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Japan Information
Time zone: All of Japan sits within the same time zone, and no daylight saving is practiced. The country is nine hours ahead of GMT.
Language: Japan's official language is Japanese, but English is generally understood in major cities and designated tourist sites.
Enhance your trip with some basic language skills:
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Hello: Konnichiwa (こんにちは)
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Good morning: Ohayō (おはよう) or ohayō gozaimas (おはようございます)
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Good evening: Konbanwa (こんばんは)
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Goodbye (when going away for a long time or not coming back): Sayōnara (さようなら)
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See you later (when saying bye to friends): Matane (またね)
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Thank you: Arigatō gozaimas (ありがとうございます)
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Excuse me: Sumimasen (すみません)
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Sorry: Gomennasai (ごめんなさい)
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I don’t understand: Wakarimasen (わかりません)
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You’re welcome: Dōitashimashte (どういたしまして)
Weather: There are four seasons in Japan, spring, summer, fall, and winter. Each season has specific sceneries and experiences to offer. For each season, there are many different ways to enjoy places in Japan and a new discovery always awaits.
Currency: he Japanese yen is used throughout the country and you can exchange foreign currency at the airports and most major banks.
Electricity plug & socket: The voltage in Japan is 100 Volt. A two flat parallel prong plugs is widely used. For guaranteed charging of your electrical necessities, purchase a plug adapter beforehand.
Tax free: Visitors to Japan are eligible for tax exemption on many consumer goods. The process of receiving your tax back can vary from store to store.
Business hours & Holidays: Avoid closed doors and fully-booked hotels by finding out the Japanese business hours for major businesses, services, and facilities, and the dates of the major holidays. The business hours of banks, post offices, department stores, as well as museums, parks and other public services and spaces in Japan may differ from that of your home country. These business hours will also vary throughout the country.
Tipping in Japan: Tipping is not practiced in Japan. In fact, it can cause discomfort and confusion if you do. A service charge is generally added on to the final bill in restaurants.
IC Travel card (SUICA): Make your journeys as smooth as the public transportation you will ride on by purchasing a chargeable IC travel card.
An IC card will become your most treasured possession during your stay in Japan. Use it to transfer swiftly between train lines and hop onto waiting buses and boats with a minimum of fuss. You can also use it at a number of vending machines and convenience stores, some taxis and for other services.
Drinking water: While bottled water is readily available all over Japan—including in the infinite vending machines—the tap water is perfectly safe to drink.
Customs & Manners: When in Japan, practice politeness and common sense, adhering to a general traveler's code of respect.
Learn about local customs to enhance your experience. Japanese greetings, like bowing, are common—responding with a simple "arigato" shows respect.
Public etiquette is crucial, especially on public transport.
Use chopsticks in restaurants, but don't hesitate to ask for alternatives. Sushi can be eaten with your hands. Slurping noodles is culturally acceptable.
In traditional ryokan hotels, follow specific customs, such as removing shoes and sleeping on futons. If unsure, ask for guidance to avoid misunderstandings.
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