PREPARING FOR A TRIP TO japan

The Essentials before planning a trip to japan.

JAPAN VISA APPLICATION

A visa is required to enter Japan. Japan has reciprocal visa exemption arrangements with 68 countries. The passport holders from these countries can visit Japan for a short-term stay of less than 90 days without applying for a visa. When applying for a visa, your passport must be valid for at least 6 months, and you must have at least 3 blank visa pages. The Japan visa application will create an online application form, and use the application form to proceed with the application procedure at the visa centre. 

The size of the photo should be 5 cm x 5 cm, and the background should be white. Please prepare a colour ID photo. In addition, the size of the face must be within 2.5 to 3.5 cm. Please note that the photo check is quite strict and you may be asked to retake the photo. (The application location differs depending on where you live. Please contact us for details.) It takes 2 to 3 weeks to obtain the visa.

Mini GUIDE FOR JAPAN

Language

Japanese is the official language of Japan and it is spoken throughout the country. In Japan, Japanese Language is the official language. In writing it has 3 dialects, Hiragana, Katakana and Kanji. Visitor guides and travel information in English, Chinese, Korean and the other languages are available at tourist information centres in the major cities and tourist Destinations.

TIME DIFFERENCE

Japan is called the Country of Rising Sun

Japan Standard Time (JST) (GMT +09:00) : Indian Standard Time (IST) (GMT +05:30)

Japan is 3:30 hours ahead of Mumbai, India.

Japan is 8:00 hours ahead of London, UK.

Japan is 13:00 hours ahead of New York, USA.

All the territories of Japan sit within one time zone (UTC+9/GMT+9) that runs 9 hours ahead of GMT. Japan does not use Daylight saving time (Summer time).

Currency

Japan's currency is Japanese yen (円/¥). Major currencies can be exchanged at airports and banks. But South East Countries like India, Nepal, Bhutan, Pakistan, some countries of Central Asia, these Countries currencies cannot be exchanged in Japan, therefore travelers from these countries should Japanese Yen from theirs residing countries. Credit cards issued by major credit card companies like Visa and MasterCard are accepted throughout the country.

VOLTAGE/PLUG

In Japan, the standard voltage is 100 volts, and the frequency is 50/60 Hz. Foreign electric appliances cannot be used as they are. Japanese power outlets typically accept two-pronged plugs with flat parallel blades, so travellers from countries using different plug types may need a plug adapter to use their electronic devices. Please bring a transformer and a dedicated plug. 

TOILET

Travelers can find public restrooms, everywhere. In Long distance Trains, at all stations regardless of big or small, every shopping mall, mostly everywhere. Toilet are Western-style flush type.

SMOKING

Smoking is allowed only in dedicated places. Smoking is prohibited in public places. You may be fined for smoking in public places. At restaurants also there are few smoking places. For heavy chain smokers there are restaurants which provide ash tray to smoke outside their restaurants etc. In same way for heavy smokers book your smoking rooms in advance else you would be fined in non-smoking rooms and can be penalized as well.

HEALTH & medical system

The advanced medical system in Japan provides high-quality service. On an occasion of emergency, you can call 119 for an ambulance, and emergency care is available 24/7 at most general hospitals. If you need regular assistance from a doctor, visit a clinic, general hospital or other medical institution and ask for help at reception. For medication requiring no prescription, simple treatments and medical supplies, you can go to one of the many drugstores and consult the pharmacists or registered clerks if necessary. But for travelers it is recommended to carry their own daily use drugs, as same medicines as of their country could not be bought in Japan. Also, it is also strictly advised to carry a prescription of doctor for the medicines you are carrying. Medicines of High Blood Pressure, Sugar Control, stomach ache, cold, fever, etc. these all should be carried on individually from their own country with a proper doctor’s prescription. Failing which these medicines could not be allowed at Customs of Japan.

Punctuality

Punctuality is one of the most highly valued virtues in Japanese society. One of the best transportation infrastructures on the planet is in Japan. Japanese railway companies are dedicated to using advanced railway technology as well as rigorous management in order to provide safe, reliable transportation for commuters and visitors. The Japanese transport and logistic Infrastructure is extremely efficient and relies on everyone being on time. And they expect the same from their visitors…

Cleanliness

When traveling to Japan, remember these cleanliness tips:

• 1. Keep hand sanitizer handy for on-the-go hygiene.
• 2. Respect the tradition of removing shoes indoors.
• 3. Carry tissue for public restrooms, and follow trash separation rules.
• 4. Use serving utensils when sharing food.
• 5. Keep your accommodation tidy.
• 6. Dispose of trash properly in designated bins.
• 7. Dispose of trash properly in designated bins, and refrain from littering in public spaces.

By following these guidelines, you'll contribute to a clean and respectful travel experience in Japan.

Laundry Service:

Cleaning, Ironing, Shoe polishing is not so easily available in Japan’s hotel.