Page 362 - (DK Eyewitness) Travel Guide: Japan

360  SUR VIV AL GUIDE
PRACTICAL INFORMATION

From a practical point of view, Japan is easier can arise for foreigners, however, is in
for foreign tourists to negotiate than is gen­ the contrasts in Japan’s East­West culture –
erally believed. Being un able to speak or read for instance, the differ ence between the
Japanese is not usually a seri ous problem, relative ease with which even foreigners can
especially in large cities. Many everyday get around on the rail network compared
signs in major cities and at tourist attrac tions with the difficulty everyone, including
are displayed in Roman script along with the Japanese, has with finding an address
Japanese characters. Where problems (see pp377 and 383).
traveling to rural areas or
planning to stay longer than
30 days.
Anyone planning on under­
taking paid work, long­term
study, or voluntary work in
Japan should obtain a visa
from a Japanese embassy
before traveling (see also p369).
Foreign ers planning to stay in
Japan for more than 90 days
will need a Resident Card,
which will typically be issued
at the Port of Entry. This card
A serene park with a cherry tree in blossom must be carried at all times –
not doing so could lead to a
When to Go Visas and Passports hefty fine or possible arrest.
The best times to visit Japan are For up­to­date information on Visa holders who want to
spring (April and May) and fall visa conditions it is best to leave the country and return
(September–November). contact a Japanese embassy within the duration of their
Temperatures within the country before traveling. Citizens of visa will be allowed to leave
vary widely according to latitude most Western countries may without a re­entry permit as
(see pp52–3), but July and enter Japan for short visits as a long as they return within one
August are mostly hot, humid, Temporary Visitor with a valid year. Contact the Ministry of
and better avoided. Expect passport. There is no need to Foreign Affairs for information.
more rain, often very heavy, in obtain a visa. The period of stay
the rainy season (early June– for a Temporary Visitor is 90
mid­July). Typhoons do not days. On no account should you Travel Safety Advice
always strike Japan during the over stay your permis sion to be Visitors can get up­to­date
typhoon season – peak months in Japan. Visitors are allowed to travel safety information from
are August and September – enter on this basis for tourism, the State Department in the
but they usually bring heavy sports, visiting friends or relatives, US, the Foreign and Common­
rainfall, strong winds, and study, or business, but may not wealth Office in the UK, and the
can paralyze transport. under take paid employ ment. Department of Foreign Affairs
Japan has numerous festivals Citizens of some coun tries, and Trade in Australia.
throughout the year (see pp48– including the UK and Ger many,
51). Cherry­blossom time (late may extend this stay by another
March–early April in central 90 days at immi gra tion offices Customs Information
Japan) brings out large blossom­ in Japan (at least 10 days before Visitors aged 16 or over are
viewing groups who fill the parks the expiration date). The length fingerprinted and photographed
day and night, while late summer of the extension is at the discre­ at the point of entry. You will also
is a time for local festivals. Peak tion of immigration officers. be asked to complete a written
vaca tion periods for the Japanese On the plane you will be given declaration of your belongings.
are New Year (December 29– a landing card: fill in the arrival Duty­free allowances on
January 4), “Golden Week” (April section – the second part will entering the country are 400
29–May 5), the period around be attached to your passport cigarettes or 500 grams of
Obon, and the Buddhist Festival for when you depart. There tobacco or 100 cigars; three
of the Dead (in mid­August). At are no immunization require­ 0.76­liter (27 oz) bottles of
these times flights and some ments for entering Japan, but alcohol; 57 g (2 oz) of per fume;
accommoda tions are sold out. some countries recommend and gifts and souvenirs of a total
However, the only big shutdown getting the Japanese value up to ¥200,000 (this does
of attractions occurs at New Year. Encephalitis vaccine if you are not include items less than
Visitors enjoying a gentle cruise on the Kiyotaki river in Arashiyama, west of Kyoto

360-361_EW_Japan.indd 360 08/08/16 3:10 pm
Eyewitness Travel LAYERS PRINTED:
Practical template “UK” LAYER
(Source v1.7)
Date 5th March 2013
Size 125mm x 217mm