Japan Basic Information
Japan is an archipelago of over 3000 islands, the largest four making up 97 percent of the land, which is largely mountainous. This contributes to the very high population density in the areas suitable for habitation. The Japanese Archipelago sits on the Pacific Ring of Fire, meaning relatively frequent earthquakes and volcanic eruptions.
Japan is a major economic power with the world's second largest economy.
Climate
Japan is mostly temperate but there is great variety in climate from north to south. In the far north, winters are long and cold with deep snow often forming. Summers are cool.
The deep south is sub-tropical with warm winters and hot summers. There is often heavy rain in the rainy season and typhoons are common.
Other areas in between have a wide variety of weather patterns.
Japan Time
GMT +9
Voltage
Japanese domestic voltage is 100 Volts (NOT 110 as in America) and great care should be taken when using your devices from home, as damage may be caused if they are not compatible. There is also a frequency difference in different parts of Japan... between 50 Hertz and 60 Hertz, although this is unlikely to affect most devices. The design of unpolarised sockets is identical to those in North America but most modern sockets are polarised with one pin being slightly wider than the other.
International dialling code
+81
Mobile Phones
Japan's cellular communications networks do not use the GSM system used in most other countries. See our main article on Japanese Mobile Phones
Internet
Internet cafes are plentiful and access is very cheap. Most of the population enjoy super fast fibre optic connections.
Money
The unit of currency is the Japanese Yen. Banks are open from 9am to 3pm Monday to Friday, and rather oddly, many ATM's also close at night. Japan is still very much a cash based society and you may find yourself having to carry much more cash than you would if you were in your home country.
Tipping
Tipping is not usual in Japan and it is certainly not customary to tip in restaurants, bars, hotels etc. If you insist on leaving a tip, you will probably just cause confusion.
Safety
Japan is one of safest countries in the world. Of course it has it's problems, like any country... but the worst that is likely to happen is a train groper and even that is highly unlikely. Relax, enjoy this well ordered, civilised society.
Driving in Japan
See our main article on
Need advice? Got a question? Go to our Japan Forum