Japan

It is only comparatively recently that Japan came out of the shell of its isolation, but the country of pink cherry blossoms and genteel geisha girls has made up for lost time. There are few people in the western world who have not driven a Japanese car, eaten sushi or played on a Nintendo or Sony game console.

The nation of Japan consists of an island archipelago stretching from northeast to southwest off the coast of mainland China, Russia and Korea, separated from its Asian neighbours by the Sea of Japan. Between 1639 and 1859 Japan elected to cut itself off from trade or traffic with the rest of the world, except for some marginal contact through the southern Kyushu island ports. Since opening up its doors once more, just 150 years ago, the densely populated islands have developed in leaps and bounds and much of the country is now covered by sprawling neon-lit cities and the world's most sophisticated public transport networks.

Modern it may be, but Japan still retains plenty of its mystical oriental charm. From the intricacies of etiquette demanded in social situations, to the minimalist décor behind rice paper screens, Japanese culture is alive and well and cannot be ignored, which makes a visit to Japan a fascinating experience.

The modern metropolises are dotted with numerous ancient shrines and temples; the countryside is riddled with hundreds of volcanoes and hot springs overlooking pastoral paddy fields; parks are festooned with rigidly raked white gravel Zen gardens or coated with layers of lilac and cherry blossom.

Japan's islands are mountainous in the interior - 75 percent of the country's landmass is made up of mountains - and most of the people are tightly packed within the limitations of the coastal plains, particularly on the main island of Honshu. Tokyo, the capital and largest city, situated on Honshu's east coast, has a population of 12 million. Despite this seething mass of humanity Japan is well ordered. Everything runs on time, and crime levels are almost non-existent. It is still possible to find beautiful vistas and wide empty spaces in the countryside, and when you are forced to mingle with the urban throngs you will find the Japanese to be charming, courteous and friendly to foreign faces.

Climate

The weather throughout the four main islands that make up Japan is generally temperate, with four distinct seasons. The weather can get very hot during the summer months. June, July and August are hot and humid and after June the country experiences its wettest months. In the south winters are cool but sunny, but as one moves further north temperatures drop and snow falls. The island of Hokkaido in the far north of Japan is bitterly cold in the winter, with snow guaranteed.

Money

The currency is the Japanese Yen (JPY), which is equal to 100 sen. Major credit cards are accepted in the larger hotels and stores, but most Japanese operate with cash. Cash and travellers cheques can be exchanged in banks, post offices and currency exchange bureaux. Banks are usually open Monday to Friday 9am to 3pm. Travellers cheques offer the best exchange rate and are best taken in US dollars. ATMs do not accept all credit and debit cards; only the international ATMs in post offices, airports and some major stores.

Passport Visa

All foreign passengers to Japan must hold proof of sufficient funds to cover their expenses while in the country, return/onward tickets, and the necessary travel documentation for their next destination. NOTE: It is highly recommended that your passport has at least six months validity remaining after your intended date of departure from your travel destination. Immigration officials often apply different rules to those stated by travel agents and official sources.

Entry Requirements

• US citizens must have a passport that is valid upon their arrival in Japan. No visa is required for stays of up to 90 days.
• British citizens must have a passport that is valid upon their arrival in Japan. No visa is required for stays of up to 90 days (extension possible), for British passport holders endorsed British Citizen or British National (Overseas). In all other cases, a visa is required.
• Canadian citizens must have a passport that is valid upon their arrival in Japan. No visa is required, for stays of up to 90 days.
• Australian citizens must have a passport that is valid upon their arrival in Japan. No visa is required, for stays of up to 90 days. Note that passport exemptions apply to holders of an Emergency Passport (blue cover), issued to nationals of Australia after 1 December, 2003. Note that visa exemptions apply to holders of an APEC Business Travel Card, provided the back of the card states that it is valid for travel to Japan. In such cases, a 'visit pass' will be issued on arrival.
• South African citizens must have a passport that is valid upon their arrival, and require a visa to enter Japan.
• Irish citizens must have a passport that is valid upon their arrival in Japan. No visa is required, for stays of up to 90 days (extensions are possible).
• New Zealand citizens must have a passport that is valid upon their arrival in Japan. No visa is required, for stays of up to 90 days. Note that visa exemptions apply to holders of an APEC Business Travel Card, provided the back of the card states that it is valid for travel to Japan. In such cases, a 'visit pass' will be issued on arrival.

Health

No vaccination certificates are required for entry to Japan. There have been recent outbreaks of the deadly bird flu, but no human infections have been reported. Travellers to Japan are unlikely to be affected, but live animal markets and places where contact with live poultry is possible should be avoided, and all poultry and egg dishes well cooked. Medical facilities are very good, but medical assistance in Japan can be very expensive and visitors have to pay the whole cost up front. Travellers should ensure that they have adequate medical insurance before travelling. The possession of Vicks inhalers and other common medications used for allergies and sinus problems are banned under the strictly enforced anti-stimulant drugs law, and visitors are advised to check with the Japanese embassy if in doubt.

Embassy Consulates

• Japanese Embassy, Washington DC, United States: +1 202 238 6700.
• Japanese Embassy, London, United Kingdom: +44 (0)20 7465 6500.
• Japanese Embassy, Ottawa, Canada: +1 613 241 8541.
• Japanese Embassy, Canberra, Australia: +61 (0)2 6273 3244.
• Japanese Embassy, Pretoria, South Africa: +27 (0)12 452 1500.
• Japanese Embassy, Dublin, Ireland: +353 (0)1 202 8300.
• Japanese Embassy, Wellington, New Zealand: +64 (0)4 473 1540.

Foreign Embassies

• United States Embassy, Tokyo: +81 (0)3 3224 5000.
• British Embassy, Tokyo: +81 (0)3 5211 1100.
• Canadian Embassy, Tokyo: +81 (0)3 5412 6200.
• Australian Embassy, Tokyo: +81 (0)3 5232 4111.
• South African Embassy, Tokyo: +81 (0)3 3265 3366.
• Irish Embassy, Tokyo: +81 (0)3 3263 0695.
• New Zealand Embassy, Tokyo: +81 (0)3 3467 2271.