About Japan

Language

Japan's official language is Japanese, but English is understood in major cities.

Time Zone

Upon your arrival, please set your clock to Japanese time.
To adjust your clock, please see the information HERE

Weather

November is perfect for outdoor exploration and best season to see autumn color leaves.
It gets cooler in the evening, so be sure to bring light jacket with you.
Click HERE  to see the further information

Currency

Only Japanese yen (JPY) is accepted at regular stores and restaurants.
Certain foreign currencies may be accepted at a limited number of hotels, restaurants and souvenir shops.

ATM Information

Foreign currency can usually be exchanged at exchange counters, banks, and some hotels, and local convenience stores, such as FamilyMart, 7 eleven, and Lawson.
Exchange rates fluctuate daily in accordance with financial market trends. Currency that can be exchanged depends on the exchange counter.

Credit Card

American Express, Diners Club, Visa and MasterCard are widely accepted at hotels, department stores, shops and restaurants.

Tipping

There is no custom of tipping in Japan. Instead, at places such as high class restaurants, bars and hotels, a 10% service charge is usually added to your bill.

Taxis

Signs in the front of taxis show if they are available. These are usually displayed in Japanese, but they are color coded. Red means the taxi can pick up passengers, while green means it is occupied. Doors open and close automatically, so don't try to handle them yourself as you enter and exit. While some taxi drivers in big cities may have foreign language skills, it is a good idea to have your destination written in Japanese—especially if it is not a major sightseeing spot or hotel. Like other service-industry professionals in Japan, taxi drivers do not expect or accept tips.

Electricity

Electric voltage is uniformly 100 volts, AC, throughout Japan, but with two different cycles: 50 in eastern Japan including Tokyo, and 60 in western Japan including Kyoto, Osaka and Fukuoka. Leading hotels in major cities have two outlets of 100 and 220 volts but their sockets usually accept a two-leg plug only.

Wi-Fi

At the airport

Japan's major international airports provide free Wi-Fi within their terminals to allow you to connect as soon as you set foot in the airport buildings.

At the hotel

Most major hotels in Japanese cities offer a Wi-Fi connection for its guests, however, don't expect traditional ryokan hotels to provide such a service. It is a good idea to check the Wi-Fi availability at your chosen accommodation when you book.

Around the city

Certain coffee chains, fast food restaurants and convenience stores also offer their own free Wi-Fi. Like in many places, you will have to sign up for it.

How to make callings

Japanese phone numbers typically take the form (012)-345-6789. The numbers in parentheses are the area code which can vary in length from two to six digits; however, the phone number always has ten digits regardless of the area code's length. Mobile phone numbers start with 090, 080 or 070 and consist of eleven digits, e.g. 090-1234-5678.

From Japan to Abroad

Dial the international dialing access code (010).
Dial the country code of the country you are calling.
If the number starts with a 0, drop the leading 0 and dial everything else.
For example, to call the US number (123) 456-7890, dial 010+1+123-456-7890. Note that this method will work from any Japanese phone; however it tends to be an expensive way to make an international call.

From Abroad to Japan

Dial the international dialing access code (depends on the country, typically 00, 011 or 0011)
Dial Japan's country code (81).
If the number starts with a 0, drop the leading 0 and dial everything else.
For example, to call the Japanese number (012)-345-6789 from the US, dial 011+81+12-345-6789. Or to call the Japanese mobile phone number 090-1234-5678 from Australia, dial 0011+81+90-1234-5678. Again, direct dialing tends to be an expensive way to make an international call.

Drinking Water

While bottled water is readily available all over Japan–including in the infinite vending machines–the tap water is perfectly safe to drink.

Visa Information

International attendees except for citizens of “Countries and Regions Exempt for VISA” need a VISA to travel to Japan. Click HERE  for countries not needing a VISA.
Documents required for VISA application may differ depending on the nationality of the applicant.
We strongly recommend that applicants first contact the nearest embassy/ consulate general for more information.

More Details VISA / Residing in Japan

More Details Procedures to obtain visa for short-term stay

Emergency Calls

If you do find yourself in a situation that requires serious help, dial 110 for an urgent call to the police and 119 for fire or ambulance.

For more information

Please visit Japan National Tourism Organization