Welcome to Japan 😊

Hey there! Have you ever dreamt of visiting a country that is both traditional and ultra-modern? Look no further than Japan, a destination that has it all. Japan is a fascinating country with a rich cultural heritage, awe-inspiring natural landscapes, and a world-class culinary scene that is unlike any other.

Take a stroll through the streets of Tokyo, the bustling capital city, and you'll instantly be transported to a world of neon lights, towering skyscrapers, and cutting-edge technology. But if you prefer something more traditional, explore the ancient temples and gardens of Kyoto, a city that is steeped in history and tradition.

And let's not forget about the food! Japan is home to some of the world's best culinary delights, from sushi and ramen to sizzling teppanyaki meals and delectable desserts. Make sure to try it all!

But that's just the tip of the iceberg. There are endless things to see and do in Japan, from admiring the cherry blossoms in spring to skiing down some of the world's best powder snow in winter. So what are you waiting for? Start planning your trip to Japan today!

Quick Facts About Japan

Currency: Japanese yen
Population: 126476461
Languages: Japanese

Money and Finances

The currency in Japan is the Japanese yen (JPY). Coins come in denominations of 1 yen, 5 yen, 10 yen, 50 yen, 100 yen, and 500 yen. Notes come in denominations of 1,000 yen, 2,000 yen, 5,000 yen, and 10,000 yen.

ATM Network

ATMs in Japan are extensive and widely available. You can find them at convenience stores, post offices, and banks.

Credit Cards

Credit cards are generally widely accepted in Japan. Visa and Mastercard are widely accepted, but AMEX cards may be less commonly accepted and are often subject to higher fees.

Internet and Phones

Japan has some of the fastest internet speeds in the world with an average download speed of 114 Mbps and upload speed of 108 Mbps. There is no government interference in internet use.

Phone Plans and SIM Cards

There are three major telco companies in Japan, NTT Docomo, SoftBank, and KDDI. The average cost of a mobile phone plan is around ￥6,000-￥8,000 ($57-$77) per month with unlimited data. There are no sim compatibility issues.

Dialling to Japan

To call Japan from another country, dial +81 followed by the area code and local number. The area codes used within Japan are 03 for Tokyo, 06 for Osaka, 011 for Sapporo, and so on.

Transport Around Japan

Air Travel

Japan has several major airports, including Narita International Airport in Tokyo, Kansai International Airport in Osaka, and Chubu Centrair International Airport in Nagoya.

Train Travel

Japan's inter-city train network is known as the Shinkansen, or bullet train. It is incredibly fast, with some trains reaching speeds of 320 km/h (200 mph). A one-way ticket from Tokyo to Osaka costs around ¥14,000 to ¥16,000 (approximately $130-$150 USD) and takes about 2.5 to 3 hours.

Metro / Local Trains

Major cities in Japan, such as Tokyo and Osaka, have extensive metro systems. These local trains are a convenient way to get around within the city.

Buses

Japan also has an extensive bus network, particularly in rural areas where trains may not be as frequent. A one-way bus ticket from Tokyo to Kyoto costs around ¥3,600 (approximately $33 USD) and takes about 7 hours.

Rideshare

Japan has several rideshare companies, including Uber and JapanTaxi. The average cost of a ride is around ¥1,500 to ¥2,000 (approximately $14-$19 USD) for a 10-15 minute journey.

Driving by Car

Driving in Japan can be challenging for non-Japanese speakers as many road signs are in Japanese only. Speed limits are generally lower compared to other countries, with most highways set at 100 km/h (62 mph). Japan uses left-hand drive.

Local Customs

In Japan, tipping is not common and can be seen as rude. Locals typically bow to greet each other, with the depth of the bow indicating the level of respect. It is common for men and women to use honorifics when addressing each other, such as adding '-san' or '-sama' to the name. When speaking with strangers, it is polite to show respect and avoid direct eye contact.

Health and Diseases

Medical System

Japan has a high-quality healthcare system that is accessible to all citizens and residents. It is a universal system that is primarily funded through taxes. The costs for visiting a doctor vary but are generally affordable, ranging from $30 to $100 depending on the type of doctor and treatment required. Travelers visiting Japan are advised to have travel health insurance as medical costs can be high for non-residents.

COVID Situation

Japan responded to the COVID-19 pandemic with measures such as mask-wearing, social distancing, contact tracing, and entry restrictions for travelers. The country has had a relatively low number of cases and deaths compared to other developed countries. As of August 2021, there is a state of emergency in some prefectures due to an increase in cases, but overall, the situation in Japan remains stable.

Common Health Risks

Japan has a low risk of infectious diseases, but travelers should be aware of certain risks such as food poisoning from contaminated food or water, seasonal influenza, and heatstroke during the summer months. Mosquito-borne illnesses such as dengue fever and Japanese encephalitis are rare but may occur in some areas during certain times of the year. It's important to take precautions such as using insect repellent and protective clothing and following food safety guidelines to minimize the risk of illness.

Laws and Regulations

Alcohol Consumption

In Japan, the legal drinking age is 20 years old. Alcohol consumption is legal and widely accepted, but there are strict laws against drunk driving. Additionally, some local areas may have their own regulations on the sale and consumption of alcohol.

Recreational Drugs

Recreational drug use is strictly prohibited in Japan. Possession, use, and sale of drugs can lead to severe legal consequences, including long prison sentences and hefty fines. Even soft drugs like cannabis and party drugs are illegal and can result in serious consequences.

Pre-Marital Relationships

Japanese law does not criminalize pre-marital relationships and cohabitation, but conservative societal norms can put pressure on unmarried couples living together. The age of consent in Japan is 13 years old, but some prefectures have their own laws that raise the age.

LGBTQ and Same-Sex

Although there have been some positive changes in recent years, Japan's legal system does not provide the same level of protections and rights for LGBTQ individuals as some other countries. Same-sex marriage is not yet recognized, and discrimination against LGBTQ people in employment and other areas is not against the law at the national level. LGBTQ people may face challenges in accessing healthcare and other services as well.

Firearms / Guns

Japan has some of the strictest gun laws in the world. It is illegal for civilians to own handguns, and obtaining a license for a shotgun or rifle requires extensive training and background checks. The police closely monitor gun ownership, and incidents of gun violence are relatively rare.