
Now being prepared!
Useful Links
GoodLuck Trip
http://www.goodlucktrip.jp/new_english.html
Series on Osaka, Kyoto and Kobe
http://www.goodlucktrip.jp/ebook/GoodLuckOsaka_20101210/#1
Featuring Expo Park'70
http://www.goodlucktrip.jp/ebook/GoodLuckOsaka_20101210/#16