(Last updated: 2 Dec 2011)

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

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.

Airports

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.

Ground transport

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). 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

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.

Hotels

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.

Security and health

Current advice is that Australians should exercise a high degree of caution in Japan. Visit the Smartraveller website for more information – www.smartraveller.gov.au.

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.

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.

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

Currency

Oanda currency converter

The Japanese unit of currency is the yen (¥).

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.

Dining

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 and for dinner, ¥1500-¥5000. Many of the restaurants in major cities and tourist spots have menus in English.