Overview
The contrasts of Japan are startling - Tokyodazzles with bright lights and high-tech gadgetry while the cherry blossoms in Kyoto’s Maruyama Park are symbols of peace and beauty, as they have been for over 1,000 years.
Since 1950, Japan has seen exceptional economic growth, becoming one of the world’s most powerful economies. Bustling cities burst with skyscrapers, bullet trains and trendy nightlife. The brief economic dip in the 1990s is starting to recede into the distance, as rampant consumerism again picks up pace.
Yet beneath the brash modernity beats an ancient heart. This is still the realm of the exquisite art of the geisha and the skill of the sumo wrestler; where ancient festivals are celebrated and food is elevated to an art form. And Japan is still a land of great natural beauty, from the snow festivals and lavender farms of the northern isle of Hokkaido to the sun-drenched beaches of the subtropical south. Whether you choose to climb Mount Fuji or relax at volcanic hot spring resorts, Japan is unforgettable.
Author
Lucy Moss
General Information
Far East.
Area
377,864 sq km (145,894 sq miles).
Population
127.8 million (UN estimate 2006).
Population Density
343 per sq km (13,800 per sq km in central Tokyo).
Capital
Tokyo. Population (central Tokyo): 8.4 million (census, 2005).
Government
Constitutional monarchy.
Japan is separated from the Asian mainland by 160km (100 miles) of sea. About 70% of the country is covered by hills and mountains, a number of which are active or dormant volcanoes. A series of mountain ranges runs from northern Hokkaido to southern Kyushu. The Japanese Alps (the most prominent range) run in a north-south direction through central Honshu. The highest mountain is Mount Fuji at 3,776m (12,388ft). Lowlands and plains are small and scattered, mostly lying along the coast and composed of alluvial lowlands and diluvial uplands. The coastline is very long in relation to the land area, and has very varied features. The deeply indented bays with good natural harbours tend to be adjacent to mountainous terrain.
Language
Japanese is the official language. Some English is spoken in Tokyo, but is less usual in other big cities.
Religion
Shintoism and Buddhism (most Japanese follow both religions, although religion does not play a major everyday role in most Japanese lives, with frequent temple visits being more usually attributed to tourism). There is a Christian minority, and in the island of Okinawa, some people believe in Niraikanai, a paradise that lies beyond the sea.
Time
GMT + 9.
Social Conventions
Japanese manners and customs are vastly different from those of Western people. A strict code of behaviour and politeness is recognised and followed by almost all Japanese. However, they are aware of the difference between themselves and the West and therefore do not expect visitors to be familiar with all their customs (but do expect them to behave formally and politely).
A straightforward refusal does not form part of Japanese etiquette. A vague ‘yes’ does not really mean ‘yes’ but the visitor may be comforted to know that confusion caused by non-committal replies occurs between the Japanese themselves. Entertaining guests at home is not as customary as in the West, as it is an enterprise not taken lightly and the full red-carpet treatment is given. Japanese men are also sensitive lest their wives be embarrassed and feel that their hospitality is inadequate by Western standards; for instance, by the inconvenience to a foreign guest of the custom of sitting on the floor. Bowing is the customary greeting but handshaking is becoming more common for business meetings with Westerners.
The honorific suffix san should be used when addressing all men and women; for instance Mr Yamada would be addressed as Yamada-san. When entering a Japanese home or restaurant it is customary to remove shoes - and there are separate ‘toilet slippers’ that should be put on before entering a bathroom, and taken off again on leaving. Table manners are very important, although the Japanese host will be very tolerant towards a visitor. However, it is best if visitors familiarise themselves with basic table etiquette and use chopsticks. It is customary for a guest to bring a small gift when visiting someone’s home. Exchange of gifts is also a common business practice and may take the form of souvenir items such as company pens, ties or high-quality spirits.
Electricity
100 volts AC, 60Hz in the west (Osaka); 100 volts AC, 50Hz in eastern Japan and Tokyo. Plugs are flat two-pin plugs.
Head of Government
Prime Minister Shinzo Abe since 2006.
Head of State
Emperor Akihito since 1989.
Passport / Visa
YesNo/1YesYesNo/2YesYesNo/3YesYesNo/2YesYesNo/1/2/3Yes
Passport Note
Whether or not they hold a visa, visitors who do not possess visible means of support for their stay, onward or return tickets, or other documents for their next destination, may be refused entry.
Passports
Passport valid for the duration of intended stay in Japan required by all nationals referred to in the chart above.
Visas
Not required by nationals of countries referred to in the chart above for the purposes of tourism, short-term business meetings or to attend a conference for the following durations:
(a) 1. nationals of Austria, Germany, Ireland and the UK who although initially granted a 90-day stay may apply, while in Japan, to the local immigration department for an extension of up to a further 90 days, making the visa-free stay up to six months;
(b) 2. nationals of Australia, Bulgaria, Czech Republic, Estonia, Hungary, Latvia, Lithuania, Poland, Romania, Slovak Republic and the USA for stays of up to 90 days;
(c) 3. nationals of Belgium, Canada, Cyprus, Denmark, Finland, France, Greece, Italy, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Portugal, Slovenia, Spain and Sweden for stays of up to three months.
Note: Nationals not referred to in the chart above are advised to contact the embassy to check visa requirements (see Contact Addresses).
Money
Currency
Japanese Yen (JPY; symbol ¥). Notes are in denominations of ¥10,000, 5,000, 2,000 and 1,000. Coins are in denominations of ¥500, 100, 50, 10, 5 and 1.
Note: Japan has a strong cash culture, and it is usual to see people carrying large amounts of cash with them because of the low crime rate. It is only recently that credit cards have begun to become more popular. However, travellers may still encounter difficulties with foreign credit cards.
Currency Exchange
All money must be exchanged at an authorised bank or money changer.
Credit/Debit Cards and ATMs
American Express, Diners Club, MasterCard, Visa and other major credit cards are widely accepted in towns. ATMs are available although only international banks accept foreign credit or debit cards, and these are hard to find outside of towns. They are generally open Mon-Fri 0700-2300, Sat-Sun 0900-1900, though some only operate during normal banking hours and on Saturday mornings. Citibank machines are the most likely to have ATMs, and also to accept foreign credit cards (and are usually open 24 hours). Almost 12,000 7-eleven stores began to accept foreign cards from July 2007. Some post offices also have ATMs which accept foreign cards.
Traveller's Cheques
These can be exchanged at most major banks, larger hotels and some duty-free shops. To avoid additional exchange rate charges, travellers are advised to take traveller’s cheques in Japanese Yen or US Dollars.
Banking Hours
Mon-Fri 0900-1500.
Exchange Rate Indicators
| Date | Jul 07 |
| £1.00= | ¥246.92 |
| $1.00= | ¥122.54 |
| €1.00= | ¥167.20 |
Transport
Getting Around By Air
All Nippon Airways (ANA) (website: www.ana.co.jp/eng) and Japan Airlines (JAL) (website: www.jal.co.jp/en)and several other airlines maintain an extensive network covering Japan proper and its islands. Tokyo’s domestic airport is Haneda (HND) (website: www.tokyo-airport-bldg.co.jp/fl/english), its international airport is Narita (NRT) (website: www.narita-airport.jp/en). A monorail service runs from Hamamatsu-cho to Haneda. One international airline, China Airlines (website: www.china-airlines.com), serves Haneda. Other international flights to and from Haneda are made via Fukuoka (website: www.fuk-ab.co.jp), Nagoya (website: www.nagoya-airport-bldg.co.jp), Osaka (website: www.kansai-airport.or.jp) or Tokyo airports. Main routes are Tokyo-Sapporo; Tokyo-Fukuoka; Tokyo-Osaka; and Tokyo-Naha. Tickets can be purchased at automatic machines at Tokyo International Airport’s domestic departure counter and at Osaka International Airport.
Getting Around by Water
The Tokyo Ferry Terminal (website: www.tptc.or.jp/eng/ferry.htm) has frequent services by high-speed boat, ferry or hydrofoil to Japan’s islands. Popular routes include Tokyo-Hokkaido (in the north) and Tokyo-Okinawa (in the south). Major sea routes include Awaji Island: Akashi- Iwaya; Shodo Island: Himeji-Fukuda, Okayama-Tonosho and Takamatsu-Tonosho; Shiraishijima and Manabejima Islands: Kasaoka-Shiraishijima-Manabejima; and Ikuchijima and Omishama Islands: Mihara-Setoda. Bullet train services travel frequently to ports. Ferry companies include Shin Nihonkai Ferry (website: www.snf.co.jp) and Ocean Tokyu Ferry (website: www.otf.jp).
Getting Around by Rail
The Japan Railways Group (JR) (website: www.japanrail.com) runs one of the best rail networks in the world, and is widely used for both business and pleasure. Express and ‘limited express’ trains are best for intercity travel. Very frequent services run on the main routes. Shinkansen, the ‘bullet trains’, are the fastest, with compartments for wheelchair passengers, diners and buffet facilities. Supplements are payable on the three classes of express train and in ‘Green’ (first-class) cars of principal trains, for which reservations must be made. Other types of train include Kyuko (Express), Tokkyu (Limited Express), Kaisoku (Rapid Train) and Futsu (Local Train). For short-distance trains, tickets can only be bought at vending machines outside train stations.
Rail Passes
Japan Rail Pass: an economical pass for foreign tourists which must be purchased before arrival in Japan. Valid for seven, 14 or 21 days. The pass can be obtained from Japan Airlines, if flying with them; contact the tourist board for other vendors. It can be used on all trains except the new Nozomi super express trains, and also on Japan Rail buses and Japan Rail ferries. A Japan Rail Pass brochure is available from the Japan National Tourist Organization (see Contact Addresses). For travellers with a Japan Rail Pass, there are various other discounts in operation including a 10% discount at any JR Group Hotel.
Other rail passes include the JR East Pass, JR Kyushu Rail Pass, JR West Rail Pass, Kansai Passport and the Hokkaido Rail Pass - more localised and therefore slightly cheaper than the JR Pass. For details of other discount fares, contact the Japan Railways Group (website: www.japanrail.com).
Getting Around by Road
Traffic drives on the left. Driving in Japan is complicated for those who cannot read the language as understanding the road signs can be a problem. Traffic in cities is often congested. The Keiyo Highway, Meishin Expressway, Tohoku Expressway and the Tomei Expressway link Japan’s major Pacific coastal cities, passing through excellent scenery. Buses and coaches connect most major cities, run by big companies such as JR Local Lines or JR Highway LInes (website: www.jrbuskanto.co.jp for lines from Tokyo, Osaka, Kyoto and across Kanto) or private companies such as Forest Bus (website: www.forestbus.jp/english).
Regulations: Seat belts are compulsory and speed limits on highways are between 80 and 100kph (50 and 62mph). Many international car hire firms are present.
Documentation: An International Driving Permit is required. Minimum driving age is 18.
Getting Around Towns and Cities
Public transport is well developed, efficient and crowded. The underground systems and privately run suburban rail services, which serve all the main cities, are very convenient but take care in rush hours. Tokyo also has one working tram line, 12km (7.5 miles) from Waseda via Ikebukuro to Minowabashi in northeast Tokyo.
Bus: These can be confusing and are best used with someone who knows the system. Otherwise visitors should get exact details of their destination from the hotel. Fares systems are highly automated, but passes are available (the one day economy pass is very good value). On buses, payment is made on leaving. Most buses in Tokyo are run by the Toei Bus Company, or To-bus (website: www.tachikawabus.co.jp).
Metro: All of Japan’s largest cities have subway systems. Tokyo has two underground systems: the Tokyo Metro Co Ltd operates the nine Tokyo Metro lines (TRTA) (website: www.tokyometro.jp/e/index.html), and the Tokyo Metropolitan Government (TBTMG) operates the four lines on the Toei Subway. Tickets for Toei lines are not valid for the Tokyo Metro and vice versa, so a transfer ticket must be bought. A variety of tickets can be bought including a monthly open pass, one-day open ticket, 14 tickets for the price of 10 and a Tokyo Combination ticket; this can be bought six months in advance and entitles the passenger to unlimited travel on all the lines on the subway, JR rail, Toei buses and street cars for one day within the six months. Kyoto also has its own subway system with two major lines: the Karasuma and Tozai lines. Kyoto Sightseeing Passes can be bought enabling unlimited rides on buses and the underground (website: www.city.kyoto.jp/koho/eng/access/subway.html).
Taxi: These can be expensive, particularly in rush hour (0730-0930 and 1700-1800). There is a minimum charge for the first 2km (1.2 miles) and there is a time charge in slow traffic. It is advisable for visitors to have prepared in advance the name and address of their destination in Japanese writing, together with the name of some nearby landmark; a map may also help, as Japanese streets are so complicated most taxi drivers will get confused. Hotels can provide this service.
Journey Times
The following chart gives approximate journey times (in hours and minutes) from Tokyo to other major cities/towns in Japan.
| Air | Road | Rail | Sea |
| Nagoya | - | 4.00 | 2.00 | - |
| Nagasaki | 1.40 | 18.00 | 9.00 | - |
| Osaka | 1.00 | 6.00 | 3.15 | - |
| Sapporo | 1.25 | - | 14.00 | - |
Entertainment
Food and Drink
Japanese cuisine involves fresh, delicate flavours. The best place to try sushi is a Kaiten Sushi Bar, where many varieties pass on a conveyor belt allowing choice over which to try, at more reasonable prices than a traditional sushi restaurant. A variety of international restaurants are also available, catering for every taste and budget, from French and Italian to Chinese, Indian and Thai. Western dishes in expensive places are good, but cheaper restaurants may be disappointing. The Japanese are very fond of whiskey, and saké (rice wine) is still regularly served.
Things to know: Restaurants have table service and in some places it is customary to remove footwear. There are no licensing hours. Drinking is subject to long-standing rituals of politeness. The hostess will pour a drink for the visitor, and will insist on the visitor’s glass being full. It is bad manners for a visitor to pour one for himself.
National specialities:
•Teriyaki (marinated beef/chicken/fish seared on a hot plate).
•Tempura (deep fried seafood and vegetables).
• Sushi (slices of raw seafood placed on light and vinegary rice balls – very tasty and refreshing).
• Sashimi (slices of raw seafood dipped in soy sauce).
National drinks:
• Green tea is by far the most popular beverage amongst the Japanese. The quality of the tea varies greatly from houjicha (a common brown-coloured tea) to matcha (a bitter green tea used in tea ceremonies).
•Sake, rice wine served hot or cold according to the season, is strong and distinctively fresh tasting.
• Shochu, a strong aquavit, is an acquired taste.
• Japanese wines are inconsistent, but improving.
• Popular brands of beer are Asahi, Kirin, Sapporo and Suntory.
Legal drinking age: 20.
Tipping: Tips are never expected since a 10 to 15% service charge is added to the bill.
Nightlife
Tokyo has an abundance of cinemas, theatres, bars, coffee shops, discos and nightclubs. Karaoke bars are also a very popular form of entertainment. A wide range of bars are available, from the upmarket and stylish to cheap street stalls, with the key areas beingShibuya, Roppongi and Shinjuku. In the summer, rooftop beer gardens are popular. Some clubs have hostesses who expect to be bought drinks and snacks. In bigger nightclubs and bars, a basic hostess charge is levied. However, there are thousands of other bars and clubs that do not charge entry and do not offer hostess service. In Tokyo there are concerts of all styles of music almost every night. Foreign opera companies, ballet companies, orchestras and rock/pop stars visit Japan all year round. Some live jazz houses are also available. For those who would like to try the traditional Japanese performing arts, there is kabuki and noh theatre in Tokyo and Kyoto. The Tokyo English-language guide Metropolis (website: http://metropolis.co.jp) is a good source for finding out what’s on. It is advisable to purchase tickets in advance because shows are quickly sold out. Osaka is also renowned for its nightlife.
Shopping
A blend of Oriental goods and Western sales techniques confronts the shopper, particularly at the big department stores, which are more like exhibitions than shops, and almost always have a bowing shop assistant to welcome you through the doors. Playgrounds for children are available. Special purchases include kimonos, mingei (localcrafts including kites and folk toys); Kyoto silks, fans, screens, dolls; religious articles such as Shinto and Buddhist artefacts; paper lanterns; lacquerware; hi-fi equipment, cameras, televisions and other electronic equipment. Bargaining is not usual. Tax exemptions are available in authorised tax-free stores. Certain items costing more than ¥10,000 are exempt from tax. Remember when buying electronic goods that they may not be compatible with UK or US voltage.
Shopping hours: 1000-1900/2000 every day of the week and on public holidays.
Top things to see
• Visit Tokyo’s Imperial Palace (website: www.kunaicho.go.jp/eindex.html) (open to the public on 1 January and the Emperor’s birthday, 23 December) with its impressive moat. The East Gardens(Higashi Gyoen) are open year round. For more ‘Old Tokyo’, explore Shitamachi and the Asakusa-Kannon Temple.
• The coastal town of Kamakura, one hour south of Tokyo, was the seat of Japan’s medieval feudal government and abounds in historic sights. Highlights include the giant bronze Great Buddha, colourful Hachimangu Shrine and picturesque Enoshima Island.
• See the inspiring sight of Japan’s highest mountain at 3,776m (12,388ft) tall, Mount Fuji, which may be climbed at the height of summer. You won’t be alone, in high season there are queues along parts of the route!
• Step onto the island of Hokkaido - for a long time, Japan’s ‘Wild West’, and still retaining a distinct pioneer feel. Hokkaido is home to the last of Japan’s indigenous Ainu people, and the remnants of their distinct culture are a must-see (website: www.ainu-museum.or.jp).
• Don’t miss the capital of Japan for over 1,000 years, Kyoto. Founded in AD794, sights include the Golden Pavilion(Kinkakuji), the Zen rock garden of Ryoanji, Kiyomizu Temple and the medieval Nijo Castle. The historic Gion geisha district makes a great afternoon wander.
• At Nara, one hour south of Kyoto, don’t miss the ‘great Buddha’ of Todaiji Temple, the world’s largest wooden structure at 57m (187ft) high, and the sacred deer in Nara Park. Nearby, the 7th century Horyuji Temple is the world’s oldest wooden structure.
• See Osaka, renowned for its abundance of excellent restaurants, historic Osaka Castle and the performing arts of Kabuki and Bunraku. The city’s Namba and Umeda districts are renowned for their nightlife and the Dotonburi area is particularly vibrant after dark.
•Universal Studios Japan (website: www.usj.co.jp), a 60-hectare (140-acre) theme park in Osaka, and Tokyo Disneyland (website: www.tokyodisneyresort.co.jp) are both enormously popular and unsurprisingly kitsch - worth taking children too.
• Go to the gorgeous island of Miyajima and see its famous red Shinto torii gateway, which seemingly floats on the sea at high tide. Itsukushima Shrine, the cable car up the central mountain for panoramic views and the tame deer are all major attractions.
•Dogo Spa is famous as being among the oldest in Japan. Ibusuki Spa, on the southern tip of Kyushu, also boasts some of the most famous hot springs in Japan and is renowned for its hot-sand saunas.
See Contact Addresses for further tourist information.
Top things to do
• Watch Japanese martial arts - or take part. Sumo and judo are national sports, both drawing huge crowds. Large sumo tournaments are held in Tokyo(website: www.sumo.or.jp/eng). To try Karate, contact the Japan Karatedo Federation (website: www.karatedo.co.jp). Kendo, Japanese fencing, is practised in numerous clubs.
• Go skiing (website: www.skijaoanguide.com), especially in the Japanese Alps and Hokkaido- where most resorts have hot springs. Various resorts in Nagano offer facilities for night-skiing. The southernmost natural ski slope in Japan is the Gokase Highland Ski, which offers grass skiing out of season.
• Between January and March, go whale or dolphin watching (website: www.h2.dion.ne.jp/~owa/english/e_content.html).
•Enjoy acherry blossom party when they are in bloom in April and May. During this time, impromptu parties are held under the blossoms where everyone drinks too much. The most famous are in Ueno Park in Tokyo and Maruyama Park in Kyoto.
• Visit Sapporo, Hokkaido’s vibrant capital, famous for its great nightlife and the extraordinary Snow Festival (website: www.snowfes.com) in February. The ice party lasts for seven days, and is marked by huge, elaborate snow and ice sculptures.
• Book a seat to see some bunraku, a unique form of puppet theatre, and the very best in traditional entertainment. For more traditional forms of theatre, can nohand kabuki are dramatic forms with participants dressed in medieval costumes (website: www.bunraku.or.jp).
• Witness the Gion Festival in Kyoto, which reaches its climax at the Yasaka Shrine in mid July. A street parade takes place with the participants in costumes and carrying portable shrines.
• Go shopping. In Tokyo, Ginza is one of Asia’s shopping paradises. Check out the Sony Shop for the latest gadgets. And get up early to witness the world’s largest fish market at Tsukiji (website:www.tsukiji-market.or.jp).
• Visit Sado Island: rural, unspoilt, and home to the Kodo Drummers (website: www.kodo.or.jp). The Kodo Drummers are referred to as ’samurai percussionists’, since their world-famous troupe is selected on the basis of a rigorous two-year training apprenticeship in a remote area deep in the mountains.
• Stay out late in Tokyo, especially in Akasaka and Roppongi, which offer vibrant nightlife of every kind, from geisha tea houses to clubs and bars. For a younger scene, head to Harajuku and Shibuya.
• Take part in a Japanese tea ceremony; you can arrange to do so through the tourist information centres in Kyoto and Tokyo. The elegant ritual takes place in a room designed and designated for tea, called a chashitsu, and is steeped in symbolism.
See Contact Addresses for further tourist information.
Business
Statistics
• GDP: US$4.9 trillion (estimate 2006).
• Main exports: Cars, computers, semi-conductors, electronic devices and chemicals.
• Main imports: Machinery and equipment, fuel, food, chemicals and textiles.
•Main trade partners: USA, China (PR), Taiwan (China), Korea (Rep) and Germany.
Economy
After suffering massive destruction during WWII, Japan was the economic phenomenon of the late 20th century. At US$4.2 trillion, the country’s GDP ranks second in the world after the USA. The structure of the Japanese domestic economy revolves around a group of large multi-product corporations (many of which are global household names), linked in loose alliances with banks and finance houses.
The model worked superbly until the early 1990s, when competition from abroad and excessive lending by the banks began to exert pressure. The extent of the problem became apparent with the 1991 property crash and, more spectacularly, the 1997 Asian financial crisis.
In the following years the economy stagnated, remaining at 0% inflation for a few years. Unemployment, a comparative novelty in a country where jobs were typically guaranteed for life, reached 5.4%.
From 2003, the economy showed signs of recovery. Unemployment peaked at 5.4% in 2002, went to 5.3% in 2003 (its first improvement in 13 years), and as of June 2007, it stood at 3.7%. In 2005, the economy grew by 2.6%. Interest rates now stand at 0.75%. Agriculture accounts for just 2% of the GDP.
Business Etiquette
A large supply of business cards printed in English and Japanese is essential. Cards can be quickly printed on arrival with Japanese translation on the reverse side. Appointments should be made in advance and, because of the formality, visits should consist of more than a few days. Punctuality is important. Business discussions are often preceded by tea and are usually very formal. Seniority is strictly observed.
Office hours: Mon-Fri 0900-1700. Some offices are open Sat 0900-1200.
Commercial Information
Japanese Chamber of Commerce in the UK
Salisbury House, 29 Finsbury Circus, London EC2M 5QQ, UK
Tel: (020) 7628 0069.
Website: www.jcci.org.uk
Nippon Shoko Kaigi-sho (The Japan Chamber of Commerce and Industry)
2-2 Marunouchi 3 Chome, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo 100-0005, Japan
Tel: (3) 3283 7824.
Website: www.jcci.or.jp
JETRO (Japan External Trade Organisation)
Ark Mari Building, 6F 12-32, Akasaka 1-Chrome, Minato-Ku, Tokyo 107-6006, Japan
Tel: (3) 3582 5511.
Website: www.jetro.go.jp
JETRO in the UK
MidCity Place, 71 High Holborn, London WC1V 6AL, UK
Tel: (020) 7421 8300.
Website: www.jetro.go.jp/uk
Japan Convention Bureau
2-10-1 Yurakucho, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo 100-0006, Japan
Tel: (3) 3216 2905.
Website: www.jnto.go.jp
Conferences & Conventions
The Japan Convention Bureau is a division of the Japan National Tourist Organisation (see Contact Addresses); its Convention Planner’s Guide to Japan lists 35 cities with conference facilities including Hiroshima, Kyoto, Nagasaki, Osaka, Tokyo and Yokohama. Kyoto has proved to be one of the most popular locations for international meetings over the last few years.
Communications
Telephone
Country code: 81. Three companies provide international communications services: KDDI, IDC and ISD, each possessing their own international access number (001, 0061 and 0041, respectively, so to call the UK, for example, you would use 0061 44). Credit cards can also be used directly in some phone boxes. Phone boxes are found virtually everywhere in Japan. They are green and grey, and accept coins and magnetic pre-paid cards. IC phone boxes accept IC cards only.
Mobile Telephone
The Japanese mobile network uses PDC (Personal Digital Cellular System) technology, which is not compatible with GSM or other mobile services. Visitors can hire handsets from companies such as NTT or Sony Finance. For UK travellers, mobiles can also be hired before departure from companies such as Adam Phones (website: www.adamphones.com). Coverage is good.
Internet
Internet is available; there are many Internet cafes in Tokyo and in the main cities in Japan. Most Tokyo hotels have Wi-Fi access. The new grey telephones have modular sockets for computer network access.
Media
Japan’s broadcasting scene is advanced and vibrant, and very competitive, with established public and commercial outlets competing for audiences. Many millions now watch satellite and cable pay-TV services, including those provided by NHK. High-definition TV (HDTV) now has a dedicared NHK channel and is growing in popularity. Digital terrestrial TV broadcasting is in the process of being introduced, also. Newspaper readership is extremely high, and national dailies have circulations in the millions. The press in Japan is free to criticise the government, although freelance journalists find access to information difficult.
Post
Letters can be taken to the central post office in front of Tokyo Station or the International Post Office, near exit A-2 Otemachi subway station, which provide English-speaking personnel. Airmail to Europe takes four to six days.
Post office hours: Mon-Fri 0900-1700 (1900 at bigger branches). Some main post offices are 0900-1500 on Saturdays, 0900-1230 on Sundays.
Press
• The English-language daily newspapers in Tokyo include Daily Sports, Yomiuri Shimbun, The Japan Times and The Mainichi Daily News.
Radio
• NHK is a public broadcaster that operates a news- and speech-based radio station, as well as a cultural and educational network, a classical music-based network and an external service, Radio Japan.
• Inter FM, J-Wave and Tokyo FM are all commercial stations.
• TBS Radio is operated by the Tokyo Broadcasting System.