Japan has tightened security nationwide prior to the 34th Group of Eight (G-8) summit July 7-9. The conference is a gathering of representatives from eight major industrial powers (Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, Russia, U.K. and U.S.). Protests, sometimes violent, have been a common occurrence at past G-8 summits. On June 29, about 1,500 people - including anti-capitalist, labor union members and protesters from abroad - rallied in two major shopping and business areas of Tokyo. Anti-riot police arrested eight people during a demonstration near JR Shibuya Station where about 1,000 activists and others had gathered. In Shinjuku Ward, roughly 500 anti-globalization activists and others held a separate rally near JR Shinjuku Station, saying there is no need for a summit that brings about environmental destruction and poverty. Additional protests by anti-globalization groups and other activists are likely as the event draws nearer. Anticipate demonstrations throughout the country, especially close to the summit venue in Toyako, as well as in Tokyo and Sapporo, the capital of Hokkaido. Security measures will severely disrupt air, road and rail transportation. Expect road closures and crowds. Finding available taxis and hotel accommodations could be difficult. Our Corporate Travel Specialists are available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. If you need immediate assistance and your company has a designated Expedia Corporate Travel phone number, please call that number directly. If you do not have a designated number, in the U.S. please call us at 1-866-EXP-CORP (1-866-397-2677) or 1-702-939-2530. When traveling outside the U.S., please refer to the following, use the following local international customer service numbers. You can also reach us via e-mail by using our "support and feedback" form. Help and guidance resources are readily available in our Expedia Corporate Travel Support Center.

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