Japan travel info

General information for the traveller new to Japan.

Visas
Visitors to Japan must be in possession of a passport valid for 6 months beyond arrival in the country, with at least one empty page for the visa stamp and a return or onward travel ticket. Some nationalities are entitled to a visa free stay. Anyone not entitled to this must apply for a visa prior to arrival and this can be done through a Japanese Embassy or Consulate abroad. It is advisable to confirm all current visa information.

Tourists who remain in the country for longer than 90 days are required to apply for an Alien Registration Card from the municipal office in the town where they are residing. Should they change their residence, they must re-register within 14 days.

Customs
The only restriction relating to money is with regards to exporting local currency. The maximum amount that can be taken out of the country is 5million.

Visitors may take the following into Japan duty free:

Alcohol - 3 bottles (760ml each) of wine or spirits
Tobacco - 200 cigarettes, 250 grams of tobacco or 50 cigars

Penalties for carrying or trafficking illegal drugs are extremely severe.

Time
Japanese time: GMT + 9 hours

Currency
Yen () - Check current exchange rates
Notes issued: 10,000, 5,000, 1,000
Coins issued: 500, 100, 50, 10, 5, 1

Language
The national language is Japanese.
Some English is spoken to varying degrees in major cities.

Tipping
A 3% consumer tax is levied in respect of restaurant bills exceeding 5,000 and hotel bills over 10,000. Many restaurants and hotels also add 10-20% service charge. Other forms of tipping are not customary.

Banking Hours
Monday to Friday 9.00 am to 3.00 pm

Telephone
The international dialling code for Japan is 81
When making international calls from Japan, first dial 001 + country code + area code + telephone number

Local Telephone Codes

Fukuoka 092

Hiroshima 082

Kawasaki 044

Kobe 078

Kyoto 075

Nagasaki 0958

Nagoya 052

Narita 0476

Okinawa 098

Osaka 06

Sapporo 011

Sendai 022

Tokyo 03

Yokohama 045

Yokosuka 0468

Electricity
100 Volt AC (50 cycles)
Flat two-pin plugs are used in Japan and it is advisable to carry a plug adapter set.

Water
Tap water is safe to drink.

Health
Medical facilities in Japan are of a high standard but services are expensive and adequate health insurance covering evacuation is advisable. It is always best to check the current situation and any vaccination requirements with your doctor when planning your trip.

International Airports

Fukuoka
Kyushu - Kagoshima
Nagaski
Nagoya
New Tokyo - Narita
Niigata
Okinawa - Naha
Osaka - Kansai
Sapporo

International Airport Departure Tax
2040 at Narita Airport
2650 at Kansai Airport
945 at Fukuoka Airport
All other international airports do not charge a departure tax

Domestic Airports
There is an extensive domestic flight service in Japan which includes all those listed above (except in the case of Tokyo), plus a selection of some of the more popular destinations:

Tokyo - Haneda
Hiroshima
Kobe
Kumamoto
Sendai
Takamatsu

Domestic Airport Departure Tax
None

Etiquette/Dress Code
There are many differences between Japanese and other cultures but they are aware of these and locals are accepting of different forms of behaviour. However, some familiarity with local customs is recommended. The main points are to maintain a high level of politeness and to avoid direct statements that may be viewed as confrontational, as this is considered very rude.

It is becoming more acceptable to shake hands as a form of greeting, although the traditional method of making a slight bow is widely practised. Shoes should be taken off before entering a home and if invited into a home, it is polite to offer a gift to the host. When turning down an offer it is considered impolite to give an outright refusal. A noncommittal reply is best. Sitting on the floor is common and you should tuck your legs underneath you. Never point your feet at anyone because, as with many Asian countries, this is considered rude.

Diplomatic Missions
Many countries have representative offices and consulates in Japan.

Other Useful Information
For further information on tourist attractions in Japan.

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