Page 6 - Japan 2019

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