Travel information
Currency
Japanese currency is YEN(￥). Coin denominations are 1,5,10,50,100 and 500yen. Bank notes are ￥1.000, ￥2.000, ￥5.000, and ￥10.000.
The following credit cards are accepted at most hotels, department stores, restaurants, etc.: American Express, Visa, Master and Diners club.
Water
The tap water is germ-free and can be drunk without precautions.
Electricity
Voltage 100V / Frequency in use 50Hz in eastern Japan (Tokyo, Sapporo) and 60Hz in western Japan (Nagoya, Kyoto, Osaka and Hiroshima) Flat two pin plug is used.
Time difference
GMT+9
Winter time 3hours difference to New Zealand, Summer time 4hours difference to New Zealand. For example: 10am in New Zealand = 7am in Japan (winter time)
Tipping
Tipping is not common in Japan. A service charge of between 10% to 15% is generally added to hotel and restaurants bills.
National holiday
| January 1 | New Year |
|---|---|
| Second Monday of January | Coming of Age (Seijin no hi) |
| February 11 | National Foundation Day (Kenkoku Kinenbi) |
| March 20 | Spring Equinox Day (Shunbun no hi) |
| April 29 | Showa Day (Showa no hi) |
| May 3 | Constitution Day (Kenpo Kinenbi) |
| May 4 | Greenery Day (Midori no hi) |
| May 5 | Children’s Day (Kodomo no hi) |
| Third Monday of July | Ocean Day (Umi no hi) |
| Third Monday of September | Respect for the Aged Day (Keiro no hi) |
| September 23 | Autumn Equinox Day (Shunbun no hi) |
| Second Monday of October | Health and Sports Day (Taiku no hi) |
| November 3 | Culture Day (Bunka no hi) |
| November 23 | Labour Thanksgiving Day (Kinro kansha no hi) |
| December 23 | Emperor’s Birthday (Tenno tanjobi) |
Duty free allowance
| Alcoholic Beverages | 3bottles | One bottle approximately 760cc |
|---|---|---|
| Cigars | 100cigars | |
| Cigarettes | 400cigarettes | |
| Other kind of tobacco | 500grams | |
| Perfume | 2oz | |
| Other items | 200,000yen | The total overseas market value of all articles other than the items above must be under 200,000yen. Any item whose overseas market value is under 10,000yen is fee of duty and/or tax and is not included in the calculation of the total overseas marked value of all articles. There is no duty-free allowance for articles having a market value of more than 200,000yen each or each set. |
Visa / Passport
New Zealand passport holders do not require a visa to travel to Japan for a stay of less than ninety days. Your passport will be stamped with the words “Temporary Visitor” when you enter Japan.
Those who do not hold New Zealand passport, please visit the website of The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan. (http://www.mofa.go.jp/j_info/visit/visa/02.html)
All foreigners including foreign residents, get fingerprinted and photographed upon entering Japan as a measure aimed to preventing terrorism. People refusing to cooperate are not granted entry into the country.
