FAST FACTS
Useful Information
Climate
Japan is an archipelago of islands stretching for 3,000km. The
weather really depends on where you are. The northern end of Japan
is in the subarctic climate zone. The southern end is in the monsoon
climate zone. In summer, southeast winds bring rains to the coastal
regions facing the Pacific.
Spring (March - May)
From early April to May, the delicate pale pink flowers of cherry
trees, or Sakura, blossoms and herald the beginning of spring
in Japan. This is one of the best seasons to visit Japan as the
weather is mild and flowers are in full bloom. Bring along light
jackets and sweaters.
Summer (June - August)
By June, much of Japan is hot and humid. This time of the year
also includes vacation season which means all the tourist sights
will be crowded with local and foreign tourists. Try to avoid
going to Japan during summer. Light clothing is adequate protection
against the hot weather.
Autumn (September - November)
Autumn brings forth a Japan in hues of gold, red, orange and yellow.
Cool crisp weather and postcard pretty scenery makes this a good
time to visit Japan. This is also the time of chrysanthemum shows
where dedicated horticulturists proudly display their efforts.
Lightweight outfits like jackets and sweaters will suffice.
Winter (December - February)
Winter is the best time to visit the onsens, or hot springs, and
enjoy winter sports like skiing. It is also when the Sapporo Snow
Festival is held. Except in the extreme north, winter in Japan
is not severe, so top-coats, wool suits and jackets will do.
Currency
The Japanese unit of currency is the yen. Coins are ¥1, ¥5, ¥10,
¥50, ¥100 and ¥500. Bank notes are ¥151,000, ¥15,000 and ¥10,000.
Geography
Japan is an archipelago formed by over 3,000 islands. The total
land area is 378,000 square kilometres. The sizes of the four
major islands are:
Hokkaido
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83,500 square kilometres
Honshu
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231,000 square kilometres
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Shikoku
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19,000 square kilometres
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Kyushu
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42,000 square kilometres
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Population
Japan has a total population of 123 million.
Language
The official language of Japan is Japanese. Students are required
to learn English from the seventh grade on.
Visa
Most visitors to Japan need to have a valid passport bearing a
visa issued by the local Japanese Consular Offices abroad, or
by the Ambassador in the Japanese Embassy. Applications for visas
are processed and issued in two to three working days' time. The
visa is valid for a stay not exceeding 90 days. For Singaporeans,
a visa is not required if your stay is less than 90 days.
Customs
There are no restrictions on the amount of foreign currency and
valuables for personal use. Tourists can freely import three bottles
of alcoholic beverages, two ounces of perfume and 400 non-Japanese
cigarettes or 500g of tobacco. Strict rules apply to firearms,
pornographic materials and drugs. Take note that pornography is
illegal in Japan. Any pictures that show nudity below the waist
will be confiscated.
Useful Telephone Numbers
Organisation
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Telephone Number
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Police
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110
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Fire/Ambulance
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119
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General Information (English)
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3201-1010
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Japan Travel-Phone Service (Tourist
Information)
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3502-1461
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Teletourist on current local
events(English)
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3503-2911
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General business hours
Service
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Weekdays
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Saturdays
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Sundays & Holidays
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Banks
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9am - 3pm
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Closed
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Closed
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Post Offices
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9am - 5pm
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Closed
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Closed
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Department Stores
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10am - 6 or 7pm
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10am - 6.30 or 7pm
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10am - 6.30 or 7pm
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Stores
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10am - 8pm
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10am - 8pm
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10am - 8pm
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Government Offices
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9am - 5pm
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Closed
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Closed
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Tipping
Tipping is not common in Japan as there is a 10 to 20 per cent
service charge attached to the bill at hotels and restaurants.
Electricity
The electric current in Japan is 100 volts. Two different cycles
are used: 50 in eastern Japan including Tokyo and 60 in western
Japan including Nagoya, Kyoto and Osaka.
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