Climate

A major feature of Japan's climate is the clear-cut temperature changes between the four seasons. From north to south, Japan covers a range of latitude of some 25 degrees and is influenced in the winter by seasonal winds blowing from Siberia and in the summer by seasonal winds blowing from the Pacific Ocean. In spite of its rather small area, Japan is characterised by four different climatic patterns. The average temperature ranges from 12.5 – 19.7°C.

Average temperature by seasons:

• Winter: 7.6°C (45.7°F).
• Spring: 14.5°C (58.1°F).
• Summer: 27.7°C (81.9°F).
• Autumn: 18.8°C (65.8°F).

Clothing

Summers are usually warm and humid. Therefore, light weight clothes are the most suitable. For winter, warmer clothes such as sweaters, jackets or light coat are suitable.

Dining at certain restaurants may require formal dresses and for business purposes, suits are fine.

Currency

The currency in Japan is the yen (¥). Banknotes and coins are easily identifiable - there are ¥1, ¥5, ¥10, ¥50, ¥100,and ¥500 coins; and ¥1,000, ¥5,000, and ¥10,000 notes.

Customs

Customs allowances include the usual tobacco products, three 760ml bottles of alcohol, 57g of perfume, and gifts and souvenirs up to a value of 200,000 yen.

There are no limits on the import and export of foreign or Japanese currency. However, for amount exceeding one million yen or its equivalent in foreign currencies, a report to the customs must be submitted.

Electricity

The Japanese electric current is 100V AC. The plugs are flat two pin, identical to US and Canadian plugs.

Emergency Call Numbers

Health

Hygiene standards are high and medical facilities are widely available, though expensive. Tap water is safe to drink and food is generally prepared with high a standard of hygiene. Nonetheless, it is advisable to take out some health insurance before you leave your country. Pharmacies have a good selection of drugs, both western and Chinese but most pharmaceutical products are labeled in Japanese, however, there is an American Pharmacy in Hibiya for English-speaking travellers.

Local Area Information

Tokyo is one of the biggest city in the world with 12.54 million people and 22 million people use Tokyo’s transport system everyday.

Public Phones

Public phones are easily available and services within Japan are principally handled by NTT. Local calls cost ¥10 for three minutes.

Shopping & Business Hours

Shops are typically open seven days a week from around 10:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m. Most government-run attractions usually open from 9:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.

• Banks: Open from 9:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. Monday to Friday, closed on weekends and national holidays.
• Government offices: Open from 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.

Taxes

A goods and services tax of 5% is imposed.

Tipping

Tipping is not customary in Japan and service charge is not added in hotels and restaurants bills.

Visa

Depending on where you are from and the purpose of your visit, you may need a visa to enter Japan. Please contact the nearest Japanese consulate in your country for detailed advice.