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

Kanazawa | Japan DESTINATION:

A PRACTICAL GUIDE TO THE 2015 JCI WORLD CONGRESS

World Congress Information

AccommodationsHeadquarters Hotel

ANA Crowne Plaza Kanazawa16–3 Showamachi

Kanazawa, Ishikawa 920–8518

Tel: +81-76-224-6111

Fax: +81-76-224-6100

www.anacrowneplaza-kanazawa.jp

VenuesThe 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.

RegistrationDelegates are strongly encouraged to register online

before arriving in Kanazawa. Upon arrival, registered

delegates should pick up their name badges at the

ANA Crowne Plaza. The registration desk will be open:

• 3 November from 09:00 to 16:00

• 4 –7 November from 09:00 to 18:00

Only delegates who register will be allowed to participate

in Congress events.

Admission will be restricted to delegates wearing

Congress badges and holding event entry tickets,

when necessary.

HealthVaccines 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.

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Explore Kanazawa

Kenrokuen GardenOne 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.

Kanazawa Castle Kanazawa Castle is a large, well-restored castle located

adjacent to Kenrokuen Garden. In 1583, Lord Maeda

Toshiie moved to Kanazawa. For the next 280 years,

the Maeda family resided in Kanazawa Castle and

governed the Kaga Province. Unfortunately, some

portions have been destroyed due to multiple

fires, however many have been reconstructed. The

Ishikawamon Gate, which was rebuilt in 1788, and the

Sanjikken Nagaya, which was rebuilt in 1858, both still

remain and are designated as important cultural sites.

Higashi Chaya District 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.

DESTINATION: KANAZAWA | JAPAN

Travel VisaJapan requires individuals from some nations to obtain

visas before entering the country. Visit jciwc2015.com

to determine whether or not you need to apply for a visa

before departing for Kanazawa.

Apply early to ensure that your visa request is processed

in time for your travel, as this can sometimes take weeks

or even months for approval.

Visas cannot be obtained upon arrival in Japan. Even if

a visa is not required for travel, make sure to bring your

passport and that it is valid for at least 90 days following

your departure date.

Customs officials may also request a hotel reservation,

return airfare ticket or proof of adequate financial

resources that will cover your expenses during your stay

in Japan.

Congress Events AttireNational 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

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

Casual dress (unless otherwise indicated)

is appropriate for:

• National parties

• Global Village

Traveling to KanazawaFrom Komatsu Airport

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

stops #1 and #2, departs 10–15 minutes after

domestic arrivals.

From Narita International Airport

If traveling from the Narita International Airport (NRT),

the recommended method of transportation is to take

the Narita Express Train to Tokyo Station and transfer

to the Hokuriku Shinkansen of the East Japan Railway

Company for your travel to Kanazawa.

From Kanazawa Station

The Headquarters Hotel is only a 1–2 minute walk from

Kanazawa Station; so as soon as you exit you will be in

the heart of the action of the JCI World Congress.

TransportationBy 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

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.

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About Kanazawa, JapanLocated 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,

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

destination with nearly 8 million tourist visits per year.

LanguageThe national language of Japan is Japanese. Most

Japanese citizens under the age of 40 have studied

English, however class instruction tends to focus on

formal grammar and writing rather than on practicing

conversation. Outside of tourist attractions it is rare to

find individuals who are conversant in English.

Time ZoneGMT +09:00 hours

WeatherThe 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.

ElectricityIn Japan, the standard voltage is 100 volts and the

standard frequency is 50/60 Hz. The power sockets that

are used are Type A and Type B using two, non-polarized

pins. Delegates planning to bring electronic devices

should invest in adaptors to ensure compatibility with

local power supply.

For more information, please visit: www.iec.ch/worldplugs

Explore Kanazawa Continued

Yuwaku Hot SpringThe Yuwaku hot spring, once used as a secret hot spring

by Kaga Province’s feudal rulers, is a mountainous resort

located southeast of Kanazawa. The area is surrounded

by beautiful seasonal scenery and only takes 30

minutes by car from Kanazawa Station. There are nine

comparatively small hot spring inns in the area where

people can enjoy a one-day bathing experience in the

public bathhouse named Shirasaginoyu.

Nagamachi Samurai DistrictNagamachi 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 Omi-cho Market, established in the middle of the 18th

century, has been Kanazawa’s largest fresh food market

and display of Japanese gastronomic culture since the

Edo Period. Today, it is a busy and colorful network of

covered streets lined by nearly 200 shops and stalls

specializing in local seafood and produce. You can also

find flowers, clothing and other cultural Japanese items

for sale here.

4 DESTINATION: KANAZAWA | JAPAN

Plug Type A

Plug Type B

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CurrencyThe Japanese Yen (¥) is the currency of Japan. Major

foreign currencies can be converted to yen from either

cash or traveler’s checks at banks or post offices.

Please note that traveler’s checks are not accepted in

restaurants and shops in Japan, therefore it is highly

suggested to have some cash with you as you arrive

in Japan. For your convenience, there is a currency

exchange office called Travelex in the Kanazawa Station.

Credit cardsMost restaurants and shops accept credit cards.

ATMsMost Automatic Teller Machines (ATMs) in Japan

do not accept credit, debit and ATM cards issued

outside of Japan.

However, credit, debit and ATM cards issued outside

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.

GratuityTipping is not part of Japanese culture and tips are never

expected for services rendered.

Telephone Japanese telephone numbers consist of an area code

plus the number. It is unnecessary to dial the area code

when making a call within any given area code. When

dialing Japan from another country, dial the country

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

Internet AccessAlthough Wi-Fi is available throughout Japan, it is

generally only available to subscribers to a variety of paid

services, most of which are difficult for overseas travelers

to subscribe to.

Therefore, it is better to purchase a prepaid SIM card or

rent a mobile Wi-Fi router at the airport upon arrival.

You can learn more about those options here:

www.narita-airport.jp

Tourism ResourcesWith 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

• www.hot-ishikawa.jp

Attire in KanazawaThere 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.

Cultural NotesCorrect and proper manners are very important in Japanese

culture. It is always best to generally behave in a polite

and respectful manner toward those whom you meet;

this should ensure you avoid any cultural faux pas.

Photography is usually permitted on temple grounds, but is

forbidden in some temples, so please keep an eye out for

appropriate signs.

Congress Key Events

Tuesday 3 NovemberFirst 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

official event of the entire World Congress, taking place

before Opening Ceremony. Schedule your travel plans

accordingly so you don’t miss out.

Opening Ceremony

Kicking off the 2015 JCI World Congress, Chief Delegates

and JCI National Presidents will come together at the

Opening Ceremony to greet delegates, represent their

countries and model their traditional dress. Come cheer

for your National Organization, enjoy live entertainment

and connect with JCI’s vibrant community of young active

citizens. Start your World Congress by experiencing this

celebration uniting all JCI delegates from around the

world.

Wednesday 4 November2016 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 November2016 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!

Explore Kanazawa Continued

21st Century Museum of Contemporary Art Built in 2004, the 21st Century Museum of Contemporary

Art is unique and distinguished from other museums and

buildings in Kanazawa. The museum is round in shape

with walls of glass and does not have a facade or main

entrance; it was designed without a front or back to

discourage its visitors from approaching the museum,

and consequently its art, from only one direction. It

exhibits work from acclaimed contemporary artists from

Japan and around the world and also includes areas

where visitors can enter for free.

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.

6 DESTINATION: KANAZAWA | JAPAN

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Meet the JCI Presidents

As we celebrate the 100th Anniversary of the JCI

Movement, 2015 JCI World Congress delegates will have

the unique opportunity to attend an interactive forum with

a group of former JCI World Presidents who contributed

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.

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

problem solving skills while discussing topics that are

relevant to challenges and issues in communities around

the world.

JCI World Public Speaking Championship

Winners of the 2015 JCI Area Conference Public

Speaking Championships will showcase their skills to

determine who goes home with the title of JCI World

Public Speaking Champion. Cheer on your Area’s

representative and hear their thoughts on a topic that

matters to young active citizens. The topic of this year’s

competition is “Young People are the Key Element in

Creating Sustainable Change in their Communities.”

JCI Twinning Ceremony

The JCI Twinning Program is an opportunity for JCI

organizations to exchange ideas with other members

from a different part of the world. JCI World Congress is

often the place where Twinning partnerships begin. After

finding an organization that shares your international

goals, collaborate with their members and expand your

global impact. Don’t miss the Twinning Ceremony to see

JCI National Organizations formalize their partnership.

Sharing the Secrets of Impact: How to Effectively Monitor, Evaluate and Report

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!

Friday 6 NovemberAdvancing the Global Goals for Sustainable Development

Delegates will explore the newly adopted Sustainable

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

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.

Saturday 7 NovemberCollaborating for Impact: JCI TOYP Honorees Workshop

Just like all JCI members, the JCI Ten Outstanding Young

Persons of the World (JCI TOYP) honorees take action

in their communities, creating sustainable solutions for a

better world. In this workshop, Congress delegates have

the opportunity to meet, collaborate and share ideas with

these ten inspirational individuals. To solve the greatest

challenges of our time, collaboration amongst young

active citizens is key.

JCI Awards Ceremony featuring the 2015 JCI TOYP Honorees

With nearly 200,000 JCI members taking action to create

sustainable impact around the world, the celebratory

JCI Awards Ceremony showcases the best JCI projects,

members and leaders. As exciting segments of the

ceremony this year, the 2015 JCI TOYP honorees’

stories of impact will be showcased as they accept their

prestigious awards. Support your JCI National and Local

Organization, along with the ten JCI TOYP honorees and

leave feeling inspired.

Contact Information

Congress Organizing CommitteeThe World Congress Organizing Committee Director

Norihide Bob Suzuki can be reached at: jciwc2015.com

World Headquarters TeamJCI World Headquarters can be reached via the following:

Tel: +1-636-449-3100

Email: info@jci.cc

EmergencyIn 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

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

have been elected and on this night the President Elect

will be inaugurated and receive his or her presidential

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.