Last updated: 15 Aug 2013
Visiting
Business hours
Business hours are Monday to Friday from 9.00am to 5.00pm with one hour for lunch, usually 12 midday-1.00 pm, which is strictly observed.
Breakfast meetings before 9.00am are not usually possible, although meetings after 5.00pm are more common.
Most large companies will not meet on Saturdays but some medium to small sized companies will accept meetings on Saturday, although this should not be taken for granted.
Retail stores operate from 10.00am to 7.00pm and are open all day on Saturday and Sunday.
Public holidays
January 1 – New Year's Day
January 9 – Adulthood Day
February 11 – National Foundation Day
April 29 – Greenery Day
May 3 – Constitution Day
May 4 – People's Day
May 5 – Children’s Day
July 20 – Marine Day
September 15 – Respect for the Aged Day
October 9 – Health and Sports Day
November 3 – Culture Day
November 23 – Labour Thanksgiving Day
December 23 – Emperor’s Birthday
Climate
Japan has four distinct seasons with hot and humid summers and cold, often freezing winters, particular in the north. Business travellers to Japan need to pay particular attention to the seasons. In winter, overcoats are necessary, (gloves and hat in the northern areas). In summer, light business suits are recommended, as well as a compact umbrella for the rainy season. In summer (June–August), Japan is very hot and humid, with the first six weeks being the rainy season.
Travel with a fold-up compact umbrella during the rainy season in June. August is very humid and hot with temperatures is the high 30s and high mid 90s in humidity. Bring light summer suits and more shirts (preferably cotton) than you think you need.
Tokyo temperatures in August often exceed 30°C and afternoon rain periods are normal.
December to March is winter, with Tokyo’s average temperature at 6.8°C. Winter is generally cold and dry with snow in the mountains and northern regions, and usually once or twice a year in Tokyo and Osaka.
Spring, from April and May is one of the most beautiful periods in Japan, as the temperatures warm, the famous cherry blossom season begins.
Generally, Nagoya, Osaka and Fukuoka have similar weather patterns to Tokyo, although the on-set of the new season begins slightly earlier in these more southwestern locations.
Temperatures in Sapporo (Hokkaido) and Sendai (Tohoku) are much cooler than Tokyo and Osaka, particularly in winter where sub-zero temperatures are common.
Kyushu in the south is generally more temperate than Tokyo and Osaka and much warmer than the northern parts of the main island Honshu and Hokkaido.
For weather details in Japan, please visit the World Meteorological Organization.
Currency
Oanda currency converter
The Japanese unit of currency is the yen (¥).
Time zones and time differences
Japan is one hour behind Australian Eastern Standard Time and two hours behind during daylight saving.
To find out the current time in Tokyo, view the World Clock.
Dialling codes
Japan's country code is 81.
For calls to Japan from Australia dial: 0011 + 81 + area code + telephone number.
For calls from Japan to Australia dial: 001 + 61 + area code + telephone number.
For further information (eg. area codes) please visit the White Pages - international dialling codes.
Electricity and water
The electricity supply in Japan:
- For Tokyo and eastern areas such as Sendai and Sapporo - 100 volts AC, 50 cycles; 1, 3 phases, 2, 3 wires.
- For Osaka and western areas such as Nagoya and Fukuoka - 100 volts, AC 60 cycles; 1, 3 phases, 2, 3 wires.
The two flat pin plugs are the most common.
Links and resources
Travel and tourism
Japan Information Network – http://jin.jcic.or.jp
Japanese National Tourist Organization – www.jnto.go.jp/eng/index.html
Narita International Airport – www.narita-airport.jp/en
Visit Japan – www.visitjapan.jp
Please note: this list of websites and resources is not definitive. Inclusion in this list does not imply endorsement by Austrade. The information provided is a guide only.