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Africa Guides

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Asia Guides

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Caribbean Guides

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Central America

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Europe Guides

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Middle East Guides

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North America

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Pacific Guides

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South America

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Japan is one of the safest places in the world to visit, but there are a few recommendations you should be aware of.

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When to go: the weather in Japan is distinguished by a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. The summers are generally warm and pleasant and lightweight clothing is sufficient. Rainfall tends to be highest during June and July. The winters are very cold in the Hokkaido area, which has snow for three or four months every year.

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Language: the official language is Japanese and there are several distinct dialects found in the country. Some English is spoken in the major cities but most Japanese struggle to follow a conversation. It is advisable to carry a hotel business card and to have directions to places you want to visit written down in Japanese.

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Typical business hours:

Government departments: 10:00 - 17:00 Monday to Friday, 10:00 - 12:00 Saturday.
Retail: 10:00 - 18:00 (apart from one closing day which is usually Wednesday or Thursday).
Banking: 09:00 - 15:00 Monday to Friday. Occasionally Saturday mornings.

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