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| Japan is a unique country to travel
to, but, like Australia, there are many customs and practices that
are different from other foreign countries. Paying attention to
these customs will make your trip smoother and your stay in Japan
more pleasant. |
| Seasons |
Japan
consists of four seasons, each considerably distinct from one another.
Clothing to suit the season you are travelling in will make it easier
for you to move about while in Japan. Smart, casual clothing is
usually recommended.
* Take jackets and sweaters for travel during spring or autumn.
* Light fabrics and short sleeves are recommended for summer travel.
* Coats and heavy woollen items are essential during winter.
* Clean socks are also highly recommended as shoes are customarily
removed on entering certain Japanese restaurants, traditional guest
houses and private homes.
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Money |
Cash
is the primary form of payment in Japan; credit card facilities
and ATMs are available in major cities, but services may be difficult
to find in rural areas.
* Obtain cash at foreign exchange banks and
other authorised money exchangers before entering Japan, or at exchange
facilities located in airports.
* Currency exceeding 1,000,000 yen worth must be declared when entering
or leaving Japan.
* Travellers Cheques are accepted by leading banks, hotels, ryokans
(Japanese inns) and stores in major cities.
* Many ATMs do no accept foreign credit cards or cash cards, and
service hours may be restricted.
* ATMs at Post Offices accept cards from the Cirrus, Plus, Maestro
and Visa Electron networks. Accepted credit cards include Visa,
MasterCard, American Express and Diner's Club. |
| Visa |
Foreign
visitors who wish to enter Japan must have a valid passport. Australian
Passport holders are entitled to stay for 90 days to engage in activities
such as sight-seeing or visiting relatives. A "Temporary Visitor's
Visa" cannot be used for any remunerative purposes, which involve
profit making or payment acceptance within Japan by the visitor.
For more information, contact the Japanese Embassy or Consulate
nearest you.
* Perth http://www.perth.au.emb-japan.go.jp/
Consulate - General of Japan 21st Fl., the Forrest Centre, 221 St.
George's Terrace, Perth, W.A. 6000, Australia. (P.O. Box 7347, Cloisters
Square, Perth W.A. 6850)
TEL: (61-8) 9480-1800 FAX: (61-8) 9321-2030
* Australia http://www.japan.org.au/
Embassy of Japan 112 Empire Circuit, Yarralumla, Canberra A.C.T.
2600, Australia.
TEL: (61-2) 6273-3244 FAX: (61-2) 6273-1848
* Sydney http://www.sydney.au.emb-japan.go.jp/
Consulate - General of Japan Level 34, Colonial Centre, 52 Martin
Place, Sydney, N.S.W. 2000, Australia. (G.P.O. Box No. 4125, Sydney
2001)
TEL: (61-2) 9231-3455 FAX: (61-2) 9221-6157
* Brisbane http://www.brisbane.au.emb-japan.go.jp/
Consulate - General of Japan 17th Fl., Comalco Place, 12 Creek Street,
Brisbane, Queensland, 4000, Australia.
TEL: (61-7) 3221-5188 FAX: (61-7) 3229-0878 |
| Electricity |
The
voltage used throughout Japan is uniformly 100 volts, A.C. There
are two kinds of frequencies in use; 50 Hertz in eastern Japan and
60 Hertz in western Japan (including Nagoya, Kyoto and Osaka).
* Transformers may need to be purchased if electrical appliances
such as hair driers, irons and shavers do not accept international
voltages.
* The plug shape in Japan is different to that of Australia. A plug-adaptor
will be required to use any appliances in Japan. |
| Shopping
and Business |
Japan
offers a wide range of traditional and modern goods at shops throughout
the country. Popular purchases include duty-free electronics goods
to traditional items such as bamboo-ware, kimonos and pottery.
* Shops are generally open everyday, including national holidays.
Usual business hours are from 10.00am- 8.00pm.
* Banks are open on weekdays from 9.00am- 3.00pm. Post Offices and
company offices are open weekdays from 9.00am- 5.00pm. Major Post
Offices are also open weekends.
* Museums are open from 10.00am- 5.00pm daily, but are usually closed
on Mondays. |
| Dining
Out |
Japanese
food can be a little daunting to some first-time travelers. Realistic
plastic models of dishes can be found outside most restaurants,
and some even have an English menu to choose from.
* Affordable restaurants can be found in the basements of downtown
office buildings, dining floors of department stores, urban shopping
centers and the underground malls of large railway stations.
* Noodle stands, coffee shops, fast-food outlets and vending machines
also provide a variety of affordable foods and beverages with quick
service.
* Night bars offer casual drinks with locals; a great way to experience
Japan in a relaxed atmosphere. |
| Before
You Leave |
Australian
departure tax and other charges are prepaid prior to your departure
from Australia and shown on your airline ticket.
* Other charges may
apply when you depart from airports in Japan.
* The free baggage allowance for Economy Class passengers is 20
kilos, while Business Class passengers are permitted 30 kilos.
* Any baggage in excess of 20 kilos will be charged for at the normal
excess baggage rates.
* It is recommended that you purchase a Travel Insurance Policy
when booking your ticket. |
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(08)
9221-5588