Japan

Japan is an archipelago of some 6,852 islands located in a volcanic zone on the Pacific Ring of Fire. Japan’s four main islands, Honshu, Hokkaido, Kyushu, and Shikoku, make up 97 percent of the country’s total land area. Honshu is home to Tokyo and many of Japan’s most prominent cities, including Yokohama, Osaka, Nagoya, Kobe, Kyoto, Kawasaki, Saitama, Hiroshima, and Sendai.

Time Zone

Japan's standard time is UTC +9.

Language

The official language is Japanese, and all education, media, business, and government are conducted in Japanese. English is not as widely spoken in Japan as in many other Asian countries, and there are more English speakers in major cities such as Tokyo and Kyoto. In most international chain accommodations, you will usually find someone around who speaks English.

Weather/Temperature

Japan has four distinct seasons, and each season offers its unique conditions and attractions. However, the best time to visit Japan is generally spring or autumn when the weather is fine and mild. Spring from March to May is perhaps one of the best times to visit Japan as temperatures are pleasantly warm without being too hot, with daytime temperatures ranging between 21C and 26C. The weather is fine with little rain from March to April, the famous Cherry Blossoms bloom, and festivals are celebrated. Summer from June to August begins with heavy rainfall, which turns the country into a steam bath with temperatures as high as 35C and extreme humidity. The best thing about summer is the fantastic fireworks shows and festivals.

Autumn from September to November is also an excellent time to visit Japan, with the weather much more tolerable than in summer. The days are commonly fair, and the landscape turns to rich autumn shades, which are almost as impressive as stunning cherry blossoms. Winter from December to February is a magical time to visit as the landscape is turned white with snow. It’s the perfect time to go skiing or check out the hot springs. Temperatures in winter generally range from -4C

Culture

Japan is renowned worldwide as a nation steeped in a culture that combines traditions and modernity. Thousands of years as an isolated island country allowed Japan to undergo various cultural evolutions in solitude, creating a unique traditional culture. The Japanese are almost universally polite and helpful. Even in a situation where someone does not speak English, they will almost certainly be willing to try to help, and people often go out of their way to assist foreign travelers. This is out of genuine care and concern without expecting anything in return. For the best experience, reciprocate their politeness, learn a few essential Japanese phrases, and return the polite bow when greeting people.

There are two main religions in Japan: Shinto and Buddhism. Shintoism believed that every living thing in nature (e.g., trees, rocks, flowers, animals - even sounds) contains kami or gods. Consequently, Shinto principles can be seen throughout Japanese culture, where nature and the turning of the seasons are cherished. Buddhism arrived in the sixth century, establishing itself in Nara and divided into several sects, the most popular being Zen Buddhism. In essence, Shintoism is the world's spirituality and life, whereas Buddhism is concerned with the soul and the afterlife. That is why the two religions exist so successfully together, without contradiction.

Manners and customs are an essential part of many facets of Japanese life. One of the most apparent social conventions is the bow. Everyone bows when they say hello, goodbye, thank you, or sorry. Bowing is a term of respect, remorse, gratitude, and greeting. Japanese people will understand if visitors do not have proficient use of chopsticks, but there are some rules you should try and follow:

• Please do not stick your chopsticks into your bowl of rice or pass food around with them. As well as being slightly uncouth, these actions have relevance to the Japanese funeral ceremony. Never pass food from your chopsticks to someone else's chopsticks. The only acceptable time to give something between two people using chopsticks is at a funeral. After a cremation, the remaining bones of the deceased are picked up by a relative with unique chopsticks and passed to chopsticks held by another relative, who then places the bones into the urn.
• It is also advisable not to douse your rice in soy sauce. The Japanese are very proud of their rice, and this seemingly innocent action may surprise and even offend some ryokan/restaurant owners.
• It is common to walk and eat in public which is considered bad manners. You may sit down in a public place and eat or stand at restaurants/shops, but walking and eating are not polite.

Public Transportation

Japan has an efficient public transportation network, especially within metropolitan areas and major cities. Getting around any Japanese city using bus and metro/subway networks is efficient and punctual and, compared with other countries, extremely safe. Many of a city's most popular sightseeing spots are a short walk or bus ride from metro and subway stations. Costs may be on the high side, but standards of service and efficiency are correspondingly reliable. Prepaid IC cards such as Suica and Icoca are primary tools for convenient train and bus fares payment. Or you can purchase tickets for short-distance trips at ticket machines.

Cabs/taxis can be an alternative to going around the city, and it is advisable to have the Japanese address of your destination on a piece of paper or marked on a map to quickly relay to the cab drivers where you want to go. Please note that during peak travel hours, they are costly.

Most of Japan's major cities are connected by a high-speed bullet train network, run by the Japan Railways Group (JR Group). Known as the Shinkansen, these bullet trains can travel up to 320 kilometers per hour. If you expect to use the Shinkansen a couple of times in your trip, consider getting the Japan Rail Pass (JR Pass), which offers unlimited rides on most Shinkansen lines and JR-operated trains and buses ferries across Japan for 7, 14, or 21 days. Check out posts on Japan Rail Pass FAQ for more information.

Some Japanese cities, such as Hokkaido, are not part of the Shinkansen network, so getting there can be done via regular trains (local train, rapid train, or a limited express train). You can find car rental companies at airports and major train stations once you are in Japan or make an advanced online reservation through the car rental company's websites. It requires an international driving license.

Local Currency (Credit/Debit Cards & Foreign Currency Exchange)

The local currency is the Japanese Yen. The current exchange rate is approximately JPY 1 = USD 0,0088. Japan has a reputation for being a cash-based society, and payment methods using cash are still prevalent, especially for small amounts like entrance fees at tourist sights, small restaurants/shops, and many lockers also require coins. It is advisable to keep cash at hand when visiting rural areas. You can exchange foreign currency in significant cities at banks, hotels, and authorized money changers located at airports and malls. The US dollar is a highly traded foreign currency in Japan, and partly for this reason, you might get a favorable rate if you change US dollars into yen in Japan. 

Many ATMs in Japan do not accept cards issued outside of Japan. Exchange rates tend to be competitive for those who do, but service fees vary widely depending on the card. Inquire with your card issuer in advance. Many ATMs in Japan are out of service at night, and some are unavailable on weekends.

Foreign credit, debit, and cash cards are convenient for obtaining cash – however, bank ATMs are restricted to cards issued in Japan. The best option is to use the International ATMs on arrival, post offices, and 7-11 convenience stores. For further information about the location of ATMs at 7-11 stores, please access the following webpage and press the “International ATM icon at the bottom right-hand side of the page: http://www.sevenbank.co.jp/intlcard/index2.html. Traveler’s Checks (T/C) are accepted in very limited currencies in Japan, and international airports and leading banks are where you can change your T/C for yen.

Most international credit card networks are acceptable in major cities in Japan. The most widely accepted cards in Japan are MasterCard, Visa, and Japan’s credit card brand, JCB. At the same time, American Express (Amex) and DinersClub cards are also acceptable at most establishments selling high-end products. There are also locations including sightseeing areas and department stores handling large sums of money to accept cards like UnionPay. Holders of other cards need to clarify whether their card is acceptable in Japan with a commercial bank. There will be instances where stores may not display the symbols of the cards they accept, be sure to check with the salesperson in the store before using your card if your card is acceptable or not.

Electricity

For Japan, there are two associated plug types: A and B. Plug A is the plug that has two flat parallel pins, and plug type B is the plug that has two flat parallel pins and a grounding pin. Japan operates on a 100 V supply voltage and 50/60hz, and we recommend you bring along a travel adapter.

The electric current used throughout Japan is 100 volts, A.C. However, there are two kinds of frequencies (or cycles): 50 Hertz in eastern Japan (including Tokyo and regions northeast of the capital); and 60 Hertz in western Japan (including Nagoya, Kyoto, Osaka, and other points southwest). At major hotels, two outlets for both 110 and 220 volts outlets are installed for electric razors, hairdryers, and other small appliances. Japan uses two-flat-pin plugs and cannot accommodate three-pin plugs, so it is best to bring a universal plug adaptor.

Value Added Tax (VAT)

VAT refund is applicable in any shop (retailer) with the sign of “Tax-free.”. You can identify these eligible outlets with posters displayed on their storefront and visible to visitors. The sum of tax from several receipts should comply with a minimum of JPY 5,000 (five thousand yen). Tax exemption in Japan applies to all items, from general items such as home appliances, accessories, and shoes, to consumable items such as alcohol, food, cosmetics, tobacco, and medicine. 

There are two different types of tax exemption procedures, depending on the store :

• Present your passport at the time of purchase and pay for wares with the tax already being deducted.
• Pay the total price, including the consumption tax, and head to the tax-free counter on the same day of your purchase. Present your passport, buy, and receipt to get a Japan sales tax refund.

To get your Tax-free receipt at the store :

• Show your passport.
• Copies are not accepted. Confirm your name, nationality, birth date, the status of residence, date of entering Japan, and passport number.
• Ask for a Record of the Purchase
• Ask the cashier or staff at the tax-free counter to create a Record of Purchase; although, at most shops, the team will know what to do and write it without the need to be asked for it. This slip will be attached to your passport - be careful not to remove it, as it will be taken by the airport’s customs officials when you leave Japan.
• Sign the Purchaser’s Pledge
• This is the pledge in which you promise that you take general goods out of the country, that you will not use the purchased consumable goods, and take them out of Japan within 30 days. You will pay an extra consumption tax if you cannot present the goods when you leave Japan.

The Tax refund can only be claimed at the airport on the date of your departure before you check in your luggage. Please make sure to prepare all the documents needed as follow. See the step as follow:

1. Submit your Record of Purchase
2. The customs officials will confirm your passport and the goods you bought tax-free, and they will also collect the Record of Purchase attached to your passport. In general, you need to carry the tax-free things you purchased with you when you leave Japan.
3. After the customs procedure, the tax exemption process is completed, and the refund will be in cash (Japanese Yen).

Some stores may not let you combine available and consumable items for a tax refund. Check with the store whether or not you can receive a refund for combined purchases. 

Basic ‘Good to Know’ Words

Good morning / afternoon / evening: Ohayou gozaimasu / Konnichiwa / Konban wa

Use this when you want to greet a person.

Please: Kudasai

It’s polite to use "Kudasai" when asking or requesting something.

Thank you: Arigatou Gozaimasu

Use this to thank someone.

Excuse me: Sumimasen

Use this to say excuse me before asking someone or can be used to apologize in a lighter way (for example: when you accidentally strike someone when walking).

Sorry: Gomen nasai (formal) / Sumimasen

Use this to say sorry to someone.

Yes/No: Hai / iie

Use this when you agree and disagree.