Japan Travel Guide - Essentials

Safety: crime is relatively low compared to many Western countries so most visits are trouble-free. You should still take the normal precautions as you would when visiting any place for the first time. Pick-pocketing can still occur, especially at the tourist sites and on public transport. Leave your valuables and travel documents in the hotel safe.

Women should be cautious and avoid travelling alone if possible. The Japanese can drink heavily and late into the night, although alcohol-related problems are far less than in other countries. The penalties for possession of drugs are severe, and the authorities don't distinguish between hard and soft drugs. If you are caught, you are likely to face a period of several years in prison.

Tokyo may also experience the occasional snowfall; while the south tends to be cool and sunny. Spring and autumn are mild throughout the country. The typhoon season in Japan normally runs from June to October.

Money: the Japanese currency is the Japanese yen (JPY) and bills come in denominations of 1,000, 2,000, 5,000, and 10,000 yen. Coins are 1, 5, 10, 50, 100, 500 yen. Japan is fundamentally a cash society and credit cards are not as common as in other countries. Most shops and hotels will accept credit cards but many small businesses will not. All major banks provide foreign currency exchange for cash and travellers cheques. Some post offices also have currency exchange.

Ambulance: 119 (or call hospitals mentioned below)

Police: 110

Recommended hospitals:

Tokyo - Aoto Hospital of the Jikei University
03 (603) 2111
Nagasaki - Hospital of Nagasaki University
0958 (47) 2111

Business needs: Japanese business etiquette is much more formal that in Western countries and you need to be aware of the cultural differences. A Japanese business card is essential for the first meeting and should be presented with both hands. First names are only used by family and close friends; you should use a person’s last name followed by 'san'. Personal space is a little larger that in the West, so avoid standing too close.