ABOUT JAPAN

Japan is a fascinating country that seamlessly blends ancient traditions with cutting-edge modernity. Located in East Asia, Japan is an archipelago consisting of four main islands—Honshu, Hokkaido, Kyushu, and Shikoku—along with numerous smaller islands.

Japan is known for its rich cultural heritage, which includes historic temples, shrines, tea ceremonies, and festivals, as well as its advanced technology and bustling urban centres like Tokyo and Osaka. Japan's natural beauty is also a significant draw, from the iconic Mount Fuji to serene gardens, cherry blossoms in spring, and vibrant autumn foliage.

The country is renowned for its cuisine, with sushi, ramen, and tempura being popular worldwide, and it boasts a unique pop culture scene, including anime, manga, and fashion. Despite its technological advancements, Japan holds a deep respect for nature and tradition, which is reflected in its daily life, arts, and etiquette. Travellers to Japan can experience a blend of the past and future, making it a unique and rewarding destination.

Entry into Japan

When planning a trip to Japan, here are some key entry requirements to keep in mind:

Visa Requirements
Short-Term Visits
Citizens from many countries, such as the United States, Canada, the European Union, Australia, and others, can enter Japan without a visa for short stays (typically up to 90 days) for purposes like tourism, business, or visiting friends and family. It's advisable to check the specific list of visa exemptions for the latest information.

Long-Term Visits
If you intend to stay in Japan for more than 90 days or for reasons such as work, study, or long-term residency, you'll need to obtain the appropriate visa from a Japanese embassy or consulate prior to entering Japan. This could include student, work, or dependent visas.

Entry Documents

Passport: A valid passport is required for entry into Japan. Ensure that it remains valid throughout the duration of your stay.
Visa: If applicable, ensure you have obtained the correct visa before entering Japan.
Disembarkation Card: Upon arrival, you'll need to fill out a disembarkation card for foreign nationals, usually provided during your flight or at the airport.
Proof of Return or Onward Travel: You might be asked to show proof of a return or onward ticket.

Travel Insurance
It's recommended to travel with sufficient travel insurance that covers medical expenses, as healthcare in Japan is of high quality but can be costly.

Currency

The Japanese Yen (JPY), symbolised as ¥, is Japan’s official currency. It comes in both coins and banknotes. Yen coins are available in denominations of 1, 5, 10, 50, 100, and 500 yen. The 1 yen coin is lightweight and made of aluminium, while the 5 yen coin, which features a hole in the centre, is considered lucky. Banknotes come in 1,000, 2,000, 5,000, and 10,000 yen denominations, with the 2,000 yen note being rare. The exchange rate is approximately 160 Japanese Yen to 1 US Dollar (USD). Despite the growing acceptance of cards, Japan remains largely a cash-based society.

Electricity

Japan uses the Type A electrical plug, which has two flat parallel prongs. The Type B plug, with an additional grounding pin, is also used but less commonly. If your devices use a different plug type, you'll need an adapter to use them in Japan. Many modern electronic devices like laptops, smartphones, and chargers are dual voltage, meaning they can operate on 100V as well as higher voltages. Always check your device's power adapter to confirm it supports a voltage range of 100-240V.

Mobile Services

Japan's mobile service market is dominated by three major operators: NTT Docomo, SoftBank, and KDDI (au). These companies offer extensive network coverage, including 4G and 5G services, across urban and rural areas.

NTT Docomo
The largest mobile provider in Japan, NTT Docomo offers comprehensive coverage and a wide array of services, including mobile internet, voice calls, and messaging. They are known for their reliable network and extensive customer service options, catering to various needs with data-heavy and basic plans.

SoftBank
SoftBank is a key player offering competitive pricing and innovative services, such as bundled plans for mobile, internet, and TV. SoftBank’s network is robust, with growing 5G coverage, and they provide multilingual customer support.

KDDI (au)
KDDI, known as au, is the third-largest provider, with strong 4G and 5G coverage. They are popular for their flexible plan options, including family and student discounts. KDDI also offers additional services like au Wallet, a mobile payment system, and au Smart Pass for discounts and special offers.

Mobile Virtual Network Operators (MVNOs)
Besides these major providers, Japan has several MVNOs like Rakuten Mobile, LINE Mobile, and IIJmio, which offer competitive pricing and flexible plans. These can be cost-effective, especially for those who prefer prepaid plans or don't need extensive data.

For visitors, apps like Airalo are recommended for mobile data.

Important Telephone Numbers

Police: Dial 110 for police assistance, including reporting crimes or traffic accidents.
Fire and Ambulance: Dial 119 for fire emergencies, medical help, or to request an ambulance.
Japan’s country code is +81.

Interesting Facts About Japan

Japan is a land full of unique characteristics, here are a few:

High Life Expectancy
Japan has one of the highest life expectancies in the world, averaging around 84 years.

Unique Vending Machines
Japan is famous for its vending machines, which sell a wide variety of items, including hot meals, umbrellas, and clothing.

Railway Punctuality
Japanese trains, especially the Shinkansen (bullet trains), are renowned for their punctuality, with average delays of less than a minute.

Cultural Festivals
Japan hosts numerous cultural festivals throughout the year, such as Kyoto's Gion Matsuri in Aomori's Nebuta Matsuri, featuring traditional music, dance, and parades.

Cherry Blossoms (Sakura)
Cherry blossom season is a significant cultural event in Japan, celebrated with Hanami (flower viewing) parties under blooming cherry trees.

Technological Advancements
Japan is a global leader in technology, home to companies like Sony, Toyota, and Nintendo, and is at the forefront of robotics and electronics.

Food Culture
Japanese cuisine, known for its fresh, seasonal ingredients and exquisite presentation, includes sushi, ramen, and tempura, recognized as a UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage.

Mount Fuji
Japan’s highest peak, Mount Fuji, stands at 3,776 metres (12,389 feet) and is a popular hiking destination and symbol of the country’s natural beauty.

Unique Toilets
Japan’s high-tech toilets are famous for features like heated seats, bidet functions, and even privacy music.

Safety
Japan is one of the safest countries globally, with a low crime rate. It’s common to see children travelling to school alone, and lost items are often returned to their owners.