ABOUT JAPAN

Japan, an island nation in East Asia, has a population of approximately 125.8 million people as of 2023. Tokyo, the capital, is the most populous city with over 14 million residents in the metropolitan area. Japan's economy is the third largest in the world by nominal GDP, valued at around $5 trillion.

The country is composed of 6,852 islands, with Honshu, Hokkaido, Kyushu, and Shikoku being the four main islands. Mount Fuji, Japan's highest peak, stands at 3,776 metres (12,389 feet). Japan boasts a literacy rate of 99%, reflecting its strong emphasis on education.

The Shinkansen (bullet train) network covers over 2,764 kilometres (1,717 miles) and can reach speeds of up to 320 km/h (199 mph).

Japan is also known for its high life expectancy, with an average of 84.6 years. The country has 23 UNESCO World Heritage sites, including historic monuments in ancient Kyoto and the Hiroshima Peace Memorial. Japan’s annual cherry blossom season attracts millions of tourists, contributing to the 31.9 million international visitors recorded in 2019.

Entry into Japan

When planning a trip to Japan, here are the general entry requirements to be aware of:

Visa Requirements

• Short-Term Stays: Citizens from many countries, including the United States, Canada, the European Union, Australia, and several others, do not need a visa for short-term stays (usually up to 90 days) for tourism, business, or visiting friends and family. Check the specific list of visa exemptions for detailed information.
• Long-Term Stays: If you plan to stay in Japan for more than 90 days or for purposes such as work, study, or long-term residency, you will need to obtain an appropriate visa from a Japanese embassy or consulate before entering Japan. This may include student visas, work visas, and dependent visas.

Entry Documents

• Passport: A valid passport is required for entry. Ensure that your passport is valid for the duration of your stay in Japan.
• Visa: If required, a valid visa must be obtained before entry.
• Disembarkation Card: Upon arrival, you will need to complete a disembarkation card for foreigners, which will be provided during your flight or at the airport.
• Proof of Return or Onward Travel: You may be asked to show proof of a return or onward ticket.

Travel Insurance
Always travel with adequate travel insurance that covers medical expenses. Healthcare in Japan is excellent but can be expensive.

Currency

The official currency of Japan is the Japanese Yen, abbreviated as JPY or symbolised as ¥.

It is available in both coins and banknotes. Yen coins come in denominations of 1, 5, 10, 50, 100, and 500 yen. The 1 yen coin is made of aluminium and is very lightweight, while the 5 yen coin has a hole in the centre and is considered lucky. Banknotes are available in denominations of 1,000, 2,000, 5,000, and 10,000 yen. The 2,000 yen note is rare, so you’ll mostly encounter the other three denominations.

The exchange rate for 1 US Dollar (USD) is approximately 160 Japanese Yen.

Be aware that despite the increasing use of cards, Japan is still very much a cash-based society.

Electricity

In Japan, the standard electrical plug is Type A, featuring two flat parallel prongs. Type B plugs, which include a grounding pin, are also in use but are less prevalent.

If your electronic devices have a different plug type, you'll need a plug adapter to use them in Japanese outlets. Many contemporary electronic devices, such as laptops, smartphones, and chargers, are dual voltage, meaning they can operate on both 100V and higher voltages. It's important to check your device's power adapter to confirm that it supports a voltage range of 100-240V.

Mobile services

In Japan, the main operators of mobile services are NTT Docomo, SoftBank, and KDDI (au). These companies dominate the market and offer extensive network coverage, including 4G and 5G services in urban and rural areas. Here's a brief overview of each operator:

NTT Docomo
NTT Docomo is the largest mobile operator in Japan. It provides comprehensive coverage and a wide range of services, including mobile internet, voice calls, and messaging. Docomo is known for its reliable network and extensive customer service options. They offer various plans tailored to different needs, including data-heavy plans for smartphone users and more basic plans for occasional users.

SoftBank
SoftBank is another major player in Japan's mobile service market. It offers competitive pricing and innovative services, including bundled plans that combine mobile, internet, and TV services. SoftBank also provides a robust network with extensive 4G and growing 5G coverage. Their customer service is known for being user-friendly, especially for non-Japanese speakers, as they provide support in multiple languages.

KDDI (au)
KDDI, commonly known as au, is the third-largest mobile operator in Japan. It offers a strong network with widespread 4G and 5G coverage. KDDI is popular for its varied plan options, including family plans, student discounts, and data-sharing plans. They also provide additional services like au Wallet, a mobile payment system, and au Smart Pass, which offers discounts and special offers to subscribers.

Mobile Virtual Network Operators (MVNOs)
In addition to these major operators, Japan has several Mobile Virtual Network Operators (MVNOs) that lease network space from the big three. MVNOs like Rakuten Mobile, LINE Mobile, and IIJmio offer competitive pricing and flexible plans. These can be a cost-effective option, especially for those who do not require extensive data or who prefer prepaid plans.

However, if you're not local and need mobile data, we recommend apps like Airalo (more details here).

Important telephone numbers

In Japan, there are several crucial phone numbers that both residents and visitors should be aware of for emergencies and essential services. Here are some of the most important ones:

Emergency Services Police

• Police: Dial 110 for any situation requiring police assistance, including crimes or traffic accidents.
• Fire and Ambulance: Dial 119 for fire emergencies, medical emergencies, or to request an ambulance.
• Suzuka Hospital: Dial +81 59-382-1311.

Note that the country code of Japan is +81.

Interesting facts about Japan

There are many interesting facts about Japan, here are some of them:

High Life Expectancy
Japan boasts one of the highest life expectancies globally, with an average lifespan of around 84 years.

Unique Vending Machines
Renowned for its unique vending machines, Japan offers a vast array of products beyond snacks and drinks, including hot meals, umbrellas, and even clothing.

Railway
Punctuality Japanese trains are celebrated for their punctuality, with the Shinkansen (bullet train) averaging delays of less than a minute.

Cultural Festivals
Throughout the year, Japan hosts numerous cultural festivals such as Kyoto's Gion Matsuri and Aomori's Nebuta Matsuri, featuring traditional music, dance, and parades.

Cherry Blossoms (Sakura)
Cherry blossom season is a major cultural event in Japan, marked by Hanami (flower viewing) parties under blooming cherry trees.

Technological Advancements
Japan is a global leader in technology and innovation, home to companies like Sony, Toyota, and Nintendo, and is at the forefront of robotics and electronics.

Food Culture
Japanese cuisine, renowned for its fresh, seasonal ingredients and exquisite presentation, includes sushi, ramen, and tempura. It is also recognised as a UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage.

Mount Fuji
Mount Fuji, Japan's highest peak at 3,776 metres (12,389 feet), is an active stratovolcano and a popular hiking destination, symbolising Japan's natural beauty.

Unique Toilets
Japan's high-tech toilets are famous for their advanced features such as heated seats, bidet functions, and even music for privacy.

Safety
Known for its low crime rate, Japan is one of the safest countries in the world. It's common to see children commuting to school alone and lost items being returned to their owners.