The subtleties of Japan. Overview of beach resorts in Japan: holiday features, climate, prices
We continue to consider the features of tourism in the Land of the Rising Sun. In order not to seem to everyone and everyone in this country as an ignorant “red-skinned barbarian”, who visited this wondrous land, you should know the rules and be able to follow them. In continuation of the previous article, we will tell you about the intricacies of the life and culture of the mysterious Japanese people.
The level of tourist safety in Japan is perhaps one of the lowest in the world. Of course, you should not forget about the elementary safety rules and precautions that are typical for all countries. Here you should just remember that foreign languages in Japan are not very favored and you will be incredibly lucky if you meet a person who speaks more or less tolerably English. However, the locals will quickly fuse the lost tourists to the police, and the duties of the latter include the delivery of noisy ignorant foreigners to hotels. Also, all the inscriptions in the subway and buses are duplicated in Latin. It does not help much, but at the very least you can navigate.
A few words about the seasons. The climate in Japan is divided into 4 traditional seasons and 2 rainy seasons. In winter, the islands are usually dry and above freezing. Snow falls in the mountains. Spring begins with plum blossoms (usually March) and lasts until the start of “bayou” (plum rain) - the summer rainy season. So, if you want to watch the legendary, many times sung sakura blossom, try to get to Japan exactly by the beginning of the month of April. The rainy season begins and lasts differently in different parts of the country. Summer is a really hot season that lasts until September, when the autumn wind finally brings coolness. Autumn is the most comfortable time of the year in Japan, in my opinion. It is important to remember that there are no “cheap” or “low” seasons in this country (as, for example, in Egypt or Turkey). At any time of the year, prices for most services for foreigners remain the same. Therefore, plan your trip according to your climatic and weather preferences.
Now about Japanese cuisine. The most popular, of course, are 3 products: rice, fish and algae (how else on the islands?). Hence the most famous Japanese “sushi” and “sashimi” (the Japanese themselves say “sushi” and “sashimi” and many of them do not pronounce the letter “sh” at all). In general, everything that one way or another floats in the sea near the islands indiscriminately turns into these same sushi and sashimi. Another interesting thing is the Japanese soup “miso”, “tempura” (fried fish in a special way) and the Japanese national barbecue - “kushiyaki”.
In all cafes and restaurants - full service with smiling polite staff. True, they speak only in Japanese, but that's okay. There is, of course, European cuisine, however, it is European only in appearance. Well, but full service. To compete with the level of service in all (I emphasize, in all) service establishments of the Land of the Rising Sun, perhaps, the Orekhovo Hotel in Moscow with its 4 hundred hotel rooms and trained staff. Well, it doesn't matter. Be that as it may, it seems to me impossible to have a good rest in Japan without complete communion. And this means no European cuisine and everything else “Western”. Only local food, local hotels, local baths transport. Then a trip to Japan will remain unforgettable.
Not all mobile phones will work on Japanese cellular networks. We recommend renting a phone at Narita or Kansai airports. For an Internet connection, we also recommend renting a portable modem for a while.
Some Russian tour operators provide tourists with pocket routers for the entire duration of the trip.
Language and communication
The Japanese language, as a means of communication, is truly multifaceted. There are degrees of politeness of the language, the highest forms of which are sometimes difficult to use even by the Japanese themselves. They sometimes use completely different words and grammatical structures when communicating within the family, with strangers, friends, colleagues, service personnel, superiors, women, men, animals and children. Words differ in male and female speech, in different dialects, depending on age and social status.
| Hi: 1. Morning 2. Afternoon 3. Evening | 1. おはよう 2. こんにちは 3. こんばんは | 1. Ohayo 2. Konnichiwa (relatively versatile) 3. Konbanwa |
| Thanks | ありがとう | arigato |
| Goodbye, bye | さよなら | Sayonara However, when parting, we advise you to say "Arigato" |
| Sorry | 1. すみません 2. ごめんなさい | 1. Sumimasen (simple apology*) 2. Gomannnasai (a request for forgiveness, in case of a serious misconduct, for example, if a person was pushed or something was broken) *also used when addressing a Japanese person or to attract attention. There is even a joke that the Japanese do not have names, they are all called "sumimasen" |
| What is the price? | いくら | *point (not with a finger) at the product you like* Ikura |
| Give me check | かいけいで | kaikei |
| I want to order this...this...and this | これと・・・これと・・・これをおねがいします | *point (not a finger) at the dish you like...and then to the next...and the next* Koreto...koreto...kore oh onegai shimas. |
| Not | いえ | Ie |
| Yes | はい | hai |
| I do not understand | わかりません | Wakarimasen |
Features of the mentality
The Japanese try to live without creating problems and inconveniences (“meiwaku”) for others. Therefore, they are sure that outsiders will not interfere in their personal space and their personal affairs.
The number of traditions and rituals is simply enormous. Almost all areas of activity in the country are regulated, which is especially noticeable in communication between people.
Handshakes are not accepted, they are replaced by bows.
Hashi chopsticks should not be crossed or stuck in rice (associated with death). You should not point your chopsticks at anything or wave them while eating - this is considered a sign of bad taste. Also, do not move food on a plate or dishes on the table. Drinking "to the bottom" and pouring yourself is not accepted. It is recommended to fill a neighbor's glass or bowl, and he, in turn, should do the same for you.
It is forbidden to step with a shod foot on straw mats "tatami" - this is regarded as sacrilege. Especially in homes and temples. You should also change into special slippers before and after visiting the toilet.
Tipping is not accepted.
Shopping. What is worth bringing?
As a gift to your family and friends, buy souvenir maneki-neko cats, traditional Japanese sweet buns, daruma figurines, key rings and magnets.
Take a closer look at Japanese electronic wristwatches. Not only do they cost several times cheaper in Japan than in Russia, there is a discount for holders of foreign passports.
We do not recommend buy household appliances and electronics in Japan. Of course, from a technological point of view, Japanese household appliances are beyond any competition, but they are designed for a completely different mains voltage, so in Russia you can only use them with a powerful step-down transformer.
Consider buying alcohol even if you don't drink. It's not just about the traditional Japanese "sake". A bottle of good alcohol can be a great gift. Japan has a huge selection of drinks, and they are several times cheaper than in Russia. It's all about taxes.
Local kitchen. What to try?
Japan - real paradise for gourmets. But Japanese cuisine is not limited to rolls and sushi. This is an incredible amount of a wide variety of meats, seafood, noodles, desserts and exquisite combinations of traditional Japanese cuisine "kaiseki". The most popular dishes among the Japanese are:
Ramen. Japanese noodles in broth, the most popular type of soup in Japan. The broth comes in four varieties. It has a rich taste and high energy value. Meat, eggs, vegetables and pickles are usually added to ramen, and nori is dried seaweed. Other ingredients vary by region, season, and establishment.
Kare rice. Rice with a thick spicy vegetable and meat sauce. The most popular hot dish in Japan. Sometimes apples or pineapples are added to the sauce.
Katsudon. Rice with fried chop. The most popular lunch dish in Japan. Served in a bowl. A battered chop with scrambled eggs, onions and herbs is laid out on rice. According to Japanese legends, after serving katsudon in the police station, the criminal must repent.
Takoyaki. It is balls of dough stuffed with octopus. On top of the dish is sprinkled with onions and tenkatsu (fish shavings). Served with special sauce. The most popular Japanese fast food.
It is worth noting that in Japan, rice is the main dish, and everything else is perceived as a kind of side dish.
Holidays and events
Japanese holidays are, first of all, the atmosphere of a fairy tale. We will never forget how on a summer evening, on the Tenjin Matsuri festival in Osaka, we found a snowy mountain next to the house. The organizers of the holiday brought snow and built a mountain out of it so that the children could ride on it. Well, not only children, we also took a ride then. The attitude to the holidays in Japan is serious, everyone should have fun.
Initially, describing the holidays in Japan, we wrote almost 8 pages. I had to shorten it. Therefore, here are the most interesting, in our professional opinion.
April 29 - May 5. golden week. Golden Week is the longest holiday period in Japan. It matches with the best weather per year and is the ideal time to travel around the country.
1 - 29 July. Gion Matsuri Festival in Kyoto. It is one of the most lavish festivities in Japan, culminating in a massive procession of colorful floats. Each of them has a different design and is dedicated to a specific folklore theme.
July 7th Tanabata. This is the most romantic holiday in Japan, when the stars Altair and Vega meet in the sky. Representing Bootes and the Weaver, they are forever separated by the Milky Way and see each other only once a year. This evening, festivals and fairs are held where you can taste Japanese delicacies and play traditional games. The festivities end with colorful fireworks.
December 23rd. Emperor's birthday. This is a national holiday, when the people can see the imperial family live.
1st of January. Japanese New Year. A family holiday, when the inhabitants of the country go to Shinto shrines in their best kimonos in the morning to meet the sunrise and receive predictions for the next year.
Safety
Japan is a very safe country. You could even say "the safest in the world." For example, the Japanese can leave the phone on the table of the summer terrace in a coffee shop, thus making it clear that the place is occupied. They carry wallets in the back pockets of their trousers, car keys in the ignition. The police in Japan enjoy great prestige and respect, and the citizens are very law-abiding. In stores, goods simply lie on the shelves, there are no surveillance cameras. None!
During your stay in Japan, you are unlikely to encounter scammers as such, however, sometimes enterprising owners of restaurants or shops can take advantage of your lack of knowledge of Japanese and offer you, for example, a separate place on the terrace or balcony for a cozy dinner in a romantic setting. You really will have a wonderful dinner and atmosphere, but you may not understand the large inscription on the menu that a separate balcony costs a lot of money. Therefore, to the best of your ability, try to specify the price of "special offers".
3 tips that will definitely come in handy when traveling in Japan
1. If you get lost, do not ask for help from passers-by. The fact is that if the Japanese does not know the area, then he will never admit it, and he will not be able to refuse help. Therefore, it is very likely that he will send you in a completely different direction. It all depends on luck, your "friend" can guess. Therefore, try to find a policeman or ask the workers of shops or restaurants for directions. Combination shops will even print out a map for you.
2. Always carry cash with you. The Japanese pay mostly in cash, and not all stores have cashless payment terminals.
3. Try to buy an adapter for Japanese sockets and be prepared for the fact that your gadgets will be recharged longer. It's all about the voltage difference. In Japan it is 100 V.
Japan is a multifaceted country. Here you can find any leisure to your liking, whether it's walking in noisy neighborhoods or ultra-modern areas, viewing historical and architectural monuments, even a beach and ski vacation. You can just walk the streets and enjoy the thoughtfulness of the details. Even sewer manholes in Japan are sometimes a work of art. Go to numerous cafes and restaurants, arranging a gastronomic tour. Go shopping, admiring the Japanese service. Attend numerous workshops and try your hand at traditional Japanese crafts such as making fans, sweets, and even Japanese swords. You can have fun at Japanese holidays and relax in hot springs. Conquer mountains and raft down rivers. And most importantly, no matter what you do in Japan, you will be able to remain yourself.
Photos used in the material: allabout-japan, pixabay, unsplash.
It is the cherished dream of many Russians. However, not everyone manages to fulfill it because of the high cost of this trip. The Land of the Rising Sun is considered one of the most expensive in the world, and Tokyo has been in the top five most expensive cities for tourists for several years. But still, nothing can stop someone who wants to see Fujiyama and cherry blossoms in spring with their own eyes. Our article is for such travelers, it contains the most important information that will allow you to spend an inexpensive and interesting vacation in original Japan.
A little about the country
If you are planning a trip to Japan, prepare to be amazed. You will have to do this all the time, because the Land of the Rising Sun cannot be compared with other Asian states. There is nothing from China, Vietnam or Thailand, but, nevertheless, traveling through Japan, you seem to penetrate into the very heart of Asia and hear it beating on every street of noisy megacities.
Tourists are attracted here by an incredible combination of modern technology with ancient traditions that are strictly observed by every generation of the Japanese family. If you are lucky, you can see a colorful festival dedicated to, for example, kokeshi Or sit quietly in the garden, enjoying the beauty of cherry blossoms at sunrise or sunset. And in megacities you will be met by numerous cafes, shops and shopping centers. Here you can buy something, dine, and in some even stay overnight. In general, a trip to Japan will be the biggest and most significant adventure in your life. And, which is doubly pleasant, you will never regret the money spent on it.
Japan: solo or group trip?
First of all, before traveling to the Land of the Rising Sun, you need to decide on the budget and travel options. And there are few of them - a group trip to Japan or an independent one. What to choose? It directly depends on your budget and opportunities.
Traveling to Japan on your own is quite possible, but it will require very careful preparation. You will have to think through absolutely everything:
- flight to Japan;
- hotel booking;
- route of movement around the country;
- food outlets and excursion program;
- money exchange options;
- types of communication with the local population.
All these aspects have a good travel will take you a lot of time, and also require some experience in independent trips. In addition, on the road you will meet certain difficulties, which can only be overcome by unspoiled and sociable tourists. For example, it is worth knowing that in Japan, few people from local population knows English language. Therefore, you will not be able to simply ask a passer-by for directions. Perhaps, after some time, a young Japanese who knows the basics of the English language will come across, but there is a high probability that this will not happen. In addition, the inscriptions in the country are not duplicated, they are all written in hieroglyphs. This fact significantly complicates the rest in Japan.
If the above difficulties scare you, then it is better to buy a travel package. Of course, it is not cheap, but you will be free from all worries, including visa ones.
Travel cost
If you are planning a flight from Moscow, then two weeks in Japan will cost you one hundred and fifty thousand rubles. This amount includes flights, travel around the country, accommodation and several excursions. Meals are based on the breakfast system, the remaining meals the tourist must pay for on their own. A trip to Japan from Vladivostok is much cheaper. Our compatriots can choose a ferry tour, which costs about sixty thousand rubles on average. From Vladivostok, you can get to the Land of the Rising Sun in different ways and with various travel packages on hand. This is the most popular tourist destination for locals.
Reviews about independent travel in Japan allow you to plan your trip perfectly and save a lot of money. On average, brave tourists can spend thirty to forty thousand less on a trip than when buying a tour. This money will be very useful to you on vacation, because you can bring quite a lot of useful things home from the Land of the Rising Sun. How to plan a budget trip to Japan on your own, we will tell you a little later. And now let's try to find out the most important aspects of preparing for the trip.
When to go to Japan?
A big trip to Japan can be planned for any time of the year, but traditionally tourists try to visit the country in spring or autumn. During these seasons, the Land of the Rising Sun appears in a particularly beautiful form. In spring, she is dressed in pink foam of sakura flowers, and in autumn she simply hurts her eyes from red maple leaves. It seems that they are everywhere here, and the Japanese even came up with some special rituals for observing this beauty.
In winter, you can ski in Japan, several main resorts are characterized by high comfort and are equipped with the latest technology. But for those who are not attracted to skiing, it will be quite uncomfortable to see Japanese sights in winter and enjoy the trip. In addition, in the winter season it can be very windy in the country, which is rather unusual for most of our compatriots.
In summer, the country is very hot and stuffy. Air conditioners are everywhere in the cities, and tourists suffer from temperature fluctuations. Many people take sweatshirts or jackets with them to put them on in restaurants or shopping centers. But if you prefer beach holiday then go to Okinawa. Here you will receive an incredible level of service and enjoy swimming under the hot sun.
Where to go in Japan?
If you take the trouble to study reviews of independent travel in Japan, then it's easy to make your own travel itinerary. For the first time, a week will be enough for you to get acquainted with the Land of the Rising Sun. The following cities are suitable for this:
- Tokyo.
- Nara.
- Kyoto.
Traveling between settlements high-speed trains, in seven days you will explore the most beautiful parks, swim in hot springs, visit the most famous temples and, of course, taste the bustling and noisy life of megacities.
If you are already a little familiar with travel, you can choose slightly different ones, and increase your stay in this country to two weeks. During this period, tourists will be able to see Hiroshima, Osaka, Kobe and other unusual places. In general, you can plan to visit one city per day. In this case, the trip program will be very rich.
Applying for a visa: nuances and features
Any trip to Japan begins with the most difficult thing - obtaining a visa. This is not possible for every even a very experienced tourist. The thing is that in order to obtain a visa, Russians need a special letter on official letterhead. In addition to it, you will need to confirm the hotel reservation (and this is quite problematic when traveling on your own) and send a package of documents using special mail (the shipping cost will be at least seventy dollars).
Many of our compatriots negotiate with travel companies and pay for their visas. It usually takes two weeks and saves a lot of time.
Accommodation in Japan: where is the best place to stay?
To remember your trip to Japan for a long time, you need to take photos almost everywhere. Hotels and small hotels deserve special attention. It is worth noting that in the Land of the Rising Sun there is a fairly large selection of places to stay. But, if you want to save a little, then all of them will be very unusual and entertaining.
Many tourists stay overnight at spas. Don't be surprised, it's pretty common in Japan. For about thirty-five dollars you get a small room with a bathtub and a sunbed. There will also be a TV and all other amenities, and you can go down to the restaurant for dinner. Various treatments and massages are available for guests.
This is exotic for Russians. They are quite inexpensive and have a very high level of comfort. There are even double capsules for traveling couples. This pleasure will cost approximately thirty-five dollars per night.
Love hotels seem very unusual place to spend the night. These facilities are intended for love dates and provide the opportunity to rent from one hour to several days. These hotels are decorated quite exotic, but equipped with the highest class. In addition, they are much cheaper than regular rooms. A night in such a hotel will cost from eighty to one hundred and fifty dollars.
Meals while traveling
Of course, you can eat in restaurants every day, but a budget vacation does not imply such luxury. Therefore, make your choice in favor of Japanese fast food, it is extremely healthy and tasty here. No hamburgers or fries, just seaweed, sushi and seafood. Such a pleasure will cost approximately 5-6 dollars.
If the choice of dishes in a cafe confuses you a little with a large number of incomprehensible names, then buy a ready-made lunch in a supermarket. Its cost will be the same as in a cafe, and through a transparent film you will always see the contents of the package.
gourmet trip
Experienced tourists choose a special type of vacation - a culinary trip to Japan. It is worth noting that this is something incredible. Of course, there are still few Russians who are ready to spend money on such a tour, but their number is increasing every year. What is it that attracts gourmets in the Land of the Rising Sun? Of course, restaurants with Michelin stars.
The fact is that as soon as Tokyo was included in the Michelin guide, restaurants with stars appeared in it. And tourists who want to experience gastronomic delight rushed to them. Every year the number of restaurants with haute cuisine increases and Tokyo has already significantly surpassed the recognized gastronomic center - Paris in these characteristics.
For example, in the oldest quarter of Tokyo, Ginza, there are sushi restaurants with three Michelin stars. One of them employs the chef Jiro, about whom feature films have even been made. His work seems to be a real art, and the price of the dishes prepared by him exceeds several thousand dollars.
Each city in Japan has its own culinary traditions, so gourmets can travel all over the country in search of a special taste. One of the most popular Japanese foods is noodles. There are just a lot of options for its preparation - boil, fry, steam, and the like. Each region in the country has its own recipe. It can be said that a culinary tour allows tourists to discover new facets of an already familiar country.
money exchange
With the exchange of money, many inexperienced tourists often have problems. Keep in mind that buying yen is best done at home. Otherwise, you can get into a very unpleasant situation, because in many ATMs and terminals the card of the European payment system may not be accepted. This is due to the fact that Japanese terminals operate on their own system. Only a few ATMs in large shopping centers calmly accept absolutely all bank cards.
It will not always be possible to exchange money in a bank, because tourists can get on holidays, and it is impossible to exist in Japan without money. Therefore, experienced travelers advise to carry the main amount of money in cash, and leave funds on a bank card to pay for restaurants and purchases.
Going to the Land of the Rising Sun, tourists need to know a few simple rules for staying in Japan, which will make the trip easier. We have compiled the most important recommendations:
- Don't try to tip in Japan, don't do it. There is no tipping system throughout the country.
- In Japanese bars, in honor of a friendly disposition, it is customary to pour alcoholic drinks from your own bottle, so if you are honored with such an honor, be sure to make a return gesture of respect.
- Never point at objects and people with your finger - this is extremely impolite, but you can show yourself.
- In a restaurant, it is enough to wave your hand in front of your nose, as the waiter will remove the dirty plates.
- In the Land of the Rising Sun, it is customary to take off your shoes in many rooms. You may be asked to take off your shoes in some areas of a restaurant, hotel, apartment building, temple, and so on. It is considered especially indecent to step on the mat with a shod foot; this is perceived as an insult.
- When going to the hot springs, keep in mind that those who have tattoos on their bodies are escorted to separate baths. They are not allowed to be in a common room with other vacationers.
- When you receive an invitation, be sure to bring a gift with you. This is considered a sign of courtesy and respect.
Of course, it is difficult to list all the nuances of traveling through the Land of the Rising Sun, because a lot is known only after an independent trip.
Japan, travel: reviews
Not a single tourist had an angry comment about Japan, in any case, we did not meet such. This means only one thing - you can and should go to this country. It will reveal a lot of interesting things even to those who are very poorly aware of the culture and traditions of the Land of the Rising Sun.
Experienced tourists prefer Japan to all other Asian countries. Ask them why. We think the explanation will take several hours. After all, to describe this wonderful country and her people in a nutshell is simply impossible. Travelers are delighted with the historical monuments of Japan, its cities, cuisine and original traditions. Tourists say that you can come here many times, and each time you find something unusually exciting for yourself.
What do you need to decide on a trip to the Land of the Rising Sun? Yes, quite a bit - desire, the spirit of adventurism and more money. And then you will be able to tell your friends when you return home about what an incredible trip to Japan you had.
Safety
Crime rate inlaw-abiding Japan is extremely low, but forget about all elementary precautions it's not worth it.
Meet at the street of an English-speaking passerby- very rare luck. It is also a common misconception that in Japan hotels and restaurants all employees speak English. The language of communication in Japan is Japanese... and either a guide or gestures will help a foreigner...
Transport
Taxis in the country are very expensive.Tariff starts from 640-770 JPY in Tokyo and 500-580 JPY in other cities. Further- 80-90 JPY per a certain distance forevery minute of downtime is charged an additional 45-50 JPY. From 23:00 to 06:00 the tariff is 30% higher.
At Japanese taxi drivers are the opposite: a green "light" on the windshield means that the car is busy, red- free, yellow on empty car - rides on phone call.
Forgotten in taxi things can be returned with a high degree of probability by calling the Unified Lost and Found Taxi Companies.
Telephone communications
There are two standards for cellular telephone communication in Japan - CDMA and 3G . As a result, tourists oftenquestions arise whether their phone will work in Japan, and if not, how to provide themselves with cellular communications.
There are several options:
Rent a Japanese phone and insert yourSIM card. You will keep your old number. Everyone who calls you will dial your regular phone number and will not even suspect that you are in Japan. For calls to Russia, you must dial the international dialing code for Russia and the desired phone number.
You can rent a phone only at Narita Airport and in the business centers of large hotels ( Imperial Hotel, New Otani, Hyatt, Four Seasons ). The rental price is approximately $10 per day (including insurance in case of loss or theft). Outgoing calls are additionally paid according to the tariff of your telecom operator.
To rent a phone, you need a passport and a credit card valid in Japan.Don't forget your SIM pin. It will need to be entered in order to connect the SIM card to the phone.
Rent a phone with a Japanese number. You will have a Japanese phone number.Everyone who calls you must dial the international dialing code for Japan and the number of the rented phone.You should do the same when calling to Russia.
You can rent such a phone only at Narita Airport and in the business centers of large hotels ( Imperial Hotel, New Otani, Hyatt, Four Seasons). The cost of such a lease is $10. per day (including insurance in case of loss or theft).Outgoing calls are charged additionally at the rate of a Japanese telecom operator.
To rent a phone, your passport and a credit card valid in Japan are required.
Buy a special local phone. Softbank sells special phones for tourists. You buy a special pre-paid phone card for the phone and enter its number into the phone. The phone starts working like a regular Japanese phone with a regular Japanese number. When the limit on the card is exhausted, you need to buy a new one. The cards are sold in all convenience stores throughout Japan. The phone costs $80.
When you leave Japan, you can throw away your phone or take it with you as a souvenir.Phones are sold at the airport at the Softbank store and at any Softbank store throughout Japan.
All you need to buy a phone is your passport.Payment by credit card or cash.
Multisystem phone. The latest Nokia models are released with simultaneous support for several cellular communication standards - 3G and GSM. If you have such a phone, and you have paid for roaming with your telecom operator, then upon arrival in Japan you can call home directly from the gangway.
You can also call from the hotel.The cost of the international call will be charged to your account. You can buy a regular phone card and call from a gray phone booth in Japan.
Money
Banks work with 9:00 to 15:00-17:00 on weekdays and from 9:00 to 12:00 on the first and last Saturday of the month, Sunday- day off.
AT Narita International Airport (Tokyo) exchange offices are open around the clock. ATAll banks are closed on public holidays.
It is best to exchange large amounts inairport of arrival, ashotels do not change more than 300-500 USD per person per day, and in banks, the exchange procedure is complicated by bureaucratic formalities.
Currency exchange points in stores are extremely rare, and onthe streets don't have them at all.
All sales and services are subject to a non-refundable 5% consumption tax. For a refund of this tax in stores and departments of the system "
tax-free "You must show your passport.In expensive hotels and restaurants, a service charge of 10-15% is often added to the bill.
You can pay with common credit cards, but
it must be remembered that ina number of restaurants "credit cards" are not accept.Credit cards
There are times when a credit card does not work for tourists. Moreover, there is no system in failures: in one store the same credit card is accepted, and in another it is not. To avoid unexpected situations, before traveling to Japan, contact the bank that issued your card and ask to check whether the blocking for using a credit card abroad, and especially in Japan, has been lifted.
You will definitely need the card when renting a cell phone.
In Japan, credit cards are accepted in all major restaurants, shops, hotels and even in taxis. Although the Japanese themselves still prefer to pay in cash. It is best to always have cash with you.
Appliances
The voltage in Japan is 110 volts. Plugs for electrical appliances require adapters thatcan be bought at the airport for 400-500 yen. A 4* hotel cannot always providetourists with adapters.
Medicine, insurance
Japanese medicines are not always suitable for people of other nations, and therefore it is better not to rely on local miracle medicines, but bring your usual medicines with you.
Cosmetics - especially expensive lines - in Japan are different than in Europe and the United States. There are no European lines here, but there are their own, which differ in biochemical composition. Therefore, it is better to take the minimum necessary cosmetics with you.
Tourists usually buy health insurance in their home country before leaving. Therefore, their hopes that everything will be free in the event of an insured event are in vain. When you get sick, the first thing to do is to call your insurance company and find out which hospital in Tokyo or another city you can go to for help. In the hospital, you will have to pay in cash yen, take a check and then return this money in your home country. In a simple case, a doctor’s appointment and medicines will “pull” a minimum of about 30,000 yen.
The insurance does not cover appointments with a dentist, gynecologist, most of the surgical operations, with the exception of an injury in an accident.
To contact a doctor, you will most likely need an interpreter, for whose services it is also necessary to provide funds in the travel budget.
About using medical insurance abroad - we advise you to read:
Arguments and Facts
http://www.aif.ru/travel/article/43978
clothing
The sizes of clothes and especially shoes in Japan are small, gravel paths lead to the temples, so you need to take comfortable hiking shoes, a light windproof jacket, and sun glasses with you. It's not easy to buy something in your size in Japan....
Tips
Tipping is not customary in Japan. But the Japanese do a lot themselves, do not count on the help of service personnel. No one expects a bus driver to carry and load their belongings into the trunk of a bus. If the driver does, he usually expects a 100-200 yen tip from each passenger. If you want the guide to book a table for dinner, write the name of the store in Japanese for the taxi driver, advise and mark pharmacies and shops on the map after work, and provide other assistance, then it would be right to offer the guide a tip of about 1-2 thousand yen.
If you have received an additional or personal service in a restaurant or hotel, then no one will consider it offensive to receive a tip with which the client expresses his gratitude.
If you pay everywhere and always credit card, you should make sure that there are small bills in your wallet, with which you can thank the person for the service well rendered to you.
Not nice
There are no prohibitions in everyday life in Japan, but there are some rules that are recommended to be observed by guests of the country.
It is not accepted to smoke in public places, in offices, at stations and railway platforms, as well as in houses and cars without the permission of the owner.
It is not customary to step on straw mats "tatami" in shoes - this is regarded as sacrilege.
It is not customary to enter a private toilet in shoes or barefoot - it is customary to change shoes into special slippers, which are usually placed in the toilet or in front of the entrance to it.
Lost things
Losses on the street are dealt with by the police, losses in the hotel are dealt with by the client himself, since the hotel is not responsible for the safety of things. At the same time, things left at the hotel usually go to the hotel's Lost and Found and are not lost.
The transport company sends the things left on the bus by mail to the hotel at the expense of the client.
In an earthquake
Japan is located in a zone of high seismic activity. The country's authorities are paying serious attention to preparing the population for possible emergencies that may arise as a result of strong earthquakes, providing assistance to victims, including foreigners temporarily staying in the country. The country has a system of preliminary or warning notification (from several minutes to several days) about a possible earthquake. However, most earthquakes happen unexpectedly.
In such cases, you should remain calm and try to follow the following recommendations:
while in the room, slightly open the front doors so that they do not block;
turn off heaters and open sources of fire (gas stoves);
stand in the doorway under the supporting structures, covering your head from possible falling objects, or take cover under a solid table;
in the event of a fire or the impossibility of staying in the premises for other reasons, leave it, taking at least documents and drinking water with you;
do not use the elevator, and if you are in the elevator during an earthquake, then stop it at the nearest floor and exit it;
for shelter in the city, use underground passages, open areas, keep your distance from glassed-in windows and walls of high-rise buildings, beware of falling objects;
while in a train car, stay in it until the end of the earthquake or until you receive permission from the employees of the subway or railway.
After the earthquake, the city's disaster prevention headquarters informs (in Japanese and English) the public about the situation, takes measures to eliminate the consequences, and provides assistance to the population. So use your radio or TV as soon as possible to get the latest information.
Help and emergency contact
Help - Japan Help Line (24 hours, English): 0120-461-997
Emergency contact:
Fire brigade, ambulance -119
Police -110
Called for free. When calling from a public pay phone, press the red button before dialing.
Embassy of the Russian Federation in Japan: