Japan: Overview

Hyperbolic, kitty-cute, switched-on, serene.

Whether you end up taking photos of a reproduction Eiffel Tower, surfing an indoor wave, musing in a Zen temple, shacking up in a love hotel or kipping down in a capsule, you'll do best to come with an open mind and be prepared to be surprised.

Somewhere between the elegant formality of Japanese manners and the candid, sometimes boisterous exchanges that take place over a few drinks, between the sanitised shopping malls and the unexpected rural festivals, everyone finds their own vision of Japan.

Travel Warning: Earthquake

An earthquake with a reported 7.2 magnitude struck northern Japan on June 14. At least nine people were confirmed dead and more than 200 were injured. The epicentre of the quake was near Yuzawa, south of Akita, on Japan's main island Honshu.

severity: Mid-level alert

Fast Facts

Country Full Name

Japan (Nihon)

Population

127,000,000

Currency

Name: Japanese yen
Code: JPY
Symbol: ¥

Electrical Plugs

Japanese-style plug with two parallel flat blades
100V 50Hz

Languages Spoken

Official: Japanese

Time Zones

GMT/UTC +9 

Country Dialing Code

+81

Weights & Measures

Metric

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Disclaimer: We've tried to make the information on this web site 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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