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Although Japan is in its worst economic recession since the end of World War
II, Tokyo is still vibrant and alive. Like most big cities, it's polluted,
so it can look rather dull and gray during the day. But at night, Tokyo becomes
a giant jewel box, a constantly changing display of neon and fluorescent lights.
When you're overcome by the bewildering array of signs (many now in English
as well as Japanese) and the press of the rush-hour crowd, you can retreat
to quiet cobbled lanes and sculpted gardens for the harmony, scale and sense
of stillness that the Japanese have prized for centuries.
Full country name: Japan (Nihon)
Area: 377,435 sq km (234,010 sq mi)
Population: 126.5 million
Capital city: Tokyo (pop 11 million)
People: Japanese (including indigenous Ainu & Okinawans), Korean
Language: Japanese
Religion: Shinto, Buddhist, Christian
Government: Constitutional monarchy
Head of State: Emperor Akihito
Prime Minister: Junichiro Koizumi
GDP: US$4.2 trillion
GDP per head: US$23,400
Annual growth:0.2%
Inflation: 2%
Major industries: High-tech electronic products, motor vehicles, office machinery,
chemicals
Major trading partners: USA, Hong Kong, Taiwan, South Korea, Germany, China
Arrival Information
Face it, there's no such thing as being "over prepared" for a trip
to Japan. Here are some of the essentials that will assist you in your preparation.
Arriving
Plane - Most visitors arrive at New Tokyo International Airport (commonly
known as Narita -- the name of the city where the airport is located). After
clearing customs, you will enter the main lobby where you can exchange money,
make arrangements for bus service into the city, pick up your rail pass, or
get tourist information. Do not attempt to take photos in the baggage area.
Airport security will become quite annoyed and may actually threaten to eject
you from the terminal (without your luggage). Tokyo is approximately 40 miles
from the airport and there are several methods to reach the city:
Taxi - This is the most expensive method, and, because of heavy traffic, not
necessarily the quickest (and at a price of approx. US $250 , not the cheapest
either). The advantage of a taxi is that you will be taken directly to your
hotel.
Airport Bus - Check at the Airport Limousine Bus counter for information regarding
bus service into the city. Buses leave hourly, and tend to make stops at all
the major hotels. The price is approximately $45 -- a much better bargain than
a taxi. The downside to the bus is that you will not be delivered directly
to your hotel, but will have several stops along the way. Other bus services
include Airport Shuttle which also has a counter in the main lobby. Hotels
can generally assist in making arrangements when you are ready to return to
Narita after your trip.
Train - There are express trains (JR Narita Express [NEX]) leaving from Narita
for Tokyo Station, Shinjuku, Ikebukuro, and Yokohama. The ride costs approximately
US $30 (there is no additional cost if you hold a validated JR Rail Pass) and
seats must be reserved in advance. There are also slower trains into the city.
After arriving at the station of your choice, taxis will be available to carry
you to your hotel (Note: this is not necessarily the easiest method for first-time
visitors -- it may make more sense to splurge on the Airport Bus and plan to
take the train when leaving Tokyo).
Train - Most train arrivals from other cities in Japan end up in Tokyo Station.
From there, you can connect to other trains, or catch a taxi to your final
destination. Tokyo Station is also the place to exchange your voucher for a
JR Rail Pass if you haven't already done so.
Ship - Ships generally arrive at Yokohama. Visitors can then take a train
into Tokyo.
Children
Japan is perfectly safe for those traveling with children -- it is decidedly
family-oriented. Many museums, attractions, and some forms of transportation
offer reduced prices for children 6 - 11 years old. Those under six are generally
free of charge. Hotels often offer babysitting services, but these can be
expensive.
Climate
Japan has four distinct seasons, similar to those on the east coast of the
United States. Summer begins in June and introduces the rainy season; typhoon
season comes in late August and September -- carry an umbrella during these
periods; also, expect that some days will be hot and humid. Autumn is the perfect
time to visit as the days are cooler and the changing season is reflected in
the trees. Winter is cold, with some potential for snow in Tokyo -- other areas
receive a more traditional snowfall. Spring, of course, heralds the arrival
of cherry blossoms and perfect weather for tourists.
Customs
Tourists may arrive with 400 cigarettes (or 500 grams of tobacco or 100 cigars),
three bottles of alcoholic beverages, and 2 oz. of perfume. They may also bring
into the country gifts and souvenirs whose total value cannot exceed ¥200,000
(approx. US $2,000).
Do not attempt to carry drugs into the country -- penalties are swift and harsh.
Also local mores regarding pornography prohibit the importation of materials
from outside Japan.
Electricity
Japanese currents are 100/60. Generally, American-made electronics (110/60)
will have no problems with the Japanese electrical systems. European items
will generally require conversion (although some hotels can accomodate European
electronic items).
Health Care and Insurance
No special inoculations are needed to enter Japan. Most Japanese pharmacies
can fill prescriptions; however, it is wise to have them filled at home. Before
traveling, always verify your health insurance coverage relative to your destination
(health care in Japan is expensive). Also, verify that possessions such as
cameras are covered by home or other insurance.
Holidays
While the country has many national holidays, the major two are New Year's
and Golden Week. During the New Year's celebration, generally January 1 - 3,
most shops, attractions, and restaurants are closed. Golden Week (April 29
- May 5) is a major travel period for the Japanese. This is a good week to
be in Tokyo as the city is less crowded. For a complete list see the Planet
Tokyo Japanese Holiday Guide.
Japan National Tourist Organization
The JNTO is incredibly helpful and responsive to travelers (we contacted them
at the very last minute to get rail passes -- they were able to assist us immediately,
directing us to a local affiliate who arranged for our rail passes. They also
provided us with a huge package of travel information which arrived via post
from Japan within a week). Contact them for maps, brochures, assistance in
making reservations, rail passes, and to answer various questions. Contact
them via telephone or email. If you contact the JNTO by e-mail, be sure to
include your postal address.
Office Information:
Chicago: 401 N. Michigan Ave., Suite 770, Chicago, IL, 60611; (312) 222-0874
Los Angeles: 624 S. Grand Ave., Los Angeles, CA 90017; (213) 623-1952
New York: 1 Rockefeller Plaza, Suite 1250, New York, NY; (212) 757-5640
San Francisco: 360 Post St., Suite 601, San Francisco, CA 94108
Toronto: 165 University Ave., Toronto, ON M5H 3B8; (416) 366-7140
London: Heathcoat Hours, 20 Savile Row, London, W1X 1AE; 0171-734-9638
Sydney: Chifley Tower, Level 33, 2 Chifley Square, Sydney, NSW 2000; 02-232-4522
Internet:
Web: www.jnto.go.jp
E-Mail: jnto@jnto.go.jp
Once in Tokyo, you can visit the JNTO-operated Tourist Information Centers.
The TIC are located in Terminal 2 of Narita or at 3-5-1 Marunouchi, 1st Basement
Floor, Chiyoda-ku, 03-3201-3331 (located near Tokyo Station). Here you can
acquire maps and assistance. Office hours are 9 a.m. - 5 p.m. weekdays and
9 a.m. - noon on Saturdays.
Other services for tourists include Japan Travel-Phone -- a phone service
that offers travel advice and information in English. The Tokyo number is 03-303-4400;
outside of Tokyo, you can dial 0120-222-800 or 0088-222-800. There is a per
minute charge (¥10).
Students
Students can receive discounts at museums and other places (although these
discounts are often limited to Japanese students). Your school can help you
obtain an International Student ID card; show the card at the admissions windows
-- it never hurts to try!!!
Tourist Requirements
American, Canadian, and New Zealander tourists can stay in Japan for up to
90 days without requiring a visa (a valid passport is, of course, required).
Americans cannot work for money while in Japan, and tourists must leave after
90 days.
Australians must possess a passport and three-month entry visa. United Kingdom
citizens may stay for 180 days without a visa. Visitors who require visas to
stay stay longer must contact the nearest immigration bureau; it's a good idea
to contact your local consulate or embassy before leaving for Japan to clarify
visa requirements. All tourists are required to carry their passport at all
times.
Those driving in Japan need to possess an international driver's license.
These must be obtained before arriving in Japan (contact your local automobile
club for information if you're a member).
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