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Factoids - Japan |
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" A major economic power, Japan has the
world's second largest economy by nominal GDP and the third
largest in purchasing power parity. It is also the world's
fourth largest exporter and sixth largest importer. It is a
developed country with high living standards (8th highest
HDI) and the longest life expectancy in the world (according
to UN estimates)." |
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" About 70% to 80% of the country is
forested, mountainous,and unsuitable for agricultural,
industrial, or residential use. This is because of the
generally steep elevations, climate and risk of landslides
caused by earthquakes, soft ground and heavy rain. This has
resulted in an extremely high population density in the
habitable zones that are mainly located in coastal areas.
Japan is one of the most densely populated countries in the
world." |
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" The High speed Shinkansen or Bullet
trains are a common form of transportation in Japan. Some
250 high-speed Shinkansen trains connect major cities.
Japanese trains are known for their punctuality." |
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Origami is the ancient Japanese art of paper folding.Origami
comes from the Japanese words for folding, ori, and the
Japanese word for paper, kami. " |
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Tsukiji fish market in Tokyo is the world's largest
wholesale fish markets. Tsukiji ranks at the top in every
measurable category. It handles more than 400 different
types of seafood, from penny-per-piece sardines to golden
brown dried sea slug caviar. It imports from 60 countries on
six continents. " |
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Yokoso - Welcome
to
Japan
Japan is situated in northeastern Asia between the North Pacific
and the Sea of Japan. The area of Japan is 377,873 square
kilometers, Japan consists of four major islands, surrounded by
more than 4,000 smaller islands. The Four major Islands are
- Hokkaido(northern island) 83,0002Kms
- Honshu (main island) 231,0002Kms
- Shikoku (smallest island) 19,0002Kms
- Kyushu (southern island) 42,0002Kms
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Factoid: "Mt.
Fuji or Fujiyama is the highest mountain (3,776m or
12,285ft) in Japan and is world-famous for its
superb conical form. Mt. Fuji, the tallest mountain
in Japan, is an active volcano. The volcano rises
about 3,500 m above the surrounding plain. Fuji has
erupted at least 16 times since 781 AD."
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Japan a place like no other on earth - where past lives on
even as future arrives ahead of schedule - where you can
have an adventure that's a relaxing as it is exotic.
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Fact File - Japan |
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Country: |
Conventional long form: none
Conventional short form: Japan
Local long form: Nihon-koku/Nippon-koku
Local short form: Nihon/Nippon |
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Capital: |
Tokyo |
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Geography: |
Strategic location in northeast
Asia |
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Location: |
Eastern Asia, island chain between
the North Pacific Ocean and the Sea of Japan, east of the Korean
Peninsula |
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Map References: |
Asia |
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Area: |
Total: 377,835 sq km
Land: 374,744 sq km Water: 3,091 sq km
Note: Includes Bonin Islands (Ogasawara-gunto), Daito-shoto,
Minami-jima, Okino-tori-shima, Ryukyu Islands (Nansei-shoto),
and Volcano Islands (Kazan-retto) |
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Independence: |
660 B.C. (traditional date of the
founding of the nation by Emperor JIMMU; first recognized by
Emperor Meiji in 1873) |
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Flag description:
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White with a large red disk
(representing the sun without rays) in the center |
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Ethnic groups: |
Japanese 98.5%, Koreans 0.5%,
Chinese 0.4%, other 0.6% |
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Language: |
Japanese |
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Religion: |
Shintoism 83.9%, Buddhism 71.4%,
Christianity 2%, other 7.8% |
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Climate: |
Varies from tropical in south to
cool temperate in north |
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Terrain: |
Mostly rugged and mountainous |
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Currency: |
Japanese YEN
¥
Click here to
find out Current Exchange Rate
There is no limit on the amount of any currency that may be
brought into or taken out of Japan. However, if you transport
(any currencies, checks, securities or other monies) exceeding
1,000,000 yen worth in Japanese currency into or out of the
country then you must complete a customs declaration. |
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Time: |
GMT + 9
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Electricity: |
The voltage used throughout
Japan is uniformly 100 volts, A.C. There are two kinds of
frequencies in use; 50 Hertz in eastern Japan and 60 Hertz in
western Japan (including Nagoya, Kyoto and Osaka).
There are no columnar-shaped plugs
or 3-pin plugs used in Japan but 2-flat-pin plugs are used
instead. It is therefore advised to purchase a plug adapter
beforehand. |
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Calling Code: |
+81 |

Best time to visit
Japan
Much of a Japan lies within the temperate zone and enjoys four
distinct seasons. But travel to the right altitude and latitude
and you can find the feeling of winter and summer at almost
anytime of year. Spring and fall, meanwhile, are seasons to
savor as they sweep across the main islands bringing fleeting
delights like cherry blossoms and brilliant autumnal foliage.
Visitors to Japan should be aware of the peak times of the year
for booking travel and accommodation reservations, which are:
(1) Yearend and during New Year holidays — December 27 to
January 4 and adjacent weekends; (2) "Golden Week" holiday
season — April 29 to May 5 and adjacent weekends; and (3) "Bon"
festival season — the week centering on August 15.
Winter (December - February):
The temperature rarely drops below 0°C in the plains along the
Pacific coast during wintertime. It is also quite dry and very
often sunny. Clothing: overcoats, sweaters, etc.
Spring (March - May): The
plum blossom is a good sign that the cold winter will soon end
and spring is just around the corner, followed by the cherry
blossom at its best in the Tokyo area between the end of March
and the beginning of April to bring this beautiful season to a
climax. Splendid views of mountains, fields and gardens all
blanketed in gentle pink abound in this season. Clothing:
light jackets, light sweaters and other similar kinds of tops.
Summer (June - August): The
Japanese summer begins in June with a three to four week rainy
season. It becomes seriously hot and humid from July onwards.
Clothing: light clothes (cardigans and other similar kinds
are handy, since indoors are mostly air-conditioned.)
Autumn (September - November):
Autumn always brings such freshness with a light breeze and cool
temperature after the hot and humid summer. All forests are dyed
in glorious autumn colors. Chrysanthemums create beautiful
displays with their abundance of flowers to enchant visitors to
parks and gardens. Autumn is also the season for many
exhibitions, music concerts and sports tournaments in Japan.
Clothing: light jackets, light sweaters and other similar
kinds of tops.
 
What to Pack
Are you visiting Japan for just a short time? Here’s a quick
list of things that we think are important to bring to make your
stay less worrisome and more enjoyable.
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It is good to carry some Japanese yen in cash while you are
in Japan.
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Good pair of sunglasses with an ultra-high UV rating
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Carry body moisturizer/hand foot moisturizing cream. Most
hotels in Japan provide shampoo, conditioner and body soap
but no moisturizer. Dry skin was the major problem we
encountered due to heat being turned up indoors, lot of
walking, and use of onsets.
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Japanese custom to take off your shoes indoors, you might
have to take off your shoes often in Japan. Bringing a pair
of shoes that you can slip off and on easily might be
convenient.
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2-flat-pin plugs
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Dictionary (Japanese Conversation book) / Guidebook
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Over the counter allergy meds - Seasonal allergies? Allergic
to dust, or anything else? You should bring some OTC
Medicines. OTC medicines in Japan are expensive and cause
drowsiness.
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Credit Card (Visa, American Express, MasterCard are accepted)
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"
If you are planning on traveling to the orient, one
fact about Japan that you should know is that you
must have local currency (yen) on hand before you
leave the airport. Taxi, buses and other
transportation services do not accept debit or
credit cards or any other currency except the yen. "
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Health Care
Tap water is safe to drink anywhere in Japan. Mineral water
including major imported brands can be easily obtained from
super markets, convenience stores and other similar places.
Medical systems and facilities in Japan are well established so
that you can expect to receive a high standard medical
treatment, should you have a problem with your health during
your stay.
There are no inoculations required for entering Japan from
anywhere around the world.
 
Shopping in
Japan
In a country that manufactures a large percentage of the entire
world's consumer goods, and that structures its entire national
existence around the marketplace, it is no surprise that
shopping takes up a good proportion of most visitors' time.
look upon a visit to big department stores in the major cities
as recreation. The stores encourage this by offering child-care
service, giving away free food samples in their grocery markets
and delicatessens, holding art shows and demonstrating native
and foreign crafts.
Among the valued items sought as souvenirs are digital cameras,
DVD players, portable MD players, watches, kimonos, pearls,
ceramics, bamboo ware, woodblock prints and curios. All of which
are available in specialty shops or department stores.
Shopping hours: Shops and
other sales outlets in Japan are generally open on Saturdays,
Sundays and national holidays as well as weekdays from 10:00
a.m. to 8:00 p.m.
 
Entry Formalities and
Japan Visa:
A "Temporary Visitor's Visa" is usually required as permission
to stay in Japan for a period of up to 90 days for
non-remunerative activities such as sightseeing, participating
in amateur sports, visiting relatives, taking inspection tours,
participating in lectures or research, attending conferences,
making business contacts or other similar activities.
Needless to say, the "Temporary Visitor's Visa" cannot be used
for any remunerative purposes, which involve profit making or
payment acceptance within Japan by the visitor.
To apply for a visa, the applicant must apply in person to a
Japanese Embassy or a consulate, usually in his or her home
country. The following documents must be submitted whatever the
purpose of visit you are going to make:
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Valid passport;
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Two 45mm x 45mm passport-type photos taken within the previous six
months (stateless persons must submit three photos)
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Two official visa application forms
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Documents certifying the purpose of the visit.
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A ticket for boarding an airplane or a vessel to leave Japan, or a
written guarantee issued by a transport company.
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Documents certifying that the person concerned can defray all
expenses incurred during the stay in Japan.
As the type of documents required for the application may differ
according to the purpose of your visit, the applicant is advised to
check with the Japanese Embassy or consulate beforehand.
Visa fees: The
Tourist Visa fee is 3000 YEN for Single Entry and 6000 YEN for
Multiple Entry which is subject to revise.
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"Note:
The Tourist Visa is usually valid for a period not
exceeding 15 - 90 days and is granted on either single
or multiple entry basis."
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Time required to issue Japan Visa:
From 4 working days to 2 weeks. It is advisable to allow plenty
of time.
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"WARNING:
Visitors are also reminded that it is a punishable
offence to overstay in Japan beyond the number
of days given."
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For other destinations, email us your requirements to
outbound@aadityatours.com
Disclaimer: We've
tried to make the information on this page as accurate as possible,
but it is provided 'as is' and we accept no responsibility for any
loss, injury or inconvenience sustained by anyone resulting from
this information. You should verify critical information (like
visas, health and safety, customs and transportation) with the
relevant authorities before you travel.

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