Everything you need to know before and during your visit to Fukuoka for the WFTGA Convention 2026
🗣️ Language Tips – Be Prepared to Communicate
While many signs in Fukuoka are available in English and the Host Committee will support you on-site, basic Japanese phrases can be very helpful – especially in local shops, restaurants, and during cultural experiences.
We strongly recommend downloading a language translation app in advance. The two most reliable options are:
Google Translate
Features voice, text, and camera translation – ideal for menus and signs
Apple Translate (iPhone only)
Includes conversation mode and works offline when the Japanese language pack is downloaded
Important:
Please make sure to download the Japanese language pack for offline use before your trip. This ensures that the app works even without an internet connection.
By preparing ahead, you’ll be able to engage more confidently and make your cultural experience even more enriching!
💱 Currency & Payment
- Currency: Japanese Yen (JPY)
- Card payment: Widely accepted, but cash is still essential for smaller shops and local restaurants
- Best ATMs for foreign cards: 7-Eleven, Japan Post, Lawson
⚡ Electricity in Japan – Be Plugged In & Travel Smart
Japan operates on 100V voltage and 60Hz frequency in the Fukuoka region. The plug type used is Type A/B (flat pins), which differs from most European and many international standards. Please note: a travel adapter is essential if your plug does not match.
To make your travel easier and more efficient, we recommend the following adapter, which has been tested and offers outstanding versatility:
👉 TESSAN Universal Travel Adapter with 2× USB-A and 2× USB-C*
Why we recommend it:
- Works in over 150 countries – perfect for frequent travellers
- Charges up to 4 devices at once (phones, tablets, laptops)
- Eliminates the need for multiple chargers – saving space, weight, and energy
- A sustainable solution for modern travellers looking to reduce baggage and cable clutter
Make sure to check if your electronic devices support 100V (most modern devices such as smartphones, tablets, and laptops do).
* We receive a small commission for each purchase made through this recommendation.
📶 Stay Connected – Easy eSIM Access in Japan
To stay connected during your time in Japan without the hassle of physical SIM cards or roaming fees, we recommend using an eSIM – a digital SIM that you can install and activate directly on your smartphone before departure or upon arrival.
One convenient option is Saily’s eSIM for Japan, offering fast and reliable data access throughout your stay, including support in English and flexible data packages to suit your needs. Setup is simple, and activation can be done in minutes – ideal for navigating, translating, and staying in touch during the Convention.
*We receive a small commission for each purchase made through this recommendation.
🚉 Getting Around Fukuoka & Japan – Seamless, Sustainable, Supported
Upon arrival at Fukuoka Airport, participants will be warmly welcomed at our WFTGA Welcome Desk, where staff from the Host Committee will assist you with transport guidance, directions, and local tips. Throughout the Convention Week, we will take care of all official transfers related to the programme – so you can travel with peace of mind.
During your free afternoons and evenings, you’ll find that getting around Fukuoka is simple, safe, and efficient. The city boasts a highly reliable public transport system, including:
- Fukuoka Subway: Three clean, punctual lines (Kuko, Hakozaki, Nanakuma)
- Nishitetsu Buses: Great for getting to cultural sites and shopping areas
- Taxis: Readily available, clean, and professional – though more expensive than trains
- Uber: Available in limited areas, but less common than in other countries
Payment is easy:
You can pay directly with most international credit cards (Visa, Mastercard) in taxis, train stations, and even many convenience stores.
For added convenience, we recommend getting a rechargeable IC card such as Hayakaken, Suica, or Pasmo, which can be used for subways, buses, vending machines and more. You can top up these cards at ticket machines or convenience stores.
Estimated travel costs:
- Subway ride (within Fukuoka): approx. 200–300 JPY (€1.30–€2.00)
- Taxi ride (short city trip): approx. 1,000–1,500 JPY (€6.50–€10)
- Taxi ride (airport to city): approx. 2,000–3,000 JPY (€13–€20)
During our Pre- and Post-Convention Tours, we will also travel on Japan’s world-renowned Shinkansen (bullet trains) – an iconic, fast, and environmentally conscious way to explore cities like Nagasaki, Hiroshima, and Kyoto. This will allow you to fully experience the comfort, speed, and sustainability of Japanese rail travel.
Whether by train, bus, or taxi – getting around is part of the adventure, and we’re here to help make it smooth and memorable.
♿ Accessibility and Mobility Support
We want every participant to feel welcome, included, and able to fully enjoy the Convention experience.
If you have mobility limitations or require extra time during walks and excursions, please indicate this when registering. We will offer a special “Gentle Walker” group for selected tours and activities – with shorter walking distances, additional breaks, and appropriate transport options where needed.
Our team is happy to accommodate further accessibility needs (e.g. seating, dietary concerns, or assistance during sessions) wherever possible.
Please don’t hesitate to reach out to us in advance at convention2026@wftga.org so we can make arrangements that ensure your comfort and full participation.
📍 Offline Navigation – Stay Oriented Without Data
To help you move around Fukuoka with ease, we recommend downloading city maps in advance using Wi-Fi. Both Apple Maps and Google Maps allow you to save offline maps, so you can navigate the city by foot or public transport without using mobile data.
Before the Convention, we will offer a short online webinar for all participants, showing exactly how to set this up. In the meantime, here are two step-by-step tutorials to get you started:
Stay connected — even when you’re offline!
🏥 Hospitals & Medical Assistance
In case of illness or emergency, several international-friendly hospitals and clinics are available in Fukuoka:
Fukuoka Red Cross Hospital – English support available
Fukuoka City International Medical Support Centre – provides interpreter services
Travel Insurance: We strongly recommend all participants to travel with appropriate health insurance that covers international medical care and emergencies.
☎️ Emergency Numbers in Japan
- Fire / Ambulance: 119
- Police: 110
24/7 Multilingual Tourist Helpline: +81-50-3816-2787
⏰ Time Zone
- Tokyo, Japan: +0
- Seoul, South Korea: +0
- Beijing, China: -1
- Bangkok, Thailand: -2
- Delhi, India: -3:30
- Dubai, UAE: -5
- Moscow, Russia: -6
- Berlin, Germany: -8
- London, United Kingdom: -9
- New York, USA: -14
- Los Angeles, USA: -17
- Sydney, Australia: +2
- Auckland, New Zealand: +4