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Destination:

Japan


Basics

topWhen to Go

The best time to visit Japan is in the springtime, when the weather is glorious and the country is ablaze in white and pink cherry blossoms. The cherry blossom season starts in southern Kyushu around the end of March, and reaches northern Japan about mid-April. Autumn (October - November) is also a great time to visit.

topWeather & Temperature

Most of Japan's islands lie in a temperate zone and experience four distinct seasons. Because Japan's four main islands stretch in an arc from northeast to southwest at about the same latitudes as Boston and Atlanta, you can travel in the country at virtually any time of year. Winters in southern Kyushu are mild, while summers in northern Hokkaido are cool.

Japan's rainy season lasts from about mid-June to mid-July, after which the temperature becomes hot and uncomfortably humid throughout the country, with the exception of the northern island of Hokkaido, mountain resorts like Hakone, and the Japan Alps.

The period from the end of August through September is typhoon season, although most storms stay out at sea and generally reach land only in the form of thunderstorms.

Tokyo, Japan
JAN FEB MAR APR MAY JUN JUL AUG SEP OCT NOV DEC
Average High Temperature °F 50 50 55 65 73 77 84 87 80 71 62 54
°C 10 10 13 18 23 25 29 31 27 22 17 12
Average Low Temperature °F 36 36 41 51 59 66 72 76 69 59 49 40
°C 2 2 5 10 15 19 22 24 21 15 10 5
Average Precipitation in 1.9 2.3 4.5 5.1 5 6.4 6.3 6.1 8.2 6.4 3.6 1.5
cm 4.8 6 11.4 13 12.8 16.4 16.1 15.5 20.8 16.3 9.2 3.9

 

Kyoto, Japan
JAN FEB MAR APR MAY JUN JUL AUG SEP OCT NOV DEC
Average High Temperature °F 48 49 56 67 76 81 89 91 83 73 62 53
°C 9 9 13 20 24 27 31 33 28 23 17 12
Average Low Temperature °F 34 34 39 48 57 65 73 75 68 56 46 37
°C 1 1 4 9 14 19 23 24 20 13 8 3
Average Precipitation in 1.9 2.5 4.4 5.33 6.1 9 8.4 5.6 8 4.7 2.9 1.6
cm 4.8 6.5 11.2 13.5 15.4 22.9 21.5 14.3 20.4 12 7.5 4.1

topTime Difference

Japan is 9 hours ahead of Greenwich Mean Time (+9 GMT), 14 hours ahead of Eastern Standard Time (+14 EST). Japan does not follow daylight savings time, so during summer, it will be 13 hours ahead of Eastern Standard Time.

Because Japan is on the other side of the International Date Line, a day is lost when traveling from the United States to Asia. (If you depart the United States on Tuesday, you'll arrive on Wednesday.) Returning to North America, you'll gain a day, arriving on the same day you left Japan.

topPassport & Visa Requirements

Citizens of most Western countries may enter Japan as a Temporary Visitor with a valid passport. A visa is not required. The usual period of stay for a Temporary Visitor is up to 90 days.

topPersonal Security & Health

On March 11, 2011, a magnitude 9.0 earthquake struck off the northeastern coast of Japan, causing a tsunami and damaging nuclear reactors near the epicenter. The US State Department recommends that travelers avoid all unnecessary travel to areas within 20 kilometers of the Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Plant. However, Tokyo and Kyoto are well outside that radius.

For the latest travel alerts, visit the State Depatment website.

The water is safe to drink anywhere in Japan, although it can be highly chlorinated. Bottled water is also readily available.

Because the country overall has such a low crime rate, theft is rarely an issue, although you should always exercise caution. Be alert to possible pickpockets when riding a crowded subway during rush hour or walking in heavily visited areas of Tokyo and other large cities.

topMoney Matters

Local Currency

The currency in Japan is called the yen, symbolized by ¥. Coins come in denominations of ¥1, ¥5, ¥10, ¥50, ¥100 and ¥500. Bills come in denominations of ¥1,000, ¥2,000, ¥5,000 and ¥10,000.

ATMs

Most ATMs in Japan accept only cards issued by Japanese banks. The best way to obtain cash is at one of 21,000 post offices with ATMs that accept foreign bank cards operating on the Cirrus and PLUS systems. Besides post offices, other places with ATMs that might accept foreign-issued cards include 7-Eleven stores, Citibank (which usually accepts both Visa and MasterCard and sometimes American Express as well), and large department stores in major cities.

Travelers Checks

Traveler's checks are still useful in Japan, since ATMs for foreign-issued cards are limited. Traveler's checks have a slight advantage, as they fetch a better exchange rate than cash and also offer protection in case of theft. Keep in mind, however, that in some very remote areas, even banks won't cash them. Before heading to small towns, be sure you have enough cash.

Changing Money

All banks in Japan displaying an Authorized Foreign Exchange sign can exchange currency and traveler's checks, with exchange rates usually displayed at the appropriate foreign-exchange counter. Banks are generally open Monday - Friday from 9am-3pm, though business hours for exchanging foreign currency usually don't begin until 10:30 or 11am. (Be prepared for a long wait; you'll be asked to sit down as your order is processed). If you need to exchange money outside banking hours, inquire at your hotel. Large department stores offer exchange services and are often open until 7:30 or 8pm. However, hotels and department stores may charge a handling fee, offer a slightly less favorable exchange rate and require a passport for all transactions.

Tipping

There is no tipping in Japan - not even to waitresses, taxi drivers or bellhops. Attempting to tip will cause confusion or embarrassment. Instead, a 10% to 15% service charge will be added to your bill at higher-priced hotels and restaurants.

topPhone

Dialing Codes

The international country code for Japan is 81

When dialing from abroad

1. Dial the international access code: 011 in the U.S., 00 in the U.K.
2. Dial the country code: 81
3. Dial the city/area code, omitting the leading zero, and then the number

Information & Emergency Numbers

119 Fire and Ambulance Emergencies
110 Police emergencies
03-3503-8484 Police assistance to foreigners
0051 International Directory Assistance
104 Domestic Directory Assistance
100 Domestic Operator

Mobile Phones

Japan uses a system that is incompatible with European GSM or US systems. Your best bet may be to rent a cell phone before leaving home, though there are also many options for phone rental in Japan.

topElectricity & Adaptors

The electricity throughout Japan is 100 volts AC, but there are two different cycles in use. Tokyo and regions northeast of the capital use 50 cycles, while Nagoya, Kyoto, Osaka and all points to the southwest use 60 cycles. Leading hotels in Tokyo often have two outlets, one for 110 volts and one for 220 volts; almost all have hair dryers in the rooms. It's possible to use many American appliances in Japan (the American standard is 110 volts and 60 cycles), but they may run a little slowly. The flat, two-legged prongs used in Japan are the same size and fit as those used in North America, but three-pronged appliances are not accepted.

topEtiquette

At a sumo stable

Be respectful at all times
No chatting
No eating or chewing gum
No entry to the dohyo or the dirt area
No sitting with your legs straight and the soles of your feet pointed at the wrestlers. Either sit on your heels or cross-legged.
Remove hats or headgear
Photography is allowed but ask before you use flash or video cameras

At the table

If you touch food in a communal dish with your chopsticks, you must take it.
Don't place food directly from the communal bowl into your mouth.

In the communal baths

Don't use soap or shampoo in a bathtub. Washing happens in the shower area.
It is a serious error to wear shoes indoors or to wear the wrong slippers into or out of a toilet area.

Shoes

When going indoors, take off your outdoor shoes and put on slippers.
If the slippers provided are too small, wear your socks or stockings.
The principle is to not contaminate clean interiors with dirt from the outside. This is true for private homes, temples, ryokans, some restaurants and even public restrooms. In Western-style hotels, "indoors" begins with your room.