Japan Travel Tips

Credit Card / Cash

Only Citibank (24 hours), Post Office ATMs (normal business hours) and
more recently 7/11 Convenience Store ATM's will accept foreign credit cards for cash withdrawals - Don't forget your PIN. It is advisable to bring as much cash as possible. More recently Shi­nsei Bank will also accept foreign cards in Tokyo. It is recommended to bring as much cash with you as you feel comfortable with. Alternatively, travelers cheques are an option but again, banks in Japan can be troublesome without having the language.

Luggage

Bring one suitcase weighing no more than 15 KG on your way to Japan. You'll add to this during your stay and the maximum weight allowance is 20 KG per person on most economy seats. Business class varies but is around 30 KG per person. Japanese airports are very strict about weight and usually charge 3,000 - 5,000 yen per extra kilo. If you get caught at the airport with a hefty fine, use the Post Office Service to send by SAL. This takes from 1 week up to 6 weeks to be delivered. It's a lot cheaper than Air freight.

“Takkyubin” is a postal service that delivers parcels, including suit cases, ski’s, etc. from anywhere, and to anywhere, within Japan. Distances that do not require a flight usually take less than one day. So if you send your bag from Tokyo in the morning it can sometimes be at your Kyoto hotel that evening or the following morning. If you are planning an overnight stay in the countryside (where few coin lockers exist), this service is highly recommended.

“Coin Lockers” - “コインロッカー” are found in most train stations (look for the sign or ask station staff). The bigger the station the bigger the lockers, i.e. lockers available for large suitcases. Smaller rural stations may only have lockers suitable for light luggage. This option is safe and very convenient. It is not recommended to carry baggage when sightseeing, especially in cities. It will tire you out and get in the way. Cost per locker depends on the size and time. Ranges from 200JPY - 600JPY for up to 6-8 hours.

Clothes

Check the climate and temperature before you leave and bring clothes to suit the season (see above). Japanese weather is very predictable so there's no need to over do it. Japanese people dress very casually day and night - except in Tokyo where you won't know what to expect. Women dress quite modestly but very elegantly. Men look smart at night but suits are only for the office. Unless you are travelling for a special occasion or on business, there's no need for men to bring a suit. Business travellers should bring smart, clean, neat suits with all the trimmings - if you want to impress.

Travel Adapter

If you plan to carry electronic devices it is advisable to carry a travel adaptor with you.

Voltage in Japan is 120W compared to 220W in the UK and Ireland.

Make sure your device has a built in transformer or you may burn it out.

Shoes & Socks

Bizarre as it may sound, clean socks are vital in Japan. You will be surprised at the number of unexpected times you have to take off your shoes to enter a room, even dressing rooms in clothes stores. Comfortable shoes are a necessity.

Lots of walking involved - even if from hotel lobby to room.

Mobile Phones

It is recommended to contact your mobile phone network before traveling to Japan. Depending on whether your phone is 3G compatible your phone may work at very high roaming charges. Japanese phones do not use SIM cards.

There are numerous rental phone companies in the airport terminals if you wish to rent a local phone. If you plan to use your phone a lot or want to be contactable from abroad easily and inexpensively, this is the recommended option.

Time

It is advisable not to go to McDonalds 10 minutes before your train leaves - they won’t wait. A common shock, for Irish in particular, is the punctuality of services, especially the trains.

You should be at your meeting point at least 10 minutes before the scheduled time, even in business!

International Calls

It is not cheap to call home, and even more expensive from a hotel room. Your best option is to buy an International Call Card at any convenience store. You can use this from your hotel room or any pay phone that allows International calling (you will see a sign). Cards can be purchased from 1,000 yen. It is more economical to call land lines than mobiles.

SKYPE:
If you have a skype account you can call your family for free (as long as your family have a skype account on their own PC at home). This is the best way to call home. You can call mobile phones and landlines also for a much cheaper fee than a normal phone or call card. It is worth looking into before going to Japan, especially if you plan on bringing your laptop with you! If you do not have a laptop, you can use skype from an internet cafe. Just bring your own headset with earphones and microphone. Talk for free! For more information visit: www.skype.com.

Language

Surprisingly, you will find little or no English once you leave the main cities (Tokyo, Osaka, Kyoto). For this reason it is advisable to either carry a pocket phrase book, go on an escorted tour, or consult with us before you leave for Japan. Advance planning will make your trip to Japan a lot more worthwhile and comfortable.

Bullet Trains (Shinkansen) / Japan Rail pass

If you are traveling in Japan using the Japan Rail Pass, it is still advised to reserve seats prior to getting on the bullet trains. Advance booking is always recommended in Japan. During busy seasons trains can get quite full, even in reserved areas. If you do not reserve your seat, you could end up standing for most of your journey which is not necessary. Same goes for any long distance or special types of trains in Japan - reservations recommended.

Visa’s, Airport Security & Documentation

Passengers carrying an EU or US passport are exempt from obtaining a visa to enter Japan. You are not permitted to work as this is only a tourist visa. Visa’s can be validated for up to 6 months or less. For more information on Visa’s in Japan visit: http://www.mofa.go.jp/j_info/visit/visa/02.html

In November 2007, security checks on entering an International Airport in Japan requires passengers to give their finger print and photo, kept on file and processed at the immigration area. You are not required to bring a photo with you. You will receive an immigration card to fill out (usually handed out on the aircraft before landing). This must be filled out and handed in to Immigration on arrival.

Tokyo Transport

If you do not have use of the Japan Rail Pass and plan on being in Tokyo for more than a few days, we recommend you to buy a SUICA or PASSMO card. This is similar to a pay as you go transport card, or in London - the Oyster Card. You can purchase this at any JR office or alternatively from a vending machine located beside the entrance to tracks. A small deposit is required to buy the card (500yen). Top it up as necessary. It can be used on all trains, buses, and even in some convenience stores in Tokyo. Extremely handy and saves you time. Just swipe the card at the ticket gates. The gates will tell you how much each journey costs, and how much you have left on the card. For more information, see: http://www.jreast.co.jp/e/index.html.

The above are just a few of the travel tips we advise our customers to follow. A more detailed list of travel tips will be included in your Essential Travel Pack included in all our Small Group, Tailormade, or Self Guided Tours to Japan.

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