Practical Information
Practical Information
This section provides basic information on entry into Japan and how to prepare for your trip to help ensure you have a comfortable and enjoyable stay.
Entering Japan
When you visit Japan from overseas for travel purposes you will need a passport that is valid for the duration of your stay. In the case of short stays, you do not need a visa if you meet certain prescribed conditions. Please keep up to date with the latest information as procedure requirements for nationals of certain countries are subject to change without warning.
Money
The currency of Japan is yen. Currencies other than this will not be accepted for payment anywhere in Japan other than major international airports. While cashless payment methods are becoming increasingly common in Japan, many small retail stores and regional areas only accept cash, so please be sure to carry some with you just in case.
Wi-Fi & Connectivity
There are a number of communication options in Japan, including free Wi-Fi services, SIM cards, and mobile Wi-Fi routers. Free Wi-Fi services are available in limited locations such as airports, hotels, train stations, and large shopping malls, so be sure to prepare another form of communication yourself.
Phone
When calling from Japan to an overseas destination, you can make a direct call from a payphone marked for international calls. Although the number of payphones in Japan has been decreasing in recent years, they can still be found at train stations, airports, hotels, and convenience stores.
Electricity
The voltage used in Japan is 100 volts AC. Japan has the lowest voltage level in the world, as most countries and regions use 220-240 volts or 110-130 volts. The frequency is 50 Hz in eastern Japan and 60 Hz in western Japan however most equipment is not affected by these differences.
Transportation
Central Japan International Airport (Chubu Centrair) was built on an artificial island in Ise Bay off the coast of Tokoname City as the air gateway to the Chubu area. International and domestic flights are located in the same terminal, and passengers can smoothly transfer between international and domestic flights by simply going from Level 2, which is the arrival floor, to Level 3, which is the departure floor, making it extremely convenient.
Timezone & Weather
In Japan, the same standard time is used throughout the country, so there is no time difference within the country, nor is daylight saving time in effect.
The weather in Japan is complex, with different climatic zones in the north (subarctic) and south (subtropical) due to the country’s long north-south geography. Because of the high mountain ranges located in the center of the archipelago, the climate also differs between the Sea of Japan side and the Pacific Ocean side. In addition, weather conditions vary depending on the time of year and region due to the influence of air masses generated by the four seasons.
Emergency
Japan is known as a safe country, however it is not without incident or accident. Although it is uncommon to encounter trouble or misfortune while walking in tourist areas, beware of pickpocketing in downtown areas or on crowded transport, and snatching at night or on deserted streets.
Nagoya Travel Guide