Land Mass
Japan is an archipelago consisting of over 6,800 islands, with a total area of ca. 378,000 sq. km

Capital Tokyo (with a population of 12 million)

Official Language Japanese

Climate
Generally mild, with colder weather in the North and warmer in the South

Official Holdays
1.   New Years Day January 1
2.   Coming of Age Day 2nd Monday
     in January
3.   National foundation Day February 11
4.   Vernal Equinox Day March 21(or 20)
6.   Constitution Memorial Day
7.   Children’s Day May 5
8.   Maritime Day July 20
9.   Respect for the Aged Day
     September 15
10. Autumnal Equinox day
     September 23(or 24)
11. Health Sports Day 2nd Monday
     in October
12. Culture Day November 3
13. Labour Thanksgiving Day
     November 23
14. Emperor’s Birthday December 23

Ememrgency numbers Tipping
110 Police
119 Fire
120 Emergency (ambulance)

Calling from green public telephones lift the receiver and push the red button before dialing. In case of gray and IC card public phones just lift the receiver and dial the number.

Population
127 million

Religion The two main religions are Shintoism and Buddhism

Electricity
The electric current for home use is 100 volts. A.C. throughout Japan, with two different cycles, 50 hertz in Eastern Japan and 60 hertz in Western Japan Major hotels in Tokyo normally have two outlets of 110 and 220 volts, but their sockets normally only accept 2 prong plugs.

Tipping
Individual tipping is not common in Japan since a 10-15% service charge is added to the bill in most leading hotels, ryokans and higher class restaurants. No tip is necessary unless you request some extra special services

Health Requirements
There are no requirements for foreign travelers

Currency
The unit of currency is the yen (indicated as ¥) Coins are ¥1, ¥5, ¥10,¥50, ¥100 and ¥500. Bank note denominations are ¥1,000, ¥2,000, ¥5,000 and ¥10,000

Drinking water
Tap water is safe to drink anywhere in Japan. Mineral water is available at Hotels, department and convenience stores, supermarkets and restaurants

Currency Exchange
You can buy yen at most foreign exchange banks and other authorized money exchangers. At international airports, currency exchange counters are open during normal office hours. The exchange rate fluctuates daily depending on international markets but is approximately CAD$1 = JPY¥80

Traveler’s checks are accepted by leading banks, hotels and ryokans and stores in major cities. International credit cards such as American Express, Visa, Diners, Master and JCB are widely accepted. However, credit cards are not widely used outside of big cities so carrying cash highly recommended.

Passport and visa
Foreign visitors entering Japan must have a valid passport. Many nationals, including Canadian citizens, do not need a visa to visit Japan temporarily. For more details, please see: http://www.ca.emb-japan.go.jp/

Canadian Embassy in Tokyo
3-38 Akasaka 7-chome
Minato Ku
Tokyo 107-8503
Japan

Telephone: (03) 5412-6321
Facsimile: (03) 5412-6302

http://www.canadanet.or.jp

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