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Local Information
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Welcome to Tokyo and Kagurazaka! Here is some practical information to help you plan your trip and navigate the area during the conference.
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1. Conference Venue
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+ MEC 2026 will be held at Morito Memorial Hall (森戸記念館) of the Tokyo University of Science, located at 4-2-2 Kagurazaka, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo.
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2. Access to the Venue
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From Stations
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The venue is easily accessible from several train and subway stations:
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+ - Iidabashi Station (Tokyo Metro Tozai Line, Yurakucho Line, Namboku Line, JR Chuo Line) - Approx. 6 min walk
+ - Ushigome-kagurazaka Station (Toei Oedo Line) - Approx. 3 min walk
+ - Kagurazaka Station (Tokyo Metro Tozai Line) - Approx. 2 min walk
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+ We recommend using Google Maps or navigation apps like Japan Transit Planner for the best real-time routes.
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From Airports
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From Narita Airport (NRT):
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+ Route 1: Keisei Skyliner & Subway
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+ - Take the Keisei Skyliner limited express train to Keisei Ueno Station (KS01).
+ - Walk to the adjacent Ueno-okachimachi Station (E09) and take the Toei Oedo Line to Ushigome-Kagurazaka Station (E05).
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+ Route 2: Narita Express (N'EX) & Subway
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+ - Take the Narita Express (N'EX) to Tokyo Station.
+ - Walk to the adjacent Otemachi Station (T09) and take the Tokyo Metro Tozai Line to Iidabashi Station (T06).
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From Haneda Airport (HND):
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+ Route 1: Keikyu Line & Subway
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+ - Take the Keikyu Airport Line to Sengakuji Station (A07).
+ - Transfer to the Toei Asakusa Line to Nihombashi Station (A13).
+ - Transfer to the Tokyo Metro Tozai Line to Kagurazaka or Iidabashi Station (T06).
+ - (Some Keikyu Airport Line trains go directly to Nihombashi Station.)
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+ Route 2: Tokyo Monorail & JR/Subway
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+ - Take the Tokyo Monorail to Hamamatsucho Station (MO 01).
+ - Transfer to the JR Yamanote Line to Yurakucho Station (JY30).
+ - Transfer to the Tokyo Metro Yurakucho Line to Iidabashi Station (Y13).
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3. Getting Around Tokyo
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IC Cards (Suica / PASMO)
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For public transport (subways, JR trains, buses) in Tokyo, we strongly recommend using a rechargeable IC card.
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+ Mobile IC Card (For iPhone Users): For users of iPhone, setting up a Welcome Suica Mobile is the most convenient method. You can recharge it instantly using the credit cards registered in your Apple Wallet. It expires 180 days after issue.
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+ Physical Card (Recommended Alternative): If you do not have a compatible iPhone or prefer a physical card, we recommend purchasing a Welcome Suica. This is special IC cards for tourists (no deposit required, valid for 28 days) available at vending machines or counters at Narita and Haneda airports. Please note that this physical cards can usually only be recharged with cash at ticket machines.
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+ If you want a card with no expiration date, you can choose to purchase a standard Suica or Pasmo card. Standard Suica cards can be purchased and recharged at station ticket machines. While a ¥500 deposit is required, there is no need to worry about the card expiring, and you can use it again on future visits to Japan.
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4. Arrivals from Abroad
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Visit Japan Web (Highly Recommended)
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To expedite your entry into Japan, the Japanese government strongly recommends all travelers use the "Visit Japan Web" service. You can pre-register your information for immigration and customs declarations. Upon completion, you will receive QR codes. Simply present these QR codes at the respective counters at the airport. This will significantly speed up your arrival process.
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+ Visit the official website to register
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Visa Requirements
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Japan has reciprocal visa exemption arrangements with 74 countries(List is here) and regions for short-term stays . Please check the official website of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan (MOFA) for more details about VISA application.
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5. Accommodation
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6. Useful Local Tips
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Climate
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The average high temperature in Tokyo in May is 23°C (73℉), and the average low temperature is 19°C (66℉). While daytime temperatures are warm and comfortable, mornings and evenings may cool down to around 15°C, so it's a good idea to bring layers.
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Money & Payment
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+ - Currency: Japanese Yen (JPY, ¥).
+ - Credit Cards: Widely accepted in hotels, department stores, and most restaurants.
+ - Cash (Important): Many smaller local shops, temples, and most train ticket machines only accept cash.
+ - ATMs: You can withdraw Japanese Yen using your international card at 24-hour ATMs found in 7-Eleven, FamilyMart, or Lawson convenience stores, as well as at Japan Post Bank locations.
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Electricity & Connectivity
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+ - Voltage: 100 V
+ - Plug Type: Type A (two flat, parallel prongs).
+ - Wi-Fi: Edurom Wi-Fi is available in the conference venue. There are several cafes around the venue offering free Wi-Fi, including Starbucks, Coffee Kan, Ueshima Coffee, and Tsubakiya Coffee. Public Wi-Fi spots are available at major locations throughout the city, but connection quality is unreliable. We recommend renting a pocket Wi-Fi device or purchasing a tourist SIM card.
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Dining (Lunch & Dietary Restrictions)
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TBA
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For any questions regarding local arrangements, please contact the organizing committee.
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Email: conference2026@music-encoding.org
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