JAPAN INFORMATION  
 
Calendar
The Japanese use the Western calendar, but the traditional method of referring to the years is still widely in use.
Years are traditionally referred to by the name of the era of the ruling emperor and the year of the emperor's reign. For example, Emperor Akihito's reign is known as the Heisei Era, so 2004 is referred to as Heisei 16. (Heisei means "succeed at peace.")
The Showa era began in 1926 at the beginning of the reign of Emperor Hirohito and ended with his death in 1989. That same year was the first year for Emperor Akihito's reign and is also referred to as Heisei 1. You will find dates are often stamped as 16.1.19 (19th Jan 2004) on food items and train tickets.
Department Stores
Department stores are usually open from 10:00am until 7:00 or 8:00pm, seven days a week. Each department store closes on a particular day of the week that is not the same day as other department stores.
Department stores offer a great variety of goods and services from numerous restaurants, designer boutiques, art exhibits, to grocery items displayed in a market style in the basement. There is a customer service desk in the lobby that can provide English maps and answer any questions.
Bargaining is not done in department stores and all items are clearly marked with the yen symbol (¥). Each department has a cashier with several clerks who wrap most items with great care. Department stores, particularly in Tokyo and Osaka, are linked underground to each other, subways, and office buildings.
Electricity and Voltage
The voltage supply in Japan is 100 V, but the frequency is different. In the eastern half of the country (Tokyo), the frequency is 50 Hz and in the western half of the country, (Osaka, Kyoto, and Nagoya) the frequency is 60 Hz. If you are intending on using sensitive equipment, it is recommended you use a frequency converter when travelling throughout the country. Many hotels have 110 and 220 V outlets for use with foreign appliances. Some electrical equipment such as hair dryers and shavers do not require converters.
Money
The unit of currency used in Japan is the Yen which is symbolized with the ¥ sign.
Coin denominations are: 1, 5, 10, 50, 100, 500
Bill denominations are: 1,000, 2,000, 5,000, 10,000
* There are currently 2 types of 500 yen coins in circulation; silver and yellow.
Consumption Tax
There is a 5% consumption tax on most goods. Most prices do not include this tax.
Credit Cards
All major credit cards are widely accepted at hotels, department stores, restaurants, and many smaller stores. In general, credit cards are preferred to traveler's cheques. Credit cards are also safer than carrying around large amounts of cash.
Tipping
As a general rule, the Japanese do not tip. This includes services from taxi drivers, bell boys, and restaurant staff. Often a service charge of 10% or 15% is automatically added to your bill, especially at various restaurants or bars and Western style hotels. If you want to express your gratitude, a small gift, or even words of thanks in Japanese, may be more appropriate. The only time a cash tip may be expected would be at a Japanese Inn (ryokan) where tipping for your maid's services is not included in the bill. As well, if someone provides you with exceptional service, such as a translator or a tour bus guide, a gratuity may be in order. A cash gratuity is never given directly in Japan, because it is considered impolite. It should always be wrapped in paper or placed in an envelope.
Traveler's Cheques
Traveler's cheques are limited in their acceptance. Only establishments that are authorized money changers accept traveler's cheques such as first class hotels, department stores, duty free shops and generally where tourists frequent. They cannot be used at most regular stores and restaurants.
Public Holidays
1 January New Year's Day (Gantan)
People go out to shrines or temples to pay their respects to their ancestors and to pray for their safety and good luck. People also visit their relatives and friends to exchange New Year's greetings during the early part of January. Most stores and offices are closed through January 3.
2 January Bank Holiday
3 January Bank Holiday
2nd Monday in January Coming-of-Age Day (Seijin-no-hi)
To honor young people who have reached 20 years of age; legal age in Japan. Most cities and towns sponsor ceremonies on this day.
11 February National Foundation Day (Kenkoku-kinen-no-hi)
To celebrate accession to the throne of the first emperor, Jimmu.
20 or 21 March Vernal Equinox
To celebrate the first day of spring and to venerate one's ancestors. This date varies from year to year.
29 April Greenery Day (Midori-no-hi)
Formally, the Emperor Showa's birthday, but now celebrated as Greenery Day.
3 May Constitution Day (Kenpou-kinen-bi)
To commemorate promulgation of Japan's new peace constitution, a post-war creation.
4 May Citizen's Day (Kokumin-no-kyujitsu)
5 May Children's Day (Kodomo-no-hi)
Formerly called Boy's Day. To celebrate growth of children in good health.
20 July Marine Day (Umi-no-hi)
First observed in 1997. Events are held based on the theme of navigation.
15 September Respect for the Aged Day (Keirou-no-hi)
Celebrations are held for the aged.
23 September Autumnal Equinox Day
To celebrate the first day of autumn and to venerate one's ancestors. This date may vary from year to year.
2nd Monday in October Health-Sports Day (Taiiku-no-hi)
To encourage the people to enjoy sports, and encourage a healthy lifestyle. This date commemorates the Olympic Games held in Tokyo on 10th October 1964.
3 November Culture Day (Bunka-no-hi)
Formally the Emperor Meiji's birthday, but now celebrated as Culture Day. Many schools and universities have their festivals on this day.
23 November Labor Thanksgiving Day (Kinrou-kansha-no-hi)
Frequently combined with celebrations of a good harvest in the country-side.
23 December Emperor's Birthday (Tennou-tanjyou-bi)
The Emperor Akihito's birthday. The Imperial Palace is opened to the public on this day.
31 December Bank Holiday
Note:
* Stores are open on public holidays except for the New Year break.
* Holidays falling on a Sunday are observed on the following Monday except for the New Year Bank Holidays.
* Holidays falling on a Saturday are not observed on the following Monday.
* 29 April - 5 May is commonly referred to as Golden Week due to a number of public holidays falling in the space of a week. Many people take vacation days mixed in with the public holidays.
* 13 - 15 August Obon Holidays
The festival of souls. Japanese visit the graves of their ancestors at this time and leave food offerings. Although this is not an official holiday, many companies and even government offices may be closed for up to a week.
Safety and Security
There have been no major terrorist incidents in Japan since 1995. It is safe to walk the streets in the middle of the night, but of course, you should take care wherever you go.
Smoking
The number of bars and restaurants that have non-smoking sections is on the rise, but you will find that Japan is behind Australia, U.S.A., Canada and other countries in this area. Some train stations have special smoking areas, and all underground malls and subway stations are no-smoking areas.
Telephones
There are mainly two types of public telephones. Gray phones will accept both coins and telephone cards, and can be used for international calls. They also have data ports for connecting your PC. Green public phones will accept both coins and telephone cards, but they cannot be used for international calls unless marked. You will still find pink public telephones. These will only accept 10 yen coins, and you cannot make international calls from them. Telephone cards can be purchased at telephone offices, designated stores, and vending machines. Cards are available in 500 and 1000. * You are required to insert a card or coins to make free dial calls.
Time
Japan is in one time zone and does not have Daylight Savings Time. Japan is nine hours ahead of Greenwich Mean Time (+9 GMT).
The Japanese use the 24-hour clock or military hours instead of using am and pm. This is especially used when looking at train timetables and at airports.
e.g. 9:00 am = 09:00, 3:00pm = 15:00, 6:00pm = 18:00 etc.
Toilet
Always ask for a toilet instead of a bathroom in Japan. A bathroom in Japan is solely used for washing with a bath and shower. All Western-style hotels have Western-style toilets, but you will find both Japanese style (squat) and Western-style toilets at public toilets. In some cases, it is best to avoid using toilets at train stations or at a remote tourist attraction. Always carry tissue paper in case there is no toilet paper. Paper or hand towels are also rare and most Japanese carry a handkerchief for drying their hands. Taps usually have cold water only.
Water
You can drink tap water in Japan. The water in major cities does not taste so good, so sometimes bottled water is recommended.
Weather & What to Take
What to wear in Japan depends upon the season. Days in autumn are warm and sunny while nights are cool and crisp, so expect to wear several layers of light woolens. In winter, you will want warm woolens and socks; even indoors. If you're visiting northern Honshu and Hokkaido, plan to wear several layers. Springtime is lovely but rainy; bring layered lightweight woollens and rain gear. Summer is hot and humid. However, most buildings are overly air-conditioned, so bring a sweater. It's unlikely that you'll need formal evening clothes, and in any case they can be rented.
Carry packets of disposable tissues with you; many restaurants don't provide napkins, and public restrooms don't always provide toilet paper.
Vending Machines
Vending machines can be found almost anywhere, especially where you least expect one. They sell soft drinks, liquor (mostly beer), cigarettes, magazines, CDs, cakes, cooked snacks, ice cream, flowers and even batteries.
Video System
Japan uses the same VHS video-cassette format as the rest of the world, but the broadcast frequency is NTSC (the same as the U.S. and Canada).
Europe and Australia are on the PAL frequency. Therefore, it is important to be careful when buying TVs, video cameras, video decks, etc. Products in Japan are typically more expensive than where you come from, but the product technology is sometimes a year or two ahead of the rest of the world.