Page 6 - Japan 2019
P. 6

Travel Tips











































       Old Town, Kyoto                                                         Great Torii Gate, Itsukushima, Hiroshima Bay



       When to Go                                            Etiquette
       Spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November) are the   Japan has a culture steeped in tradition. Manners are very important amongst the
       two most comfortable seasons in which to visit Japan, when there is little   Japanese and you should be aware of basic rules. In Japan, people greet each
       rainfall, skies are clear and temperatures are mild. The best time to see   other by bowing – shaking hands is uncommon. It is rude to talk loudly, eat or drink
       cherry blossoms in most of the major cities is early April, however, they   while walking, talk on your phone while on a train or place feet on seats. Always
       can bloom as early as January on the islands of Okinawa and as late as   use an umbrella when it rains, place money on the tray when making purchases in
       May on the northern island of Hokkaido. The rainy season is generally   a shop and stand to the left on escalators. There are strict rules relating to footwear
       from the end of May to mid July and the humidity is high through summer.   – shoes should be removed in traditional ryokan, some restaurants, temples,
       Come autumn, leaves turn red and gold and Japan is ablaze with colour.   castles and other historic buildings.
       The winter months (December to February) are very cold and excellent
       conditions for skiing and other winter pursuits.      Temperature
                                                                                    Temperature Average
       Visas & Passports                                     City       Spring     Summer      Autumn      Winter
                                                                                              (Sep – Nov)
                                                                                  (Jun – Aug)
                                                                                                         (Dec – Feb)
                                                                       (Mar – May)
       A valid passport is required with at least six months validity beyond the   Tokyo  10°C to 18°C  22°C to 28°C  15°C to 22°C  2°C to 10°C
       intended stay. Travel advice is available from the New Zealand Government
       Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade at safetravel.govt.nz.   Kyoto  8°C to 19°C  22°C to 31°C  13°C to 23°C  1°C to 10°C
                                                             Osaka     6°C to 19°C  23°C to 31°C  15°C to 23°C  2°C to 10°C
       Time                                                  Hiroshima  9°C to 19°C  22°C to 29°C  13°C to 22°C  1°C to 10°C
       Japan is three hours behind New Zealand Standard Time (NZST). Daylight   Kanazawa  7°C to 16°C  20°C to 28°C  12°C to 21°C  1°C to 8°C
       Saving Time is observed from October to April where their clocks are turned   Takayama  2°C to 16°C  17°C to 28°C  8°C to 18°C  -5°C to 4°C
       forward by one hour.                                  Okinawa  19°C to 24°C  26°C to 30°C  22°C to 27°C  14°C to 20°C
       Currency                                              Getting Around
       The YEN (JPY) is the official unit of currency in Japan. While credit cards   Travelling in Japan is easy. For travel between regional cities and towns, purchase a
       are slowly being accepted, cash is recommended while travelling in Japan.   Japan Rail (JR) Pass and use the Shinkansen (bullet train). The JR Pass can also be
       International ATMs are widely accessible in post offices and convenience   used for the metro in most major cities. Alternatively, an IC Card can be purchased
       stores 24 hours a day.                                and topped up as necessary for travel within Tokyo, Osaka and Kyoto.
       Tipping & Bargaining                                  Public Holidays
       Tipping is not required and any tips left will be given back to you. It is also   Be prepared when you’re travelling to Japan as the country celebrates many
       considered rude to bargain in Japan.                  national public holidays.
                                                             2019
       Language                                              Showa Day – 29th Apr      Mountain Day – 11th Aug
       Japanese is the official language and English is not widely spoken.  Constitution Day – 3rd May  Respect for the Aged Day – 16th Sep
                                                             Greenery Day – 4th May    Sports Day – 14th Oct
       Electricity                                           Children’s Day – 5th May  Culture Day – 3rd Nov
                                                                                       Labour Thanksgiving Day – 23rd Nov
                                                             Marine Day – 15th Jul
       Eastern Japan 100V 50Hz. Western Japan including Nagoya, Kyoto and
       Osaka 100V 60Hz. An adapter is required.              2020
                                                             Coming of Age Day – 13th Jan  Emperor’s Birthday – 23rd Feb
                                                             National Foundation Day – 11th Feb
   6
   1   2   3   4   5   6   7   8   9   10   11