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Japan
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After its defeat in World War II,
Japan recovered to become an economic power and
a staunch ally of the US. While the emperor retains
his throne as a symbol of national unity, actual
power rests in networks of powerful politicians,
bureaucrats, and business executives. The economy
experienced a major slowdown starting in the 1990s
following three decades of unprecedented growth,
but Japan still remains a major economic power,
both in Asia and globally. In 2005, Japan began
a two-year term as a non-permanent member of the
UN Security Council.
The capital of Japan is Tokyo and the climate is
temperate. Unemployment is 4.7% with no population
below the poverty line.
POPULATION
Population of the country is 127,417,244 (July 2005
est.) with a population growth rate of 0.05% (2005
est.).
ETHNIC GROUPS
Japanese 99%, others 1% (Korean 511,262, Chinese
244,241, Brazilian 182,232, Filipino 89,851, others
237,914)
LANGUAGE
Japanese is the official language. Some English
is spoken in major cities.
RELIGION
Observe both Shinto and Buddhist 84%, other 16%
(including Christian 0.7%)
CURRENCY
The local currency used is yen (JPY).
Japan has a strong cash culture so it is usual to
see people carrying large amounts of cash with them.
It is only recently that credit cards have begun
to become more popular.
All money must be exchanged at an
authorised bank or money changer. All major credit
cards are widely accepted. Travelers’ cheques
can be exchanged at most major banks, larger hotels
and some duty free shops. To avoid additional exchange
rate charges, travelers’ are advised to take
travelers’ cheques in Japanese Yen or US dollars.
VISA AND TRAVEL DOCUMENTS
All foreigners who are visiting Japan are required
to obtain a visa except:
• nationals
of countries Andorra, Australia, Barbados, Bulgaria,
Czech Rep., Estonia, Hong Kong, Hungary, Latvia,
Lithuania, Monaco, New Zealand, Poland, Slovakia
and the U.S.A. for up to 90 days
• nationals of Argentina, Bahamas, Belgium,
Canada, Chile, Costa Rica, Croatia, Cyprus, Denmark,
Dominican Rep., El Salvador, Finland, France, Greece,
Guatemala, Honduras, Iceland, Israel, Italy, Lesotho,
Luxembourg, Macedonia, Malta, Mauritius, the Netherlands,
Norway, Portugal (except when the passport was originally
issued in present or former Portuguese colonies),
San Marino, Singapore, Slovenia, Spain, Surinam,
Sweden, Tunisia, Turkey and Uruguay for stays of
up to three months;
• nationals of Austria, Germany, Ireland,
Liechtenstein, Mexico, Switzerland and the United
Kingdom (UK citizens only) for a period not exceeding
six months.
• nationals of Brunei for stays of up to 14
days.
Nationals of Austria, Germany, Ireland,
Liechtenstein, Mexico and the UK may apply, while
in Japan, to the local Immigration Department for
an extension of up to a further 90 days.
To apply for a visa, the applicant
must apply in person to a Japanese Embassy or a
consulate, usually in his or her home country. The
following documents are required: passport, two
completed application forms, two passport-size photos
and documents certifying the purpose of the visit.
The nationals of some 60 countries are exempted
from visa fees.
For more information
on visa applications and procedures, visit website http://www.mofa.go.jp/j_info/visit/visa/index.html or inquire directly with the Japanese Embassy or
Consulate office located in/ near your country http://www.mofa.go.jp/about/emb_cons/mofaserv.html.
AIRPORT TAX
Departure tax is usually paid when purchasing tickets
and not at the airport. Tax varies from airport;
airport tax is ¥2040 for departure from Narita
Airport. Children under 12 are charged half price;
children under two are exempted.
ELECTRICITY
The voltage in Japan is 100 volts AC, 60Hz in the
west (Osaka); 100 volts AC, 50Hz in eastern Japan
and Tokyo. Plugs are flat two-pin.
TAP WATER
Tap water is safe to drink anywhere in Japan. Mineral
water including major imported brands can be easily
obtained from super markets, convenience stores
and other similar places..
VACCINATIONS
No inoculations or vaccinations are required unless
coming from or passing through an infected area.
It is advisable to check for updated health recommendations
before your departure to Japan.
Health insurance is strongly recommended,
owing to the high cost of treatment.
CLIMATE
Except for the Hokkaido area and the subtropical
Okinawa region, the weather is mostly temperate,
with four seasons. Winters are cool and sunny in
the south, cold and sunny around Tokyo (which occasionally
has snow), and very cold around Hokkaido, which
is covered in snow for up to four months a year.
Summer, between June and September, ranges from
warm to very hot, while spring and autumn are generally
mild throughout the country. Rain falls throughout
the year but June and early July is the main rainy
season. Hokkaido, however, is much drier than the
Tokyo area. Rainfall is intermittent with sunshine.
Typhoons are only likely to occur in September or
October but rarely last more than a day.
TIME
GMT +9
CLOTHING
Lightweight cottons and linens are required throughout
summer in most areas. There is much less rainfall
than in Western Europe. Light- to mediumweights
during spring and autumn; medium- to heavyweights
for winter months, according to region. Much warmer
clothes will be needed in the mountains all year
round.
Sources:
CIA
world fact book, August 2005
Japan
Country Guide
Japan
National Tourist Organisation
Ministry
of Foreign Affairs of Japan
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