GENERAL INFORMATION Janpan
ENTRY REGULATIONS:
Visitors must hold a valid passport. Citizens of some 40 countries around the world are exempted from visa fees for periods varying from 14 days to 6 months. It is best to contact the Japanese Embassy or Consulate in your country.

CLIMATE:
Japan has four seasons : Spring is when cherry blossoms fall and is one of the best times for a visit, from the first days of March till the last days of May. Summer is nature's play time and arrives Japan in June with the arrival of a 3-week long rainy season. Summer begins somewhat coolly with a rainy season but when it ends in late June, much of Japan is characterized by hot, humid days. Autumn is the time of falling leaves characterized by cool, crisp days from October to December. Winter in Japan is the season of frosty breath. Except for the extreme north, it is not very severe and is usually tempered by warm sunshine and blue skies. Winter runs from December to March.
CURRENCY:
Local currency is the Japanese Yen (JPY). The Japanese Yen is pegged to the Canadian dollar at a rate of 81.40 JPY to the CAD$, although the rate varies depending on the exchange rate.
ELECTRICITY:
The electric current for home use is uniformly 100 volts but there are two different cycles in use - 50 in eastern Japan and 60 in western Japan. Leading hotels in Tokyo and other big cities have 110 and 220 volts.
LANGUAGE:
Japanese. English is not spoken widely. However, Goodwill Guides are the English-speaking volunteers who stand ready and willing to assist overseas visitors.

HEALTH REQUIREMENT:
Vaccination certificates are usually not required. Check with your local health authority for change in requirements.

AIRPORT FACILITIES & TAX:
The New Tokyo International Airport at Narita is a main gateway to Japan. The second largest is the Kansai International Airport in Osaka. Departure tax is JPY2,650.00 levied for travelers 12 and above and JPY1,330.00 for children aged 2-11 years.
SHOPPING:
Among the valued items sought after as souvenirs are cameras, VCRs, portable cassette players, watches, silk and pearls among others, all of which are available in specialty shops and the department stores of Tokyo, Osaka and Kyoto. Recommended shopping areas in Tokyo include the Ginza, Shinjuku and Shibuya while the electronics district of Akihabara is world-famous for its incredible array of electronic and electrical devices of all kinds.

CUISINE:

Once known in the west either in the form of Sukiyaki or the more exotic sushi, Japanese cuisine has in recent years become much more familiar and appreciated around the world. Many visitors to Japan will have already sampled the pleasures of raw fish or batter-fried shrimp. Eating in Japan is an experience to be enjoyed and remembered.
For more information on Japan, click on www.jnto.go.jp or www.japantravelinfo.com