Page 329 - (DK Eyewitness) Travel Guide - Japan

Vaccinations Language
No inoculations are needed for Japan, but it is Despite the profusion of brand names written
advisable to be vaccinated against encephalitis in Latin script, visitors may face some language
if you are planning on staying in the country for problems outside the main tourist areas. Few
over a month or are visiting rural areas. locals are comfortable with speaking English,
and, when it is spoken, it is generally pronounced
Money as if it were Japanese. For example, taxi becomes
takushi and hotel is hoteru. Even with good
Although ATMs are common in urban areas, many English speakers, subtleties may be lost – “yes”
do not accept foreign credit or debit cards; most often means “I understand,” not “I agree,” and
post offices and 7-Elevens have machines that “it’s difficult” usually means no. For clarity, avoid
will accept them. Cards can also be used at negative and either/or questions.
major stations to buy JR train tickets and are
accepted by some taxis, but it is still worth Closures
carrying around some cash at all times.
Monday Museums, art galleries, and many
Booking Accommodation tourist attractions close for the day; when
Monday is a bank holiday, they often close
As well as Western-style hotels, Japan offers a on Tuesday instead.
few idiosyncratic options. Ryokans are the most Saturday Banks, post offices, and offices are
traditional accomodations. These inns usually closed for the day.
have an on-site onsen and serve break fast and Sunday As well as bank, post office, and office
dinner. At the oppposite end of the scale, capsule closures, department stores have reduced
hotels are highly modern, and offer inexpensive opening hours.
sleeping pods. Mainly found in entertainment Public holidays Many attractions are closed
areas and along high ways, love hotels are on top of banks, post offices, and offices.
designed for couples, and charge an hourly,
as well as nightly, rate for their rooms, which PUBLIC HOLIDAYS
are sometimes themed. For help with booking
accomodation, visit the Japan National Tourism
Organization, Rakuten Travel, or Japanican. 1 Jan New Year’s Day
Japanican 2nd Mon, Jan Coming of Age Day
∑ japanican.com/en 11 Feb National Foundation Day
Japan National Tourism Organization 20/21 Mar Vernal (Spring) Equinox
∑ jnto.go.jp
Rakuten Travel 29 Apr Showa Day
∑ travel.rakuten.com 3 May Constitution Memorial Day
4 May Greenery Day
Travellers with Specific Needs 5 May Children’s Day
The visually impaired are well provided for, but 3rd Mon, Jul Marine Day
people in wheelchairs occasionally have issues 11 Aug Mountain Day
at small stations and pedestrian over- and 3rd Mon, Sep Respect for the Aged Day
underpasses, despite a 2008 law requiring
barrier-free access. Accessible Tokyo provides 22/23 Dec Autumnal Equinox
information about disabled access and facilities 2nd Mon, Oct Health and Sports Day
at individual tourist attractions, parks, and hotels 3 Nov Culture Day
in the capital, as well as Kyoto and Kamakura.
Accessible Tokyo 23 Nov Labor Thanksgiving Day
∑ accessible.jp.org 23 Dec Emperor’s Birthday

329

328-335_EW_Japan.indd 329 04/02/2019 15:58