JAPAN PRE-DEPARTURE GUIDE. Vietnam Cambodia Laos Thailand Myanmar China Hong Kong Japan Indonesia Singapore Malaysia

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1 JAPAN PRE-DEPARTURE GUIDE Vietnam Cambodia Laos Thailand Myanmar China Hong Kong Japan Indonesia Singapore Malaysia 11

2 JAPAN AT A GLANCE JAPAN Tokyo TABLE OF CONTENTS GENERAL INFORMATION HEALTH AND SAFETY CULTURE AND CUSTOMS HELPFUL TIPS PRE-DEPARTURE CHECKLIST P3 P6 P7 P9 P10 JAPAN Population: 127,3 million Capital City: Tokyo (13.35 million) People: Japanese Language: Japanese Currency: Japanese Yen Time Zone: UTC +9 Hrs International Dialing Code: +81 ABOUT JAPAN The magical nation of Japan offers a truly unique blend of traditional and futuristic elements. Nestled just off the eastern coast of Asia, it has both stunning natural scenery and a hub of cultural adventure waiting to be discovered. Intriguing juxtapositions can be found across the country with peaceful Zen gardens a stone s throw away from the neon lights of downtown Tokyo. Contemporary art museums flank century-old Buddhist temples and modern cityscapes full of skyscrapers are only a train ride away from the impressive natural beauty of Mount Fuji. 2

3 GENERAL INFORMATION PASSPORT AND VISA Passports should be valid for six months from the date of entry to Japan. For citizens of over 50 countries, Japan has a general visa exemption arrangement and you only need a valid passport to enter the country as a temporary visitor. Travellers from the majority of these countries are allowed to stay in the country for up to 90 days. However, if you are not a citizen of one of these countries, you should obtain a visa before entering Japan. All travellers should note that foreign tourists are required to carry passports with them at all times. USA citizens: b.html UK citizens: japan/entry-requirements AUS citizens: MONEY The currency used in Japan is the Yen. Smaller denominations are in the form of coins and come as 1 yen, 5 yen, 10 yen, 50 yen and 500 yen. Larger denominations come as notes in 1,000 yen, 2,000 yen (very rare), 5,000 yen and 10,000 yen. The preferred method of payment in Japan is cash, especially when buying things for small amounts of money. However, credit and debit cards are increasingly being accepted in major cities. The majority of hotels will accept payments by credit card, as do many department stores, mid- to high-end restaurants, large retail shops and outlet malls. 33

GENERAL INFORMATION INTERNET ACCESS AND COMMUNICATION It is easy to get connected to the internet in Japan as the majority of hotels offer free internet in their rooms.

4 GENERAL INFORMATION INTERNET ACCESS AND COMMUNICATION It is easy to get connected to the internet in Japan as the majority of hotels offer free internet in their rooms. There are also a number of wireless (Wi-Fi) hotspots throughout the country, both free and paid. There are often publically accessible hotspots in airports, train stations, hotels, restaurants, coffee shops and bars, all of which can be connected to by laptops and mobile devices. If you wish to use the internet freely in Japan, rental or prepaid SIM cards are available with unlimited internet access via the cellular phone network. TRANSPORTATION Getting There The most popular intercontinental flight destination is Narita Airport which is about one hour east of Tokyo. Haneda Airport, in Tokyo, is primarily for domestic flights but has recently completed an expansion allowing for more international services. This means there many more flights are becoming available to this more convenient airport. The two major airlines in Japan are Japan Airlines and All Nippon Airways. Delta Air Lines, United Airlines, and American Airlines also operate many flights to and from Narita, with a wide choice of flights to destinations in the US and Asia. Getting Around Japan has an efficient public transportation network that operates punctually and reliably within metropolitan areas and between the large cities. The Japanese public transportation is recognized for having superb service but it is also extremely busy. The best option for tourists who plan to do a lot of travelling in Japan is the Japan Rail Pass. This allows unlimited travel on most JR trains, including the Shinkansen. 4

GENERAL INFORMATION There are also plenty of taxis in Japan, both in the city and in the countryside. They are usually clean and safe but a little expensive.

5 GENERAL INFORMATION There are also plenty of taxis in Japan, both in the city and in the countryside. They are usually clean and safe but a little expensive. Within the city, feel free to hail a taxi from anywhere, but outside of train stations and transfer points you should board only at taxi stands. CLIMATE You will encounter all four seasons in Japan, each with quite DIFFERENT weather. Although the Japanese tend to be proud of their different seasons, tourists with a flexible travel schedule should aim for spring or autumn. Spring is a great time of year to visit Japan as the temperature is comfortably warm, not too hot. Rain is minimal, and in March to April the justly famous cherry blossoms (sakura) appear and there are many festivals to enjoy. Summer begins with a dull rainy season in June and quickly develops into a steam-bath in July-August, with temperatures as high as 35C and intense humidity. Autumn starts in September and is an excellent time to be in Japan. The temperature and humidity become more tolerable and fall colours take over the scenery, which can be just as beautiful as cherry blossom. However, it s worth noting that there are often typhoons in southern parts of Japan in early autumn which can cause problems with transport. Winter is a good time to go skiing or visit the hot-springs, but as some buildings lack central heating, it can also be extremely cold indoors. In Hokkaido and northeast Japan is often snows heavily due to the cold blasts of wind from Siberia. CITY Tokyo TEMPERATURE ( o C) RAINFALL Volume (mm) Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec

HEALTH AND SAFETY HEALTH AND WELL-BEING The healthcare system in Japan is of a very high standard with excellent medical services, facilities, and widely distributed pharmacies.

6 HEALTH AND SAFETY HEALTH AND WELL-BEING The healthcare system in Japan is of a very high standard with excellent medical services, facilities, and widely distributed pharmacies. You are strongly recommended to consult your doctor or home country s travel clinic for the latest information on appropriate vaccinations. VACCINATIONS Ensure that you have adequate vaccinations and protection against disease before entering Japan. You should contact your doctor at least two months before your departure for the latest medical advice. TRAVEL INSURANCE (RECOMMENDED) Buffalo Tours does everything possible to ensure you have a safe journey. However, travel inevitably involves some risks which holiday-makers should proactively plan for. Travel insurance is an ideal way to protect you and your belongings should any problems occur, such as delays, cancelled trips, medical emergencies, baggage loss or damage. We urge you to make sure your chosen travel insurance covers all of the activities that you have planned for your trip. 6

CULTURE & CUSTOMS ETIQUETTE AND CULTURAL DIFFERENCES Many tourists will agree that learning about other cultures is one of the greatest joys of travelling.

7 CULTURE & CUSTOMS ETIQUETTE AND CULTURAL DIFFERENCES Many tourists will agree that learning about other cultures is one of the greatest joys of travelling. Learning a few important customs of the Japanese people will ensure that you are seen as respectful by locals and will help make your visit more enjoyable: DO: Bowing when meeting people is seen as respectful. Women should bow with their hands together in front of them and men should bow with their hands to their sides. When giving things to someone, it s considered polite to hand the item over with both hands. In Japanese society, the elderly are given special respect. Amongst other privileges, note that some seats ( silver seats ) on trains are reserved for the disabled and the elderly. Make sure you follow the special cleansing procedure before entering a Shinto Shrine or a Buddhist Temple. There are very few trash cans in public so you may have to carry around your trash for a while before finding one. DON T: Don t walk on a tatami mat wearing shoes or slippers. Japanese homes and traditional Japanese hotel rooms have a genkan where you should take your shoes off before stepping back onto the boarded area of the floor. Don t stand your chopsticks upright in a bowl of rice as that is how rice is offered to the dead. Avoid physical contact in public. You will 77

CULTURE & CUSTOMS notice that you do not see Japanese people kissing or hugging. Avoid speaking loudly in public. Many trains even have signs advising you not to use mobile phones while onboard.

8 CULTURE & CUSTOMS notice that you do not see Japanese people kissing or hugging. Avoid speaking loudly in public. Many trains even have signs advising you not to use mobile phones while onboard. FOOD AND DRINK Japanese cuisine tends to be based on rice with miso soup and dishes with an emphasis on seasonal ingredients. Many side dishes usually consist of fish, pickled vegetables, and broths filled with vegetables. It is common for the fish to be grilled but it is also served raw in sushi or as sashimi. There is also plenty of deep-fried seafood and vegetables known as tempura. Sushi (raw fish and rice) Tempura (deep-fried prawn) Udon (Japanese noodles) Yakitori (grilled chicken skewers) Okonomiyaki (Japanese pancake) PUBLIC HOLIDAYS The following is a list of all Public Holidays in Japan. Most businesses will be closed on these dates and regular transportation may be affected. New Year s Day: Jan 1 Coming of Age Day: 2nd Monday of Jan Foundation Day: Feb 11 Vernal Equinox Day: Mar 20 or 21 Showa Day: April 29 Constitution Memorial Day: May 3 Greenery Day: May 4 Children s Day: May 5 Marine Day: 3rd Monday of July Mountain Day: August 11 Respect for the Aged Day: 3rd Monday of Sep Autumnal Equinox Day: Sep 22 or 23 Health and Sports Day: 2nd Monday of Oct Culture Day: Nov 3 Labour Thanksgiving Day: Nov 23 The Emperor s Birthday: Dec 23 8

Local train cost: JPY 1,000 2,000 per day Sushi: JPY 1,000-3000 PRICE GUIDE Food Street food: from JPY 800 Restaurant: JPY

9 HELPFUL TIPS TIPPING Tipping doesn t really exist in Japan, and leaving tips can often be seen as an insult. The Japanese customer service is quite legendary, and you certainly don t need to bribe the staff to do their job properly. Local train cost: JPY 1,000 2,000 per day Sushi: JPY 1, PRICE GUIDE Food Street food: from JPY 800 Restaurant: JPY 1,200 3,500 Drinks Soft drinks: JPY Beer: JPY Water: JPY Coffee: JPY Other items Shorts/T-shirts: JPY 1,

PRE-DEPARTURE CHECKLIST Travel insurance Passport with at least six months validity from date of entry Photocopy of passport Visa Vaccinations Foreign currency (Yen) and/or ATM card All relevant

10 PRE-DEPARTURE CHECKLIST Travel insurance Passport with at least six months validity from date of entry Photocopy of passport Visa Vaccinations Foreign currency (Yen) and/or ATM card All relevant tickets Reconfirmed flights Light weight clothing (particularly for summer and autumn) Warm clothing (especially in winter and/or for the south) Appropriate shoes for trekking, cycling or walking Insect repellent Medication First aid kit Adaptor 100V, 50/60 Hz; Type A or B Small daypack (for day and overnight trips) Water bottle Please note: Domestic airlines impose restrictions on baggage at approximately 20kg maximum, so travel lightly where possible. Our very best wishes for your journey. BUFFALO TOURS OFFICE IN JAPAN Tokyo Office: Tomihisacho, Shinjuku-ku Tokyo Japan T: F: japan@buffalotours.com 10

CHINA PRE-DEPARTURE GUIDE. Vietnam I Cambodia I Laos I Thailand I Myanmar China I Hong Kong I Japan I Indonesia I Singapore Malaysia

CHINA PRE-DEPARTURE GUIDE. Vietnam I Cambodia I Laos I Thailand I Myanmar China I Hong Kong I Japan I Indonesia I Singapore Malaysia CHINA PRE-DEPARTURE GUIDE Vietnam I Cambodia I Laos I Thailand I Myanmar China I Hong Kong I Japan I Indonesia I Singapore Malaysia 11 CHINA AT A GLANCE C H I N A Beijing Xingping Xi an E meishan Chengdu