General Japan Info
Japan is a constitutional monarchy and parliamentary democracy with a population of 126,760,000. Major religions include Shinto and Buddhism. The time zone is UTC+9, internet TLD is .jp and the main language is, of course, Japanese.
VISAs and Immigration
New Zealanders can travel for 90 days in Japan under the VISA waiver program. For more information on Japan’s VISA and Immigration regulations please go to the bottom of this page to find our “Useful Links” section.
Geography
Japan has four main islands: Hokkaido, Honshu, Shikoku and Kyushu. It also has over 4,000 other, smaller islands. The biggest island is Honshu and contains Tokyo, Yokohama, Osaka, Kyoto, Nagoya, Nara, Kobe and other major cities.
Electricity
Voltage in Japan is 100 volts with 50 hertz frequency in eastern Japan and 60 hertz in western Japan.
Calling Code
Japan’s international calling code is +81.
Time
Japanese standard time is GMT +9.
Currency
The Japanese currency is the Yen. With notes in ¥1,000, ¥2,000, ¥5,000 and ¥10,000 denominations and coins either ¥1, ¥5, ¥10, ¥50, ¥100, ¥500.
Currency exchange is available at major banks and exchange bureaus can be found throughout Tokyo. Please check for the most current rates but as of May, 2017 NZ$1 = ¥75. A local beer costs around ¥400 but can be more in major cities.
Public Telephones
Public phones accept 10 and 100 yen coins or magnetic prepaid cards. Emergency numbers include 110 for police, 119 for ambulance/fire.
Public Restrooms
There are two types of restrooms in Japan which offer either traditional Japanese-style squat toilets or Western-style. Many modern restrooms will include both types although visitors to the countryside will often find only the traditional type is available.
Credit Cards
Credite cards accepted at most hotels, department stores, duty free shops and restaurants although in the countryside it’s a better idea to rely on cash.
Tipping
Tipping is not customary in Japan.
Security
Japan is an extremely safe country with an extremely low crime rate. Even so, it’s still wise to make sure that you take care of your belongings and be aware of your surroundings.
National Holidays 2018 – 2019
| Date | Week Day | Name |
|---|---|---|
| 29 APR 2018 | Sunday | Showa Day |
| 30 APR 2018 | Monday | Observed |
| 3 MAY 2018 | Thursday | Constitution Memorial Day |
| 4 MAY 2018 | Friday | Green Day |
| 5 MAY 2018 | Saturday | Children’s Day |
| 16 JUL 2018 | Monday | Marine Day |
| 11 AUG 2018 | Saturday | Mountain Day |
| 17 SEP 2018 | Monday | Respect for the aged Day |
| 23 SEP 2018 | Sunday | Autumnal Equinox Day |
| 24 SEP 2018 | Monday | Observed |
| 08 OCT 2018 | Monday | Health Sports Day |
| 03 NOV 2018 | Saturday | Culture Day |
| 23 NOV 2018 | Friday | Labour Thanksgiving Day |
| 23 DEC 2018 | Sunday | Emperor’s Birthday |
| 1 JAN 2019 | Tuesday | New Year’s Day |
| 2 JAN 2019 | Wednesday | Bank holiday |
| 3 JAN 2019 | Thursday | Bank holiday |
| 14 JAN 2019 | Monday | Coming of Age Day |
| 11 FEB 2019 | Monday | National Foundation Day |
| 21 MAR 2019 | Thursday | Spring Equinox Day |
| 29 APR 2019 | Tuesday | Showa Day |
Useful Resources
Japanese Embassy in New Zealand (you can find VISA requirements on this website).
Consulate General of Japan in Auckland (you can find VISA requirements on this website).
New Zealand Government’s Travel Advice for Japan
List of Prohibited Items by Japan Customs
Japan National Tourism Organisation (JNTO) – A company whose job it is to promote travel and give information about Japan.