PLAN YOUR TRIP
Language:
English is
generally understood in major cities and designated tourist attractions, but learning
some basic Japanese phrases can help make your trip more smoothly.
Daily conversations |
|
Japanese |
English |
Konnichiwa |
Hello |
Ohayo |
Good morning |
Arigatou |
Thank you |
Sumimasen |
Excuse me |
Gomen nasai |
I am sorry |
Sayonara |
Good-bye |
Doko desuka |
Where is |
Ikura desuka |
How much is |
Time zone: GMT+9
Time differences |
|
New York |
-14 hours |
Chicago |
-15 hours |
San Francisco/ Los Angeles |
-17 hours |
Toronto/Montreal |
-14 hours |
Vancouver |
-17 hours |
When to visit & things to do:
The four
seasons of the year are distinct in Japan, and the weather varies greatly from
region to region. You may check the weather forecast for the areas before you
travel.
Travel tip: Japan weather forecast for travelers (click here for more details)
Spring (March to May)- Cherry blossom
Summer (June to August)- Grand fireworks festival
Autumn (September to November)- Fall colour touring
Winter (December to February)- Skiing & hot spring
Currency:
Japanese Yen
(JPY) comes in bills of 1,000 yen, 2,000 yen, 5,000 yen and 10,000 yen, and
coins of 1 yen, 5 yen, 10 yen, 50 yen, and 500 yen.
Foreign
currency exchange can be found at the airports and most major banks.
Credit cards:
Credit cards
of international brands, (like American Express, JCB, Mastercard, Visa,
Discover) are generally accepted throughout the country. Just in
case, carrying some cash is recommended.
Wifi & Plugs:
Wireless hotspots are common all over major cities in Japan. You can also rent mobile phones and pocket wifi units, and buy SIM cards at airports if needed.
Japan uses two flat parallel prong plugs.
Visa Information:
Travelers
from USA and Canada can visit Japan for up to 90 days without requiring a visa.
Travel tip: Stay longer in Japan (click here for more details)
Emergency:
Police: 110
Fire &
medical: 119
Travel tip: contact your Embassy/
Consulates for assistance
U.S. Embassy
in Japan: 03-3224-5000
U.S.
Consulate General Sapporo: 011-641-1115
U.S.
Consulate Nagoya: 052-581-4501
U.S.
Consulate General Osaka: 06-6315-5900
U.S.
Consulate Fukuoka: 092-751-9331
U.S.
Consulate General Naha: 098-876-4211
Embassy of Canada in Japan: 03-5412-6200
RECOMMENDED ROUTES
Splendid Japan 9 Days
Osaka - Nara - Kyoto - Shizuoka - Mt
Fuji - Yokohama – Tokyo
Highlights:
☆ Admire the elegant landmark of Osaka
Castle Garden.
☆ Marvel at the deer of Nara Deer Park as the frolic in the
open.
☆ Appreciate Yasaka Shrine which was founded in Kyoto over
1350 years ago.
☆ Enjoy a walk in the most exclusive and well-known geisha
district, Gion.
☆ Imagine being in another world by standing amid the soaring
stalks of bamboo in Arashiyama Bamboo Grove.
☆ Climb the magnificent Mt Fuji of the worlds' most popular
UNESCO World Heritage sites.