Destination Info

Area Information
The main attraction at the pilgrim town of Narita is the rambling temple complex of Naritasan Shinsho-ji, one of Japan’s major centres of spiritual worship, visited year round by tourists and devotees. If you enjoy learning about culture, you will find several major museums documenting Japan's fascinating heritage. Don’t miss Narita's immense National Museum of Japanese History that highlights the nation’s past and culture from prehistoric times. While staying at the Narita Excel Hotel Tokyu, visit the Shibayama Ancient Tombs and the Haniwa Museum to see outstanding specimens of haniwa clay figures unearthed by archaeologists. Take a short drive from the Narita Excel Hotel Tokyu to the Museum of Aeronautical Sciences with its fascinating displays about the history of Japanese aviation.

Currency
The Japanese currency unit in the yen. There are four kinds of bills used (10,000 yen, 5,000 yen, 2,000 yen 1,000 yen) and six types of coins (500 yen, 100 yen, 50 yen, 10 yen, 5 yen, 1 yen). Japanese currency is designed for easy use by people with sight impairments. All of the bills and coins are different sizes - the bills descend in size from 10,000 Yen to 1000 Yen. Each bill also has raised bumps in the bottom, left corner (if looking at the bill from the front).

Customs
You are required to make either an oral or a written declaration about your belongings when you enter Japan. Two copies of a written declaration are required if you have unaccompanied baggage.
Any item with an overseas market value less than 10,000 yen is free of duty and tax and does not need to be included in your calculation of the total overseas market value of all articles. There is no duty-free allowance for articles having a market value of more than 200,000 yen.

Electricity
The voltage used throughout Japan is uniformly 100 volts, A.C. There are two kinds of frequencies in use; 50 Hertz in eastern Japan and 60 Hertz in western Japan (including Nagoya, Kyoto and Osaka). A convertible type of electrical appliance such as a hair dryer, travel iron and shaver will therefore be handy; otherwise you will need a step-down transformer to convert the voltage. Japan uses flat two-pin power plugs, not column-shaped plugs, nor three-pin plugs, so it is advisable to buy a suitable plug adapter.

Emergency Numbers
In Japan, ambulance services are provided by the fire department; dial ‘119’ from any phone to request an ambulance. To report a crime, accident, or other emergency, dial ‘110’ from any telephone.

Health
Japan has an advanced medical services infrastructure, and in most urban areas you will be able to find a major hospital or clinic able to communicate with you in English. If you have any pre-existing conditions, you are strongly encouraged to carry copies of any prescriptions, along with enough medicine for the duration of your stay. You should also carry proof of medical insurance, plus a list of any medications or substances to which you are allergic, and a notation of your blood type.

Shopping & Business Hours
Department stores are open 10:00am – 8.00pm, banks 9:00 am - 3.00pm, Post Offices 9.00am – 5.00pm and general business hours are 9.00am – 5.00pm. Most museums are closed on Mondays.

Taxes
A 5 per cent consumer tax and a service charge of between 10 – 15 per cent may be added in pricier restaurants. 

Time Zones
All of Japan is in the same time zone, 9 hours ahead of G.M.T. Remember, there is no Daylight Saving in Japan.

Tipping
You will find there is no custom of tipping in Japan and it is often considered a ‘rude’ western practice. Service charges tend to be included in the bill. It is normal to pay a restaurant or bar bill at the register instead of giving money to the waitperson, but it's also considered rude to count your change after paying the bill in a store or restaurant.

Visa Requirements
Any foreign visitor entering Japan must have a passport, valid for the length of stay. If you are a national of a country that does not have ‘Reciprocal Visa Exemption Arrangements’ with Japan (many countries have such arrangements – check with your travel agent) you must obtain a visa. You must apply, in person, to a Japanese Embassy or a consulate, usually in your home country.