Secrets of Japan

Japan is een van de meest bezochte landen ter wereld en veel toeristen worden lyrisch als ze hun reiservaringen delen. Het landschap biedt een interessante mix van prachtige natuur, goed onderhouden religieuze heiligdommen en tempels, historische bezienswaardigheden, moderne steden en werelderfgoed locaties. De invloed van de fascinerende culturen en ongebruikelijke subculturen van Japan hebben zo'n internationale impact dat buitenlanders hier samenkomen om sumo-worstelen, traditionele theedrinkceremonies, anime-stripkunst, samoerailegendes en meer te ervaren. Japan staat ook bekend als de geboorteplaats van sushi, aikido en kalligrafie. Een reis hierheen zou niet compleet zijn zonder de buitenaardse muziekscene en het gevarieerde nachtleven te ervaren.

Currency 

Local currency: Japanese Yen 
Symbol: ¥ 
ISO code: JPY 
Subunit: None 
Banknotes: ¥1,000, ¥2,000, ¥5,000, ¥10,000 
Coins: ¥1, ¥5, ¥10, ¥50, ¥100, ¥500 

Banking 

Card Transactions: Yes 
ATMs: Yes 
Mastercard: Yes 
Visa: Yes 
American Express: Limited acceptance 
Diner’s club: Limited acceptance 

Banking Hours: 
Weekdays: 09:00 - 15:00 
Weekends: Limited hours 
Public Holidays: Yes (If yes, add hours) 
Foreign exchange services: Yes 

Air: 
Main airlines: Japan Airlines (JAL), All Nippon Airways (ANA) 
International Airports: Narita International Airport (NRT) in Tokyo, Kansai International Airport (KIX) in Osaka 
Domestic Airports: Haneda Airport (HND) in Tokyo, Itami Airport (ITM) in Osaka 

Road: 

Driving on the: Left 
Tar roads: Yes 
Gravel roads: Limited 
Valid International Driver's License needed: Yes 
Car hire available: Yes 
Taxis: Yes 
E-hailing services: Yes 

Bus: 
Inter-city bus services: Yes 
Local city bus networks: Yes 

Rail: 
Railway system: Yes 
Subway System: Yes 

Water: 
Ferries: Yes 
Water taxis: Yes 
Leisure cruises: Yes 

Food and water safety: 
Can you drink the tap water: Yes (Generally safe) 
Fresh fruit and veg: Yes 
Ice: Yes 
Meat: Yes (Ensure proper cooking) 
Street food: Yes (Choose reputable vendors) 

Local cuisine: 
Japanese cuisine is renowned worldwide for its precision, freshness, and variety. Highlights include Sushi (raw fish and rice), Ramen (noodle soup), Tempura (battered and fried seafood or vegetables), and Okonomiyaki (savory pancake). Notable local drinks include Sake (rice wine), Green Tea (Matcha), and Shochu (distilled liquor). 

Tipping: Not customary, but small gestures of appreciation may be welcomed. 

Annual rainfall: Varies by region 

Average temperature: 10-25°C 

Summer: 
Average highs: 25-35°C 
Average lows: 20-25°C 

Winter: 
Average highs: 5-15°C 
Average lows: 0-10°C 

Best time to visit: The best time to visit Japan depends on your preferences. Spring (March to May) and Autumn (September to November) offer mild temperatures and beautiful cherry blossoms or fall foliage. 

Spring and Summer 
Cool, light, breathable and comfortable: Yes 
Lightweight warm clothes: No 

Winter and Autumn 
Jerseys, cardigans, sweaters, jackets: Recommended 
Heavyweight clothing and boots: No 

General 
Umbrella and raincoat: Yes 
Warm gloves, hat and scarf: Yes (In Winter) 
Swimming costume (bathing suit): Yes (For hot springs) 
Hat, sunglasses and sunblock: Yes 
Walking shoes: Yes 
Casual: Yes 
Smart-casual attire: Yes 

Plug Type: Type A, Type B 
Voltage (V): 100 
Frequency Hertz (Hz): 50/60 

*Travel plug adapter and voltage converter might be necessary depending on your appliances.