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1) Japan
Q: Do I need any vaccinations to enter Japan?
Q: Do I need a visa?
Q: What can I bring through Customs?
Q: What is the best way to carry money in Japan: Travelers Checks, cash or
credit cards?
Q: Can I use my credit cards?
Q: Is it possible to use my mobile phone in Japan?
Q: Is Japan expensive?
Q: I don't speak Japanese. Will travel in Japan be difficult?
2) Sightseeing
Q: I am visiting Japan for the first time. Where should I
go?
Q: When is peal travel season?
3) Transportation
Q: How do you go to central Tokyo from New Tokyo
International (Narita) Airport?
Q: How do you go to Haneda Airport from New Tokyo International (Narita)
Airport?
Q: How do you go to the center of Osaka from Kansai International Airport?
Q: Can I purchase tickets or make reservations for JR trains in advance?
Q: Where can I purchase a Japan Rail Pass?
Q: Is the Japan Rail Pass valid for Shinkansen trains?
Q: How do you travel from Tokyo to Kyoto and Osaka?
Q: Do I need an International Driver's License to drive in Japan?
4) Accommodations
Q: What kinds of accommodations are there in Japan?
Q: How do you make reservations at hotels?
Q: How do you find reasonable accommodations?
(1) Japan
Q: Do I need any vaccinations to enter Japan?
A: There are no requirements for foreign travelers from any countries regarding
certificates of vaccination.
Q: Do I need a visa?
A: Japan has agreements with 60 countries exempting their citizens from the
necessity of applying for a visa to enter Japan.
Nationals of all other countries require a visa.
Q: What can I bring through Customs?
A: Baggage or accompanying items arriving separately (within six months after
either entry to or exit from Japan), which are accepted as for personal use
only, are duty-free within the restricted quantity per item per adult as
specified below by the customs regulations. Customs
Q: What is the best way to carry money in Japan:
Travelers Checks, cash or credit cards?
A: Japan has one of the lowest crime rates in the world and it is generally safe
to carry cash. Credit cards are widely used throughout Japan, and major credit
cards are usually accepted. Regarding Travelers Checks, Japanese yen or US
dollars are the most practical for a visit to Japan, but may not be widely
accepted by establishments other than major hotels and banks authorized to
exchange foreign currency.
Q: Can I use my credit cards?
A: Most of the stores and restaurants accept VISA, Master Card and American
Express cards. However, you must be aware that there are small shops that may
not accept credit cards. Foreign credit, debit and cash cards can be used at
over 21,000 Post Office ATMs in locations throughout Japan. Post offices where
this service is available display stickers indicating which cards are accepted.
Cards from the Cirrus, Plus, Maestro and Visa Electron networks can be used.
Accepted credit cards include Visa, MasterCard, American Express and Diners
Club.
Q: Is it possible to use my mobile phone in Japan?
A: The Japanese mobile telephone system is not compatible with those of other
countries. Except for some special kinds of phone (satellite phone), your mobile
phone will not function in Japan. If you want to use a mobile phone in Japan,
rental phones are available. You can find rental shops at Narita Airport and
Kansai Airport.
Q: Is Japan expensive?
A: With a little pre-planning Japan is an affordable destination for even the
most budget conscious traveler. Foreign visitors to Japan can take advantage of
a wide variety of budget accommodation options, transportation passes and
sightseeing discounts. Budget
Travel Hints
Q: I don't speak Japanese. Will travel in Japan be
difficult?
A: Traveling in a country where you don't speak the language can be both
challenging and rewarding. But even if you don't speak any Japanese, finding
your way around Japan needn't be difficult. English is widely spoken throughout
the country, particularly in major cities and tourist centers. Announcements on
public transportation are frequently made in both Japanese and English, and
signs generally include decipherable roman characters or an English explanation.
A comprehensive range of tourist services also provides a helping hand to
foreign visitors in Japan.
(2) Sightseeing
Q: I am visiting Japan for the first time. Where should
I go?
A: Many visitors from overseas visit Tokyo, and its neighboring cities Nikko and
Hakone. The old cities of Kyoto and Nara are also popular tourist destinations.
Q: When is peak travel season?
A: Visitors to Japan should be awared of the peak time of the year for booking
travel and accommodation reservations, which are: (1) Yearend and during New
Year holidays --- December 27 to January 4 and adjacent holidays; (2) "Golden
Week" holiday season --- April 29 to May 5 and adjacent weekends; and (3) "Bon"
festival season --- a week centering on August 15.
(3) Transportation
Q: How do you go to central Tokyo from New Tokyo
International (Narita) Airport?
A: The JR Narita Express, limousine bus and Keisei Dentetsu railway are the
major means of transportation. The JR Narita Express will take you to Tokyo
Station, located at the center of Tokyo, in about 60 minutes. The one-way fare
is 2,940 yen (Japan Rail Pass valid). The rapid train takes 80 minutes to Tokyo
Station with a one-way fare of 1,280 yen. The limousine bus has many direct
lines to major stations and hotels. Travel time varies between 60 to 90 minutes
depending on the destination and the traffic. The fare is about 3,000 yen
one-way. The Keisei Dentetsu Limited Express (Sky Liner) runs between Narita
Airport and Ueno, downtown Tokyo, in about 60 minutes. The one-way fare is 1,920
yen. If you use the rapid train, it takes 75 minutes and costs only 1,000 yen
one-way.
Q: How do you go to Haneda Airport from New Tokyo
International (Narita) Airport?
A: There is a variety of transportation at various fares and times. The
limousine bus and Airport Limited Express are recommended, as there is no need
to change. There are about 3 to 5 bus services every hour between the airports,
except early morning and evening. It is 3,000 yen one-way and takes about 80
minutes. Every hour, there are 1 or 2 Keisei Dentetsu Railway Airport Rapid
Express trains, which take about 110 minutes. The fare is 1,560 yen one-way.
Q: How do you go to the center of Osaka from Kansai
International Airport?
A: JR Limited Express Haruka, the Nankai Dentetsu Railways RAPIT Limited Express
and the limousine bus are the major means of transport to the center of Osaka.
Haruka will take you to JR Shin-Osaka Station, located in the center of Osaka,
in about 45 minutes. The fare is 2,980 yen one-way and the Japan Rail Pass is
valid. If you use RAPIT, you can reach Namba Station, the most bustling part of
Osaka, in about 30 minutes at 1,390 yen one-way. The express train takes about
40 minutes but the fare is only 890 yen one-way. The limousine bus has a number
of services to major stations and hotels and the fare is 1,300 yen one-way.
Travel time varies depending on the traffic, but 60 minutes is the average time.
Q: Can I purchase tickets or make reservations for JR
trains in advance?
A: You can purchase tickets and make reservations from abroad. The English web
site of JR East has opened a reservation site for the Narita Express (limited
express train that runs between New Tokyo International Airport and metropolitan
Tokyo) and Tokaido/Sanyo Shinkansen Line. Japan
Railways Seat Reservation Service
Q: Where can I purchase a Japan Rail Pass?
A: An Exchange Order for a Japan Rail Pass can be purchased from overseas
offices of JTB International, Nippon Travel Agency Co., Ltd., Kinki Nippon
Tourist Co., Ltd. And Tokyu Tourist Corporation plus their affiliated travel
agencies in various countries. Overseas offices of JAL also handle the Exchange
Order.
Q: Is the Japan Rail Pass valid for Shinkansen trains?
A: Yes, it is, with the exception of the Nozomi of the Tokaido/Sanyo Shinkansen.
Q: How do you travel from Tokyo to Kyoto and Osaka?
A: You can take Shinkansen Hikari, which takes 2 hours 30 minutes to Kyoto and 3
hours to Osaka. Nozomi is 15 minutes faster to Kyoto than Hikari and 30 minutes
faster to Osaka.
Q: Do I need an International Driver's License to drive
in Japan?
A: If you wish to drive in Japan, you must possess one of the following driving
permits.
1) A Japanese Driver's License
2) An International Driver's License (90 member countries) based on the Treaty
of Geneva (1949)
3) A Driver's License of Switzerland, Germany or France (must inquire about
conditions to the institution issuing the driving permit of respective
countries)
(4) Accommodations
Q: What kinds of accommodations are there in Japan?
A: You will find a variety of accommodation styles to suit all tastes and
budgets in Japan. If you are looking for western-style lodgings, there are
luxury hotels and business hotels. If you prefer Japanese-style accommodation,
stay at Ryokan (Japanese-style inn) and Minshuku (private guest-house providing
a bed and meals). We recommend Welcome Inn, the Japanese Inn Group and Youth
Hostels for travelers on low budgets.
Q: How do you make reservations at hotels?
A: If you want to make a reservation, you can either ask the travel agent to
arrange the accommodation, or contact the hotel directly. Many hotels now have
their own web site where you can make reservations on-line.
Q: How do you find reasonable accommodations?
A: A non-profit-organization, Welcome Inn Reservation Center, has made a list of
reasonable accommodations for overseas visitors.
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