Contact details

Austrade offices

The Australian Trade Commission (Austrade) is the Federal Government agency that helps Australian companies win overseas business for their products and services by reducing the time, cost and risk involved in selecting, entering and developing international markets.

Austrade offers practical advice, market intelligence and ongoing support (including financial) to Australian businesses looking to develop international markets. Austrade also provides advice and guidance on overseas investment and joint venture opportunities, and helps put Australian businesses in contact with potential overseas investors.

See map below for Austrade office locations for this country. Please note that the markers are a guide only. A full list of Austrade offices (in alphabetical order of country) is also available.

For further information please contact Austrade on 13 28 78 or email info@austrade.gov.au

Australian Embassy

Australian Embassy in Japan
2-1-14 Mita, Minato-ku
Tokyo 108-8361
Tel: +81 3 5232 4111

Current business situation

The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) provides advice for business travellers and tourists going to Japan. This is regularly updated, and should be checked before planning travel.

Country overview

Country facts

Capital city:	Tokyo
Surface area:	387,000 sq km
Population:	127.7 million
Official language(s):	Japanese
Government:	Constitutional monarchy
Head of State:	H.M. Emperor Akihito
Head of Government:	Prime Minister HE Mr Yasuo Fukuda
Australian exports to Japan:	A$32,654million
Australian imports from Japan:	A$17,404 million
Japan's principal export destinations:	USA, China, Republic of Korea
Japan's principal import sources:	China, USA, Saudi Arabia

(Source: Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade - Country economic fact sheet)

Economic climate

The Japanese Government has spent several hundred trillion yen on economic stimulus packages in an effort to spur a recovery. However, the success of these packages is still in doubt as stagnation continues and Japan’s banks continue to hold large non-performing loans. Changes that are evidence of the ‘new economy’ emerging in Japanese business practices include:

• high interest in IT-based solutions
• demand for innovative cost effective business solutions which can include imported product and services
• breakdown of traditional interlinked (keiretsu) business relationships
• introduction of business-to-business (B2B) and business-to-consumer (B2C) e-commerce ventures
• speeding up of the business decision making processes
• introduction of Western management practices

The prolonged economic slow-down, which began a decade ago, is causing fundamental changes in Japanese business practice, which will ultimately have a positive impact on demand for Australian goods and services. These changes are evidence of a ‘new economy’ emerging in Japan where companies are being forced by market pressures, including government deregulation measures, to change traditional business practices. Despite economic growth stagnation, the sheer tremendous size of the Japan economy and its regional markets will always present opportunity for Australia.

Key economic indicators and statistics for 2006:

GDP: US$4,366.5  billion
GDP per capita: US$34,181
Real GDP growth: 2.2 per cent
Inflation: 0.3 per cent

Political climate

Although the Japanese Government has little direct involvement in the operation of the private sector, through its ministerial bureaucracies it maintains tight supervision of firms via regulation and mandatory administrative guidance. It manages industrial policy by directing various sectors into suggested areas of enterprise and facilitating their entry by providing seed money and research, technical and regulatory support.

Under the revised post-war Constitution of 1947, Japan adopted a Westminster form of government. The Diet (Parliament) consists of a popularly elected House of Representatives (Lower House 500 seats) and a House of Councillors (Upper House 252 seats).

There are three tiers of government – National, Prefectural (State) and Local. The key political parties are the:

• Liberal Democratic Party (LDP)
• New Komeito
• New Conservative Party
• Democratic Party of Japan (DPJ)
• Social Democratic Party of Japan (SDP)
• Japanese Communist Party (JCP)

Trade relations and statistics

As a world economic power, second only to the USA, Japan remains an important and influential player in global and regional affairs. Japan’s foreign policy is administered by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Japan is an active member of the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) and the United Nations.

As the largest creditor nation in the world, Japan supplies Overseas Development Assistance (ODA) to many developing countries and actively participates in humanitarian programs worldwide.

The Japanese corporate trade network, particularly throughout Asia, is extensive and these connections potentially hold great opportunitities for Australian exporters particularly linked to Japan’s ODA program.

Japan has traditionally been seen as a closed or difficult market to enter for foreign companies, and during the 1980s it was under considerable pressure (from the USA particularly), to open up its markets to foreign competition.

Acceptance of foreign imports is increasing as Japanese consumers demand greater variety and value for money.

At times, Japan’s bi-lateral relationships with several Asian nations have been strained for historical reasons.  However, as the economies of many Asian countries are closely linked to their growing trade with Japan, concerted efforts by each government are assisting in building strong relationships for the new century in the Asian region.

Australia and Japan enjoy excellent relations built on more than 100 years of bi-lateral trade and exchange.

Japan signed a bilateral trade agreement - a Free Trade Agreement (FTA) with Singapore in October 2000.

Over the past decade, opportunities for Australian exports to Japan are heading increasingly through the massive regional markets of the Japanese economic - including the Kansai (Osaka area), as far north as Hokkaido, and the southern island of Kyushu.

Australia is one of only a handful of countries in the world that enjoys a trade surplus with Japan.

Commodities dominate Australia’s exports to Japan but the mix is becoming increasingly diversified with processed foods and beverages, ICT-related products and services and other manufactures increasing.

Major Australian exports to Japan (2005-06):

• Coal - A$9,132million
• Iron ore - A$4,421 million
• Bovine meat - A$2,139 million
• Aluminium - A$2,134 million

Major Australian imports from Japan (2005-06):

• Passenger motor vehicles - A$6,172 million
• Transport vehicles - A$1,453 million
• Civil engineering equipment - A$695 million
• Non-monetary gold - A$585 million

(Source: Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade - Country economic fact sheet)

Doing business

Business opportunities

Austrade's business development specialists have prepared a select range of market profiles with potential business opportunities and to assist in your exporting investigations. Please see the list of industries at the end of this profile that you may be interested in.

In conjunction with the market profiles, the Opportunities Online website may be a useful addition to your information sources. The database established by Austrade aims to deliver international sales leads ('export opportunities'), including tenders, generated by our overseas network to Australian businesses.
 

Registering is simple and once this is done you will have the option of accessing a weekly newsletter featuring the most recent opportunities uploaded onto the system in industry sectors of interest to you. Another feature is the ability to view, and also print, the complete page of opportunity details.
 

For general inquiries concerning Austrade’s services, please contact Austrade Direct on 13 28 78.

Business etiquette

Business hours in Japan:

• 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

Business practices:

• Business etiquette and practices are important in Japan. The Japanese are extremely polite and place importance on respect and social rank. You will be showered with elaborate compliments while your host remains humble and plays down their achievements. Australians who show modesty will be well regarded by Japanese people.
• While business meetings during the day can seem to be slow and often skirting key issues, night time drinking and dinners are often the time when more useful information is fed back to you. The Japanese equate being indirect with being polite. Thus being indirect, such as starting a business meeting with ‘small talk’ will help to get the meeting off to a good start. Australians can misunderstand this indirectness and interpret it as indecisiveness or non-commitment from the Japanese side. In these situations, it pays to be patient.
• English is not widely spoken in business and government, with some exceptions, such as in trading companies. If a meeting is conducted in English, be sure to speak slowly and clearly, and do not use Australian idiomatic expressions or humour. Meetings in English are rare and an interpreter is generally required.
• Punctuality is a must in Japan. It is usual to arrive at a meeting at least five minutes before the appointed time. In the event that you are running late, it is polite to call ahead to advise of when approximately you will be arriving.  All appointments should be arranged with companies prior to your arrival in Japan.
• Partners - it is inappropriate to take friends, spouses, or children to business meetings in Japan. It is also not common for spouses to be invited out for business dinners.
• Product brochures and a company profile should be taken with you when you visit a Japanese company for the first time.
• Business cards are handled in both hands and laid carefully on the table. You will need to bring at least 100 business cards with you to Japan. Business meetings invariably begin with the exchange of business cards. Don't place the card in your pocket or write on it. If time allows, have your business cards printed with your company name and name in Japanese. Don't have your business address translated to Japanese as this renders it meaningless.
• Seating arrangements is used in formal business meetings. The most important guest sits furthest from the door and the host sits closest to the door. If in doubt, wait to be seated or ask where you should sit.
• Gifts are not necessary and it is inappropriate to offer expensive gifts, particularly on first meetings. Small gifts, such as company pens or ties, etc. can be presented, once business is ready to commence or has commenced. It is generally considered impolite to open gifts in front of the giver.
• Resolving conflict – Japanese people also try hard to avoid open conflict and so may answer ambiguously or even agree to an offer that they have no intention of accepting. One productive way of solving this problem is to prepare a brief but clear memo describing the situation and obligations of both parties and present it to the Japanese side as a record of the meeting. This will test the Japanese side’s position on the issue as they will be forced to respond.

Please also note: Bribery of foreign public officials is a crime. Australian individuals and companies can be prosecuted in Australia for bribing foreign officials when overseas. For more information, go to the Attorney General's Department on foreign bribery.

Tariffs and regulations

Import restrictions

Potential exporters to Japan should not be deterred by a widely perceived view that the Japanese market is closed and heavily regulated.  Barriers to market access for merchandised and value added goods are mainly informal.  Examples of informal barriers include, successful entrance into business networks, maintenance of market presence and product quality assurance.

Formal restrictions - mostly on agricultural produce - do exist, and the Australian Government has a range of market access issues, which it continues to work on with the Japanese Government on behalf of Australian industry. Like Australia, customs laws and regulations, and import processes are strict and need to be clearly understood by exporters.

Import licensing may be required for some imports. Two categories exist:

1. Import Quota (IQ): Quotas set by Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI), range from moderately to severely restrictive. Quotas are imposed on a variety of foods including some dairy products, seafood, cereals and grains. Importers must obtain an import quota allocation certificate from METI, which entitles the importer to receive an import licence on application to a foreign exchange bank.
2. Import Declaration (ID): a wide range of raw materials, semi-finished products and manufactured goods can be imported without prior approval from METI. Completed ID forms are freely verified by authorised foreign exchange banks on application, prior to import.

Goods must be cleared through customs within the validity period of the licence (usually six months).

Imports from Australia, which includes most fresh fruits (excluding certain oranges, mangoes, blueberries, Fuji apples, pineapples and green bananas) are subject to restrictions (see also 'Public health requirements' below).

Tariff

Tariffs are based on the Harmonised System - most duties are ad valorem (per cent) based on the GATT valuation system approximately cost, insurance and freight (CIF) value (‘Incoterms 1990’).

Japan has low or zero tariffs on most industrial products.

Japan maintains tariffs and restrictions on some agricultural items, which are relevant to some Australian exporters.

Australian products are entered at the lowest rate notified (preferential rates excepted).
Generalised preferences are granted to developing countries.

A ‘self assessment’ system designed to expedite customs clearance allows prior calculation of duty by importers.

Customs authority contact details:

Director General
Customs and Tariff Bureau
Ministry of Finance
3-1-1 Kasumigaseki
Chiyoda-ku
Tokyo 100
Tel: +81 3 3581 4111
Fax: +81 3 5251 2122

Packing, marking and labelling

Use of straw packing materials is prohibited.

Proposed packaging should be cleared with importers as they have definite preferences.

Goods should be marked according to normal commercial practice.

Foodstuffs must have a sticker attached to each package after importation showing a detailed description of contents, including artificial colourings or preservatives, name and address of importer and date of import or manufacture in Japanese.

Many food products and consumer products are subject to very specific labelling requirements and importers should always be consulted on proposed labelling.

Containers of canned and bottled goods, soft drinks, small goods, frozen foods and prepacked foods must be marked and labelled solely in metric measurement by the Australian exporter, even though responsibility for metric measuring rests with the Japanese distributor.

Drug usage directions should be printed in Japanese.

Special labelling regulations apply to electrical appliances, soap, aluminium foil, some kitchen utensils, cleaning materials, toilet and bath fittings, plastic film, certain furniture, hot water bottles and cosmetics.

Insurance

Normal commercial practice.

Methods of quoting and payment

No legislative requirements.

Quotations in Australian dollars are common.

Methods of quoting and payment depend on type of product, quantity and relationship established between exporter and importer.

Advance payments may be made for some imports.

Public health requirements

Strict controls govern the manufacture and sale of both fresh and preserved foodstuffs.

All imports of food must be accompanied by a food import permit, issued by the Food Sanitary Inspection Service of the Ministry of Health and Welfare. Foods may also be subject to inspection on arrival.

When imported for the first time, a description of all ingredients and the manufacturing processes involved will be required for application, along with any other requested documents, eg. health certificates from the country of origin.

The use of certain substances such as food additives are either strictly controlled or prohibited. The use of other food additives is strictly controlled.

The use of chemicals whose residue remains in crops or soil or pollutes water is strictly controlled.

Imports of animals and plants and their products require health certification issued by an approved authority in the country of origin. In Australia, this is usually the Australian Quarantine and Inspection Service (AQIS), Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry-Australia (AFFA) or the relevant state department of agriculture.

Under Japanese quarantine regulations Australia can supply green bananas, mangoes, lemons, pineapples and certain oranges and many vegetables (basically those which do not contain seeds). Recently, blueberries and Fuji apples from Tasmania have been approved for export to Japan.

A larger range of fruits and vegetables from Tasmania can now be imported into Japan, as it is now recognised that Tasmania is free from fruit fly.

The official reference for importing and distributing drugs in Japan is the Pharmaceutical Affairs law. Manufacturers or importers intending to manufacture or import drugs, medical equipment, cosmetics and toiletries need to obtain approval in accordance with the Pharmaceutical Affairs law.

If cosmetic products contain ingredients outside the Comprehensive Licensing Standards, the approval of Minister of Health and Welfare will be required to import those products.

Documentation

Fax signatures are not permitted. Note: Even minor typing and other errors in documentation often result in serious delays and complications at point of entry.

Pro-forma invoice

No special requirements.

Commercial invoice

A minimum of three copies are required. Invoices must be signed by the supplier and should include the following details:

• marks and serial numbers of packages
• description and quantity of goods
• CIF value (Incoterms 1990)
• place and date of preparation
• destination and consignee
• name of vessel
• import licence number
• conditions of contract relating to determination of the value

It is strongly recommended, whenever possible, to include the HS Commodity Classification of the goods to be imported. Complete invoices and packing lists should be forwarded promptly to the importer by airmail, (see also 'Tariff' - self assessment system, above).

Certificate of origin

Required for goods eligible for concessions granted under GATT.

Normally issued by Japanese consular or diplomatic officer at place of production, purchase or shipment. Certificates issued by Customs, other government agencies or an approved authority (see 'Guidelines', section 2.3) are acceptable. These must also be signed by the exporter.

Certificate must show origin, marks and/or numbers of commodities, description and number of packages and must certify that commodities were produced in stated country of origin.

Bill of lading

For goods dispatched by sea, minimum of three signed originals and two unsigned copies are required.

For goods sent by air, standard sets of 10 are available (original plus nine copies) but no strict rules apply.

If made out To Order, it should indicate the name and address of the person to be notified.

Information required is usually specified in importer's letter of credit but should include name of shipper, ultimate and intermediate consignees, marking and number of packages, and description of goods with gross weights and measurements in metric terms.

Certificate of insurance

A certificate may be required if customs clearance without invoice is requested (to assist in appraisal of taxable value/quantity). In such circumstances other documents covering transportation cost, premium specifications and price list etc., may be required.

Packing list

Two copies recommended, indicating details of goods, including the weight and measurement of each package.

Special certificates

(see also 'Public health requirements' above)

Animals, plants and their products require health certificates issued by an approved authority in the country of origin.

Frozen vegetables and fruit must be accompanied by a certificate of condition (Form E46) instead of a phytosanitary certificate.

Meat for human consumption require an additional certificate, issued by an approved authority in the country of origin, stating that the animals were free from designated infectious diseases prior to slaughtering and that subsequent processing was under hygienic conditions.

Imports of food require a food import permit issued by the Ministry of Health and Welfare.

Spirituous beverages may require a certificate of age.

Electrical appliances must conform with the Electric Appliance Control Law, with certain goods requiring type approval before being permitted to be offered for sale in Japan.

Machine tools under a year old must be accompanied by a certificate of date of manufacture.

Taxation

You should seek professional advice on taxation is it applies to foreign companies and operations in Japan. The major international accounting companies operate in Japan and have English-speaking staff. A five per cent consumption tax is levied on all purchases in Japan including food.  Some hotels charge 8-10 per cent service tax on accommodation. Businesses operating in Japan will be subject to a range of taxes including:

• corporate tax
• income tax
• withholding tax
• local tax
• residents tax

Liquor taxes, expressed in specific terms per quantity, are levied on beverages, whether imported or domestically produced.

Excise tax is levied on tobacco imports.

Business travel

Japan could rightly claim to have one of the most efficient and comprehensive transport networks in the world. Trains, buses and taxis form the backbone of the network. Japanese transport prides itself on running on time.

Within the city limits, the train or subway is the most efficient means of travel. Despite most train services stopping at midnight, they are convenient, readily accessible and cheap. It is worth obtaining subway and overhead train maps in English, which give you a comprehensive list of stations. Visitors who plan to use the subway system extensively during their visit are recommended to purchase prepaid subway tickets (valued at 1000 or 3000 yen). These tickets mean that travellers do not need to work out the exact cost of each subway journey as the ticket gate automatically deducts the value until the full value of the ticket is consumed.

As train stations in Japan have many stairs and limited storage space, small, compact luggage, preferably on wheels, is recommended for your visit. Should you need to transport large parcels between cities or out to the airport, the parcel delivery service or takkyubin offers a convenient alternative to carrying parcels yourself. Most hotels and convenience stores can assist you arrange a takkyubin pick-up.

For first-time visitors, taxis may be easier to use for short journeys. Flag fall in Tokyo and Osaka is approximately A$10 and less in some regional centres. Be aware that taxi doors open and close automatically.

Driving a car in Japan is not recommended, as streets are generally narrow, confusing and crowded.

Japan Rail (JR) Passes allow free access to all JR train, bus and ferry services including the Bullet Train. For long distance travel, the best alternative to air travel is the Bullet Train.  As the cost of the Bullet Train does not differ significantly from air travel, it is recommended that business travellers purchase a JR Pass in Australia from a travel agent before they arrive. JR Passes are valid for seven, 14 and 21 days and start at around A$300.  As a return Bullet Train trip between Tokyo and Osaka costs over A$300, the JR Pass is a very economical way to travel around Japan. The following sites provide timetable and logistics information:

• Japan National Tourist Organisation
• JR East
• JR West

Tokyo

Narita International Airport is located 66 kilometres from Tokyo’s city centre. There are two main transportation choices into the centre of Tokyo - a limousine bus service and the Narita Express Train. Taxis are available but will cost A$350.

The Limousine Bus leaves every 10-15 minutes from outside the departure hall for major Tokyo hotels and the Tokyo City Air Terminal (TCAT).  Tickets are available from a booth in front of the exit from the customs hall.  One-way travel costs approximately A$50 and takes about 90 minutes, depending on traffic. The Narita Express Train (N"EX):

• Runs every 30 minutes in peak from the basement of the Narita terminal to Tokyo, Yokohama and Shinjuku stations.
• Is fast and efficient, taking 53 minutes one-way to Tokyo and 90 minutes to Yokohama.
• Tickets start at around A$50 for the one-way trip.
• Tickets can be purchased at the Japan Rail (JR) counter under the airport terminal (all seating is reserved).
• JR Pass holders can use their pass to reserve tickets on this train.
• Tickets to Narita International Airport can be purchased at any JR Reservation Ticket Offices at train stations or at local travel agencies.

Osaka

From Kansai International Airport to Osaka city, there are three good transportation options:

• Nankai train, which takes 29 minutes and costs 1300 yen.
• JR services including the JR Kanku Kaisoku (Kansai Express) Train which takes 63 minutes from the airport to Osaka Station and costs 1160 yen and JR Haruka Kansai Airport Express which takes around 40 minutes from the airport to Nishikujo Station and costs 2820 yen.
• Limousine Bus, which takes 65 minutes and costs 1300 yen and goes to many of the major hotels.

Taxi is not recommended because of the cost (around A$260). Note that passengers travelling overseas from the Kansai International Airport are required to pay the Passenger Services Facilities Charge (PSFC) in cash (credit cards are not accepted) through a vending machine prior to passing through customs. The charge is 2650 yen per person.

Fukuoka

Fukuoka International Airport is located only four kilometres from the CBD.

There are three domestic terminals and an international terminal located separately, so check in advance which terminal you will depart or arrive from.

Fukuoka is currently not serviced by any direct flights from Australia, however, there are convenient interconnecting domestic flights.

A taxi from Fukuoka Airport to Hakata Station (main train station for Fukuoka) takes around 10 minutes and costs around A$14.

A taxi to Tenjin (the CBD) takes 20 minutes and costs around A$25.

The subway running under the station offers convenient transport to Hakata Station in around five minutes at a cost of 250 yen and to Tenjin Station in around 10 minutes at the same cost.

Hakata Station in Fukuoka is the terminus of the bullet train service that runs from Tokyo and Osaka. The journey is relatively long - five to six hours from Tokyo and two to three hours from Osaka.

Nagoya

Most Australian business people visiting Nagoya arrive at either Nagoya Airport on the daily direct Qantas flight from Australia or at Nagoya Station on the Shikansen ‘bullet train’ from elsewhere in Japan. The cheapest way (870 yen one-way) of getting between Nagoya and the airport is to use the Meitetsu Airport Limousine Bus. The bus leaves approximately every 10-15 minutes from the Meitetsu Bus Station, which is located adjacent to Nagoya Station. A taxi to the city from the airport costs about 6000 yen. If you arrive by Shinkansen bullet train, Nagoya station is only a short taxi ride from most of the major hotels and the CBD. Alternatively, the subway in Nagoya is an easy way to get around the centre of the city.

Sendai

Sendai’s international airport is serviced by Continental Micronesia (via Guam), Asiana Airlines (via Seoul), Dragon Airlines (via Hong Kong). The airport is within taxi distance from Sendai’s CBD and there is an airport bus which takes around 40 minutes to reach Sendai Station.

Sapporo

Numerous flights connect Sapporo with the rest of Japan daily. From Sapporo’s Chitose Airport there are several options for travel to the city including:

• The JR New Chitose Airport Express, which takes around 40 minutes from the airport to Sapporo Station and costs 1040 yen. It departs at 15-minute intervals from the airport terminal - look for the JR signs just outside the baggage claim area. This express train will stop at major stations including Minami Chitose, Kitahiroshima and Shin Sapporo Station before arriving at Sapporo Station.
• Buses leave just outside the lobby of the airport terminal building for major hotels in Sapporo and other cities including Tomakomai, Iwamizawa, Noboribetsu and Urakawa. The fare to Sapporo is 820 yen and tickets are available from a booth in front of the arrivals hall. Under normal traffic conditions, it takes about 70 minutes to Sapporo.
• Taxi is not recommended as it can be a long and expensive trip (about A$300 and approximately 70 minutes depending on the traffic).
• In winter, JR trains and various buses are available for direct transfers to the major ski resorts including Niseko and Tomamu.

Visiting this country

Security and health

The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) provides advice for business travellers and tourists going to Japan. This is regularly updated, and should be checked before planning travel.

Japan continues to be a safe for both personal and business security.  Australian business travellers can operate freely and widely anywhere in Japan while taking normal precautions to guard personal security. The streets are generally safe and taking public transport late at night is not a problem.

As in Australia, there is the need to protect intellectual property rights and be covered by patent, design and trademark protection. Japanese companies are experienced international business players and understand the need for confidentially and non-disclosure agreements when beginning business discussions. You should act in the same manner as you would in Australia to protect your business security interests.  As discussions progresses, consulting Australian and Japanese lawyers, with specific expertise is recommended, particularly in hi-tech and services industries.

Generally, while the paper contract agreement for business is important, developing and committing to a relationship is more crucial to potential Japanese business partners.  Long legal documentation can often dull the enthusiasm of potential partners so a balance needs to be reached. Japan’s recent spate of bankruptcies means that exporters should exercise due diligence on their business partners before sending shipments to Japan. Credit service checks of Japanese companies are available.

Health

Japan is one of the most developed countries in the world and has a high level of hygiene and health standards. Tap water is safe to drink throughout Japan and bottled water is readily available.

No standard vaccinations are required unless travelling from certain destinations including Africa. Check with your doctor and travel agent.

The standard of medical and hospital care in Japan is high but costly. Travel insurance is an absolute must for all visitors, regardless of duration. There are number of medical clinics in the larger centres where doctors speak English and have often been trained overseas. Your hotel will be able to advise you of a convenient clinic or hospital in a medical emergency.

Most common over-the-counter medicines are available through pharmacies nationwide. Visitors with special pharmaceutical needs should bring adequate supplies of their prescription medicine with them from Australia. Personal import of prescription medicine from overseas is allowed in Japan.

If you are caught in an earthquake, the safest place is to stand is within doorways, crouch under a heavy table, or in the smallest (therefore the strongest) room, usually the bathroom. Don’t venture outdoors. If you are outside stand well away from power lines and building frontage where signs and objects can fall, and if in doubt, stay still as falling power lines can electrify fallen material. Typhoons strike in the rainy season (July-September) and when they do you should stay indoors and away from windows.

Visas

Australian visitors to Japan require a valid passport and may require a visa, depending on the nature of the visit. Visas are generally not needed for business trips to Japan of up to 90 days duration for Australian citizens. If a visa is required, it can be obtained from the Japanese Embassy or a Japanese consulate:

Embassy of Japan, Canberra
Tel: +61 2 6273 3244

Consulate General of Japan, Sydney
Tel: +61 2 9231 3455

Travel tips and facts

Austrade’s offices in Japan may be able to book accommodation for business travellers in Japan at major hotels in convenient locations.  Many travel agents in Australia also have access to reasonable cost accommodation in Japan. The Japan National Tourist Organization offers further information. Serviced apartments are a relatively new phenomenon in Japan and are mainly available in Tokyo.

Try to limit eating at the hotel where you are captive to higher prices, as there are many convenience stores and cheaper eateries located all over the major cities with a good range of Japanese and Western-style foods. Lunch is relatively cheap compared to dinner, even served at the same restaurant.

In the major cities of Japan, you can find restaurants of almost all nationalities. When eating out, the general cost of a lunch would be around 800-1500 yen and for dinner, 1500-5000 yen. Many of the restaurants in major cities and tourist spots have menus in English.

If you are travelling long distance around Japan a JR Pass, purchased in Australia through your travel agent, will be cheaper and allow access to all types of public transport, including the Bullet Train.

Japanese tend to get going late in the morning, so avoid the rushes and go early.

For further travel information please visit Lonely Planet.

Time

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

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.

Weather

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 (¥).

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

Useful websites and resources

Government, business and trade

Japan External Trade Organization - www.jetro.go.jp
Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry - www.meti.go.jp/english/index.html
Ministry of Finance - www.mof.go.jp/english/index.htm
Ministry of Foreign Affairs - www.mofa.go.jp/index.html
Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications - www.soumu.go.jp/english/index.html 

News and media

Asahi Shimbun- www.asahi.com/english
Japan Times - www.japantimes.co.jp
Japan Today - www.japantoday.com
News on Japan - www.newsonjapan.com
Nihon Keizai Shimbun - Nikkei  - www.nni.nikkei.co.jp

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.

(Last updated: 19 Feb 2008)