FAQ
- What are normal trading hours for banks and shops?
- When is the best time and place to see the Cherry Blossoms?
- Where can I go to see Geisha?
- Is English widely spoken in Japan? Are there many English signs in the city?
- Is tipping expected?
- Where is the best place to buy electrical goods?
- When do you take your shoes off?
- Is Western food readily available?
- Do I need a visa to enter Japan?
- Are there any sightseeing tours with English speaking guide in Japan?
- Which airline is going to Japan directly? How long is the flight?
- Where can I buy JR Pass?
- Do you only arrange for individual trip?
Q: What are normal trading hours for banks and shops?
A: Banks usually operate from 9:00 to 15:00. Some banks are open until 17:00. ATMs are open 24 hours at convenience stores. Many shops are open for long hours. Most convenience stores are open 24 hours, department stores open 10:00-20:00. Bars and restaurants are open from lunch time to the wee hours of the morning. You will also find many vending machines for soft drinks, tea and coffee.
Q: When is the best time and place to see the Cherry Blossoms?
A: Late March to early April is the best season. Bear in mind that Japanese enjoy Hanami (cherry blossom viewing), that is, party under the blooming trees. Make sure you join the jolly lot!
Q: Where can I go to see Geisha?
A: You have better chance of spotting Geisha or Maiko (Geisha apprentices) in areas of Gion or Pontocho of Kyoto or Kanazawa
Q: Is English widely spoken in Japan? Are there many English signs in the city?
A: English is the foreign language that Japanese learn as a compulsory subject at school. Japanese can speak and understand English to a certain extent. In the city areas, you will find a lot of signs (eg. Subway/station names, town names) written in English. You might want to learn some greeting Japanese words like Konnichiwa (Hello), Arigato (Thank you) and Sumima-sen (Excuse me) to put some smiles on faces of the locals.
Q: Is tipping expected?
A: No. Tipping is not common practice in Japan. Service fees are included in the price.
Q: Where is the best place to buy electrical goods?
A: There are many massive electronics retailers in Japan, such as Bic Camera, Yodobashi Camera, Sakuraya, etc. Akihabara in Tokyo is the most famous place for electronic goods shopping. Note the voltage difference (NZ = 240V, Japan = 100V) and make sure you get the adapter plug you need.
Q: When do you take your shoes off?
A: When you go into Japanese house, you will need to take off your shoes at entrance. You are also required to take off your shoes at Ryokan (traditional Japanese accommodation) and at Japanese restaurants where there will be Japanese style seats. You do not need to take your shoes off in a hotel.
Q: Is Western food readily available?
A: Yes. Please note that Japanese do not eat sushi or sashimi every day! All kinds of yummy food, Western and other ethnic dishes are readily available.
Q: Do I need a visa to enter Japan?
A: No. If you are a NZ passport holder, you are allowed to stay 3 months without a visa.
Q: Are there any sightseeing tours with English speaking guide in Japan?
A: Yes! We offer day-trip tours, over-night trips and Multi-day package tours. Please inquire.
Q: Which airline is going to Japan directly? How long is the flight?
A: Air New Zealand offers non-stop flight between Japan and NZ. Flight duration time is approximately 12 hours.
Q: Where can I buy JR Pass?
A: Ask us and we can arrange it for you. JR Passes can only be purchased outside of Japan and there are certain visa requirements so please contact us for further information.
Q: Do you only arrange for individual trip?
A: We are happy to arrange different types of trips. Please inquire!
