April 28, 2019 / Education
Japan is a popular travel destination for American tourists. In the month of February (2019) alone, 92,700 people traveled from the U.S. to Japan. During that same time, 23,900 Canadians and 47,700 Australians also took trips to Japan. Here is a summary of what you need to know if you want to plan your own trip to this culturally interesting country. While the Japan visa guide by SafeTrip goes into more detail, here are the basic Japan travel tips.
#1 Travel Insurance and Documentation
Firstly, get travel insurance for a trip to Japan. Medical care is expensive, so even a relatively mild illness can result in a big bill. Plus, the cost of medical repatriation from Japan to America starts at around $25,000. Hopefully, you never need to use this type of service. But, when you travel, it is best to prepare for all eventualities, especially if you travel as a family.
American citizens do not need a visa to travel to Japan. All that is required is a full US passport that is valid for 6 months from the date you leave America. It also needs to have 2 blank pages available for the passport control stamps.
#2 Japan Travel Tips about Vaccinations
Most U.S. citizens will already have the vaccinations they need to be able to travel to Japan. But, it’s a good idea to make an appointment to see your doctor about 6 weeks before your trip. This will enable you to check whether your vaccinations are up to date. If they are not, then you will need a few weeks for the doctor to order them, give them, and let them take effect.
#3 Feeling at Home
Most Japanese have a bit of a passion for all things American. They, like so many in the world, have grown up with U.S. shows, movies and, more recently, food. So, they are usually keen to meet people who are from North America.
You will also find a lot of American-themed bars there. As well as restaurants selling dishes that you are used to eating back at home. So, if you want to eat the same foods as back in your home country while on your business trip or vacation then you won’t have trouble doing so!
As for the next one on this Japan travel tips list, it’s quite a bit different than home and may surprise you. It concerns appliances, such as hair dryers, that you might pack with you on the trip.
#4 Using Your Electrical
You will not need a plug adapter for your electrical appliances. However, the voltages are different. The Japanese system is 100 V and 50/60 Hz, so it’s wise to use a transformer or voltage transformer over there.
#5 Japan Travel Tips: Know the Customs
One or two Japanese customs come as a big surprise to foreigners. For example, tipping is considered rude.
Also, some restaurants will ask you to remove your shoes before entering the dining area. When using the bathroom, you will be expected to don a special pair of shoes too. This is the case whether you are in a public place or in someone’s home.
#6 Communicating While in Japan
In tourist areas, it is relatively easy to find someone who speaks English. But, it’s wise to download a good voice translation app before leaving home.
On a related note, the last of the Japan travel tips is to download an app that enables you to point your camera at a Japanese sign or menu to get some sort of translation. Yes, that technology exists!
Norms of behavior are different in Japan than they are elsewhere. So, if you want to fit in there then you will need to do a little extra research into this matter.
Do you want to go to Japan? If you’ve been there, would you suggest any other travel tips?
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