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 83,500 square kilometres
Honshu 231,000 square kilometres
Shikoku 19,000 square kilometres
Kyushu 42,000 square kilometres

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 Telephone Number
Police 110
Fire/Ambulance 119
General Information (English) 3201-1010
Japan Travel-Phone Service (Tourist Information) 3502-1461
Teletourist on current local events(English) 3503-2911

General business hours
Service Weekdays Saturdays Sundays & Holidays
Banks 9am - 3pm Closed Closed
Post Offices 9am - 5pm Closed Closed
Department Stores 10am - 6 or 7pm 10am - 6.30 or 7pm 10am - 6.30 or 7pm
Stores 10am - 8pm 10am - 8pm 10am - 8pm
Government Offices 9am - 5pm Closed Closed

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.