1. Opening and Registration

The meeting will be held from Tuesday, 14 July to Thursday, 16 July 2026, in Kumamoto City, Japan.
Thursday, 16 July is reserved for an excursion / field visit.

Online Registration (Mandatory)
All participants are required to register in advance through the official meeting website (URL). Only participants who have completed online registration and payment will be eligible to proceed to on-site registration and access the meeting venue.

On-site Registration (Participant Check-in)

• Date and time: Monday, 13 July 2026, exact time to be announced in due course
• Venue: Kumamoto-jō Hall, 2nd Floor (tentative)

On-site registration will serve as a participant check-in and verification process, including confirmation of prior online registration and badge collection.
No registration fee payments will be accepted on site.

Meeting Start
The meeting on Tuesday, 14 July will start early in the morning.
In view of the early start on the first day, international participants are strongly encouraged to arrive in Japan by 13 July and complete on-site registration on that day.

2. Venue

Kumamoto-jō Hall
3-40 Sakuramachi, Chuo-ku
Kumamoto City, Kumamoto, Japan
Tel: +81-(0)96-312-3737
Website: https://www.kumamoto-jo-hall.jp/en/

Kumamoto-jō Hall is located in the city center, adjacent to Kumamoto Castle, with convenient access to hotels, restaurants, and public transportation.

3. Working Language of the Meeting

The working language of the meeting will be English and Japanese.
Interpretation may be provided for selected sessions.

Major tourist attractions, hotels, and transportation facilities outside the venue provide English signage and basic English assistance. Please note that English may not be widely understood outside of tourist areas.

4. Documents

In line with efforts to minimize the environmental footprint of the meeting, participants are kindly requested to bring electronic copies of meeting documents.
Only limited printed materials will be available on site.
Meeting documents will be made available on the official meeting website (URL to be confirmed).

5. General Information on Access to Kumamoto, Japan

International Access to Japan
International participants are expected to arrive via one of the following gateways:

• Fukuoka Airport (FUK) Approximately 40–60 minutes to Kumamoto City by Shinkansen or highway bus.
• Tokyo (Haneda or Narita Airports) Domestic flight connections to Kumamoto Airport (KMJ) or travel by Shinkansen are available. Japan Airlines (JAL) is the Official Airline of the GLOBAL NATURE POSITIVE SUMMIT 2026. We encourage you to consider flying with JAL when planning your trip to Japan.

From Kumamoto Airport to the City Center
From Kumamoto Airport, airport limousine buses and taxis provide convenient access to Kumamoto City. Approximate distances and fares can be checked here.

• Airport Limousine Bus Approximately 45 to 55 minutes to Sakuramachi Bus Terminal (¥1,200)
• Taxi Approximately 40 minutes (estimated fare around ¥5,700, depending on traffic conditions)

6. Visa Information

When traveling to Japan, your passport must be valid for the duration of your stay. Depending on your nationality, a visa may be required. Participants requiring an entry visa to Japan are requested to allow sufficient time for visa processing.

• List of countries and regions exempt from short-term visas: https://www.mofa.go.jp/j_info/visit/visa/short/novisa.html
• General information on visa application procedures: https://www.mofa.go.jp/j_info/visit/visa/index.html

Participants who require an official invitation letter or additional supporting documents will be informed separately of the designated visa support contact point (to be confirmed).

Participants who require an official invitation letter and/or additional supporting documents should apply via “Visa Support Application” (To be updated).

7. Hotel Information

Participants are responsible for making their own hotel reservations.
Accommodation in the Sakuramachi, Shimotori, and Kamitori areas is recommended, as these areas are within walking distance or a short tram ride from the venue.

Participants are strongly encouraged to make reservations as early as possible, as July is a busy travel season.

8. Health Information

No special vaccination certificates are generally required for entry into Japan.
Participants are strongly advised to obtain comprehensive international travel insurance, including medical and accident coverage, prior to departure.

9. Weather and Time Zone Information

• Climate: July in Kumamoto is typically hot and humid, with daytime temperatures ranging from approximately 25 to 33°C.
• Clothing: Light clothing is recommended. As meeting rooms are air-conditioned, participants may wish to bring a light jacket or shawl.
• Time zone: Japan Standard Time (JST) = UTC +9 hours. There is no daylight saving time.

10. Electricity and Currency

• Electricity: 100 volts; plug type A.
• Currency: Japanese Yen (JPY).
  Credit cards are widely accepted in urban areas; however, participants are advised to carry some cash for small purchases. There is no tipping culture.

11. Disclaimer

The organizers disclaim all responsibility for medical, accident and travel insurance, compensation for death or disability, loss of or damage to personal property, or any other loss incurred during travel or participation in the meeting.
Participants are strongly advised to arrange appropriate insurance coverage prior to travel.

12. Other Matters

This meeting is closed to the public, while Side Program/Exhibition will be organized and open for public at first floor of Kumamoto Castle hall

This meeting is Some sessions may be open to the media at the discretion of the organizers, provided that this does not disrupt the proceedings.

13. Local Sightseeing Information (To be updated)

Information on local sightseeing opportunities in and around Kumamoto City, including cultural landmarks, historical sites, and nearby natural attractions, will be provided on the official meeting website at a later stage.

Recommend Sightseeing Content
Nature and Adventure
Kumamoto Prefecture is home to two national parks: Aso Kuju National Park, famous for Mount Aso, and Unzen-Amakusa National Park, known for its beautiful seas. Visitors can enjoy diverse natural environments from mountains to the ocean.
https://kumamoto.guide/en/spots/search?majorCategory%5B1%5D=1&q=
Food and Gourmet
Blessed with pristine groundwater and rich natural environments from mountains to sea, Kumamoto is a treasure trove of diverse food ingredients. Enjoy local specialties such as Akaushi beef, citrus fruits, rice, local sake, and fresh seafood.
https://kumamoto.guide/en/foods/
History and Cultural Heritage
Visitors can experience historic buildings, shrines, temples, and traditional culture rooted in the region, including Kumamoto Castle—one of Japan’s Three Great Castles—and the National Treasure Aoi Aso Shrine with over 1,200 years of history.
https://kumamoto.guide/en/spots/search?majorCategory%5B3%5D=3&q=
Leisure and Experiences
Kumamoto is one of Japan’s most popular hot spring destinations, offering relaxation for both body and mind.
https://kumamoto.guide/en/spots/search?majorCategory%5B7%5D=7&q=
Shopping
Enjoy local specialty products and crafts made using the blessings of nature—perfect for souvenirs.
https://kumamoto.guide/en/spots/search?majorCategory%5B8%5D=8&q=

Participants are encouraged to check the website regularly for updates on recommended places to visit during their stay in Kumamoto.

14. Optional Nature Walk for Early Arrivals (To be updated)

For participants arriving early on Monday, 13 July, the organizers plan to offer an optional nature walk during a designated core time in the afternoon.

Further details, including the schedule, meeting point, and participation procedure, will be announced and posted on the official meeting website in due course.