Japan Travel Guide & Travel Tips

Many people want to visit Japan, but they don’t know much about the country, let alone the travel tips. Are you prepared to go? How much do you know about Japan’s climate, time difference, etiquette, and dining habits? Probably not many people do. Below, we’ll specifically introduce some key Japan travel tips. We hope this can be helpful to you.

Japan Travel Guide & Travel Tips

Recommended Duration of Visit:7–10 days

Best Time to Visit:Suitable all year round, each season has its own charm

Top 10 Attractions in Japan

Tokyo	Hokkaido	Okinawa	Kyoto	Osaka
Mount Fuji	Nagoya	Nara	Fukuoka	Akihabara

Japan Exit Information

Country code: 0081

Exchange rate: 1 CNY = 18.662 JPY (November 2014)

Time difference: Japan Time = Beijing Time +1 hour

Japanese Embassy in China Visa Application: http://www.cn.emb-japan.go.jp/index.htm

Detailed Guide to Traveling in Japan

1.Japan’s Climate:

Japan’s Climate: Surrounded by the ocean, Japan has a temperate maritime monsoon climate. However, due to its long and narrow shape, it spans three climate zones — tropical, temperate, and frigid — and is influenced by both continental and marine climates, resulting in significant weather changes and distinct four seasons. Summers are generally hot nationwide with abundant rainfall. Winters see heavy snowfall and many overcast days on the Sea of Japan side, while the Pacific side remains dry and sunny. There is a notable temperature difference between northern and southern Japan in winter; in January, the average temperature in northern Sapporo is below zero, while in southern Naha it is above 15 degrees.

Overall, Japan’s weather is similar to that of Beijing, with four distinct seasons. Please pack clothing according to the season.

2.TimeDifference:

Japan Time is one hour ahead of China Time. For example, when it is 8:00 AM in Beijing, it is 9:00 AM in Tokyo.

3.What Kind of Clothing Should You Bring?Clothing for Traveling

The coldest time in Japan is January, which is similar to China. Pay attention to the weather forecast — generally, when temperatures drop in China, Japan follows about a day later. Tokyo gets quite cold, but indoor heating is good. If you’re going out, it’s best to wear an ankle-length coat with a sweater underneath; otherwise, you may find it too hot indoors. Don’t forget a scarf and hat — although the temperature might not be extremely low, the wind can be very cold.

Tokyo winters are quite chilly. If you wait to buy clothes when you arrive, you might have a tough time. However, observing young people in Tokyo will show you they often choose style over warmth — some even wear shorts in snowy weather.

4.JaBasic Etiquette:

Greetings: Everyone knows that Japanese people often bow when greeting others. Bowing is an essential basic etiquette for Japanese people of all ages, both men and women, and is indispensable in daily life. However, not all bows are the same—bows vary depending on the occasion and the person you are addressing, and there is quite a bit of nuance involved. The basic posture for bowing is as follows: stand with your legs straight, hands naturally hanging down at your sides with fingers lightly clasped. As you bend at the waist, allow your upper body to lean forward naturally. For the deepest bow, your waist should bend until your face is nearly parallel with your knees. When bowing to elders, keep your back straight, do not let your head droop, bend at the waist, and lean your upper body forward. Among peers, the bow should be slight, with your back straight and your chin not touching your collar. When receiving a bow from someone younger, keep your back and neck straight. When meeting someone, Japanese people do not shake hands but only bow. During conversation, avoid staring directly into the other person’s face or looking around; instead, let your gaze rest between the other person’s forehead and navel, within the area of their shoulders. On public transport, avoid speaking loudly. Even if you spot a friend in a crowd, refrain from calling out loudly—opt for a soft call or a wave instead.

When visiting others, Japanese people generally avoid early mornings, late nights, and mealtimes. It’s important to arrange the time and place of the visit in advance by phone or other means. Dropping in unannounced is considered very impolite. When meeting someone for the first time, start with a self-introduction. Present your business card with both hands, offering it respectfully. When receiving someone else’s card, treat it with great care—read the information on it carefully before putting it away in your pocket. Never toss it casually onto a table without looking at it.

When visiting someone’s home in Japan, follow the host’s arrangements. Generally, you’ll exchange a few words at the entrance. Upon entering the “genkan” (the entryway where shoes are removed), take off your shoes, arrange them neatly, and then proceed indoors. Sit down before beginning conversation. During the conversation, listen attentively to what others are saying. Do not interrupt when the host is speaking with others, avoid asking a woman her age, do not unnecessarily prolong the visit, and be mindful of when it’s time to leave. When taking your leave, do not step on the tatami mats or cushions. When the host sees you to the door, say goodbye once again. If you have been treated to a meal or received a gift, be sure to call or write a thank-you note promptly afterward.

Don’t Forget to Remove Your Shoes: When in Rome, do as the Romans do. Whether you’re entering a hotel room, a Japanese home, a conference room, or an office, you must change into indoor slippers upon entering. Sometimes, you may even need to change slippers twice. This custom of changing shoes is strictly observed in Japan. Never forget to take off your shoes before entering a building.

No Need to Tip: Like many Asian countries, Japan does not have a tipping culture. Major hotels and restaurants already include a 10%–15% service charge in the bill. Taxis also do not require tips unless you’ve received exceptional service. The same goes for services in beauty salons, barbershops, bars, and nightclubs—you don’t need to tip in these places either.

5.Howto Exchange Japanese Yen

U.S. dollars and Japanese yen can be exchanged at airports and banks. You’ll need to present your passport, and the exchange rate will be based on the daily foreign exchange rates posted by the local bank. Currency exchange services at Japanese banks are only available from 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM, and banks are closed on Saturdays, Sundays, and major holidays.

The yen is Japan’s official currency, established in 1871. Its banknotes are called Japanese banknotes, with denominations of 1,000, 2,000, 5,000, and 10,000 yen. Coins come in denominations of 1, 5, 10, 50, 100, and 500 yen.6.Consumption Tax:

In Japan, all goods are subject to a 5% consumption tax. The price tags in stores usually do not include the consumption tax, which is added at the time of payment.

7.Communications:NewsChina-made mobile phones do not work in Japan. Upon leaving the airport, you can find places that rent local Japanese phones or purchase prepaid phone cards (phone cards are more convenient and affordable, and you can keep them as souvenirs—the phone cards in Japan are exquisitely designed). To use a landline: to call Beijing, dial 001 (international) + 86 (China) + 010 (Beijing) + the desired phone number.

8.

Traffic Rules:Pedestrians keep to the right, and motor vehicles drive on the left.9.

Business Hours of Major Service Establishments in Japan:

① Name: Monday to Friday | Saturday, Sunday, and Holidays② Banks: 9:00 – 15:00

③ Post Offices: 9:00 – 17:00

④ Department Stores: 10:00 – 19:00 or 20:00

⑤ Convenience Stores: Open 24 hours a day

④Department Store 10:00 – 19:00 or 20:00

⑤Convenience Store Open 24 Hours

10.Japanese Visa:

For sightseeing in Japan, visitors are typically issued a "Temporary Visitor Visa" by the Japanese Ministry of Foreign Affairs, which allows a stay of up to 90 days. When applying individually, you must go in person to the Japanese embassy or consulate. You will also need an invitation letter from a relative or friend in Japan, as well as identity and financial guarantees. However, the review process is strict, and approval is not always easy. For group package tours, the tour operator can handle the visa application on your behalf, making the process much easier.

The following documents are required for a visa application:

(1) Original valid private passport (with at least six months validity remaining);

(2) Your employer’s name, address, phone number, and a copy of your business license;

(3) Two completed copies of the Japanese Entry Visa Application Form;

(4) Five copies of the “Certificate of Guaranteed Employment” issued by the inviting organization in Japan (one original and four copies);

(5) Nine passport-sized photos (4.5 cm² each);

(6) A letter of guarantee from the applicant’s employer, stating not only a commitment to returning on time and abiding by Japanese laws but also agreeing to cover any necessary costs or liabilities if these conditions are violated;

(7) Proof of inseparable ties to your home country and a guarantee to return as scheduled.

Embassy Cancellation Notice: According to the regulations of the Japanese Embassy in Beijing, after each tour group returns, all members’ passports must be submitted to the embassy for cancellation, which takes three working days. The actual time may vary depending on the embassy’s processing situation. Failure of any member to attend the cancellation on time may result in a negative record, which could affect future travel to other countries.

11.Important Phone Numbers:

Police: 110

Fire and Ambulance: 119

English Police Hotline: 3501-0110

In emergencies, you can use public telephones without inserting a 10-yen coin. Simply press the red button to make a call.

Medical Information Line: 5285-8181 (available in English, Chinese, Korean, Thai, and Spanish)

Tourist Information Center (TIC): (03)3201-3331

Road Traffic Information: (0570)011-011

Subway Information Service: (03)3837-7046

12.Eating Habits

Traditional Japanese cuisine is primarily rice-based, with vegetables and fish as side dishes. The consumption of meat such as pork, beef, and chicken has only been common for about a hundred years. Today, Japanese diets have become more diverse. In addition to traditional foods like rice, soba noodles, sushi rice balls, and miso soup, Western dishes such as bread, pasta, and curry rice, as well as Chinese dishes like fried rice, noodles, and hot pot, are widely available. A typical breakfast for most families consists of milk, bread, and fried eggs; lunch might include noodles, curry rice, or bento boxes; dinner varies by household, with some enjoying traditional Japanese meals and others preferring Chinese dishes. However, older people often still have rice, pickles, and miso soup for breakfast, and enjoy traditional Japanese sushi, shrimp tempura, or thick noodles for lunch and dinner.

Characteristics of Japanese food include freshness, lightness, and subtle flavors, with minimal strong seasonings. Overall, the cuisine tends to be slightly sweet or sour and low in grease. On traditional Japanese holidays, specific foods are eaten: on New Year’s Eve, soba noodles are consumed; on January 15th, red bean porridge is served; at the beginning of spring, beans are eaten. On March 3rd, diamond-shaped rice cakes and seafood are enjoyed; at the Spring Equinox, red bean mochi and sushi rice balls are eaten; on May 5th, zongzi (sticky rice dumplings) are consumed; during the Obon Festival, soba noodles are eaten; on the New Rice Festival, hoshi mochi and red bean rice are served; at the Mid-Autumn Festival, rice cakes, chestnuts, and green peas are eaten; at the Autumn Equinox, innomi mochi, rice balls, and mixed rice are consumed; and during the Harvest Festival, kagami mochi and red bean rice are served.

Japanese people enjoy eating raw vegetables or preparing various types of pickled vegetables through salting or fermenting. Fish, shrimp, and shellfish are often eaten raw, coated in flour and fried, or prepared as pickled or smoked dishes. Meat is usually boiled plainly, grilled, or cooked in hot pot.

Japanese people pay great attention to tableware. Most households use fine ceramic dishes that are very aesthetically pleasing. Chopsticks are commonly used, and disposable chopsticks of better quality are now popular. Whether at home or in restaurants, meals are typically served individually—each person gets a large lacquered tray containing their portion of rice and dishes. Generally, you are expected to finish your portion and avoid leaving leftovers.

There are many unique etiquette rules and taboos when dining in Japan. For example, when serving guests, do not overfill their rice bowls. Never stick chopsticks upright into a bowl of rice. Avoid talking loudly at the table. It is considered bad manners to lick or suck on chopsticks or to talk with food in your mouth. Always finish the food your host serves you. Before eating, say “itadakimasu” (I will eat), and after finishing, say “gochisousama deshita” (thank you for the meal) before leaving your seat. At banquets, avoid excessive pressure to drink alcohol.