Smooth your way with a little forward planning
It is easy to feel a little overwhelmed and disoriented when you visit Japan for the first time, so find out the basics before you fly and get acquainted with the country through our helping you plan guide.
Learn a little more about Japan’s customs, culture and Wi-Fi connectivity, as well as its seasonal weather, geography and luggage delivery options. Many of the questions first-time travelers might have are answered here, along with insider tips and practical advice to help you navigate the country with confidence.
Electricity
Electricity
The voltage in Japan is 100 Volt, which is different from North America (120V), Central Europe (230V) and most other regions of the world. Japanese electrical plugs and outlets resemble North American ones. Plugs come in various versions, but most commonly they are non-polarized and ungrounded with two pins. Grounded pins come either with three pins or with two pins and a ground wire.
Money
The Japanese currency is the yen (円, en). One yen corresponds to 100 sen; however, sen are not used in everyday life anymore, except in stock market prices. Bills come in 1,000 yen, 2,000 yen (very rare), 5,000 yen and 10,000 yen denominations. Coins come in 1 yen, 5 yen, 10 yen, 50 yen, 100 yen and 500 yen denominations. Counterfeit money is not an issue in Japan.
Earthquakes
The Japanese archipelago is located in an area where several continental and oceanic plates meet, causing frequent earthquakes and the presence of many volcanoes and hot springs across Japan. If earthquakes occur below or close to the ocean, they may trigger tsunami.
Typhoons
A typhoon (台風, taifū) is a large low-pressure system, originating over the Northwest Pacific Ocean. It is accompanied by strong winds of up to around 200 km/h, a rise of the sea level, and torrential rainfalls. Over the Atlantic Ocean, typhoons are known as hurricanes.
Cell Phones
Japan is a leader in mobile phone technology and use. In addition to offering calling, email and messaging, Japanese mobile phones were some of the first to widely adopt features such as internet browsers, games, cameras, televisions, electronic wallets, train passes, GPS navigation and music players.
Basics for Muslim
While Japan has only a very small percentage of Muslim residents, the number of Muslim tourists has been increasing considerably in recent years.
Language
For a more comprehensive selection of useful words and phrases, take a look through the Tourist’s Language Handbook . It is a useful tool to carry with you on your trip. For a free speech translation app that is geared towards travel-related conversations, try out the multilingual speech translation application: VoiceTra .
Tipping
If you are from a country where tipping is routinely practiced, it may come as a surprise that there is no such culture in Japan. This might be especially shocking as the standard of customer service in Japan is often regarded as the best in the world. If you are visiting bars, cafes, or restaurants.
Language
It is strongly recommended to pack light when traveling around Japan. Most trains do not provide space for bulky luggage, and even though the accessibility situation at stations has improved considerably over recent years, some platforms are not equipped with escalators or elevators
Internet Access
There are a variety of ways to stay connected to the internet while traveling in Japan. However, this is a quickly evolving industry where services and rates are constantly changing. The following are the common solutions currently available. Most hotels in Japan offer free internet in their guest rooms.
Weather & Geography
Japan’s land area stretches from the northernmost to the subtropics .
IC Travel Cards
An IC card will become your most treasured possession during your stay in Japan. Use it to transfer swiftly between train lines and hop onto waiting buses and boats with a minimum of fuss.You can also use it at a number of vending machines and convenience stores
Safe Drinking Water
As well as the numerous vending machines, all convenience stores stock bottles of water in various sizes. I
Customs & Manners
Following a general travelers code of respect for the people you meet and places you visit will stand you in good stead.
Japanese Hospitals
Japanese hospitals offer various types of medical treatments and both inpatient and outpatient services.Japanese people use a hospital when they have been referred to it by a clinic
Traveling With a Disability
The Japanese government, local authorities, and NPOs have all been working hard to develop an accessible travel environment for everyone.
Shopping in Japan
Japan is a shopping paradise with a wealth of stores selling everything from traditional souvenirs and local food
Muslim Travelers
Japan continues to enhance its hospitality for Muslim travelers to the country.Tourism numbers to Japan are rising year-on-year.
Japanese Toilets
There are two types of toilets in Japan: Japanese-style and Western-style.Public washrooms are often equipped with both toilet styles
Travelers and waste disposal
The number of public garbage cans in Japan is very small, and people are often asked to bring their trash home for disposal.
