JAPAN sq. km of experiences. DeltaWorks

Transcription

1 JAPAN sq. km of experiences DeltaWorks

2 EXCHANGE RATE JUN2017 JAPANESE YEN EURO JAPANESE YEN = = US DOLLAR = = POUND STERLING = = CHINESE YUAN = = SOUTH KOREAN WON TABLE OF CONTENTS = = Who lives here? 5 SOURCE: SPOT REUTERS How things work 5 What you ll need to get in and out How to move around Must-sees and must-tastes How much is Travel tips What if I get ill? Be careful with Who to turn to Must-take pics Discounts on currency exchange WEATHER The weather in Japan changes depending on the part of the country and the season you are at. Taking this into account, and as a big picture, we can say that Japan has a mild climate and the nicest seasons are spring and autumn. 3

3 WHO LIVES HERE? _ The population of Japan hovers around million inhabitants, 47.5% of which are men and 52.5% are women. _ The country has an area of 377,950 sq. km and it is an archipelago composed of 6,852 islands; of those, the principal ones are Hokkaido, Honshu, Shikoku, Kyushu and Okinawa. It has no land borders with other countries because Japan is located between the Pacific Ocean and the Sea of Japan, west of China, Russia and the Korean peninsula. _ In terms of religion, the principal ones are Shintoism and Buddhism. _ Japanese is the official language of the country million INHABITANTS 52.5% 47.5% TOKIO 8,717,529 Mount Fuji OSAKA 2,649,601 YOKOHAMA 3,643,641 GET LOST Japan is a country that many travellers have in mind. And we could not blame them because, apart from sushi and the beauty of its geishas, what will surprise you the most about this culture is that the modern (and its impressive Tokyo buildings) blends naturally with the vestiges of the past, such as the temples in Kyoto, in this country. If we tell you that we are going to show you a little bit of its best places, WOULD YOU JOIN US? HOW THINGS WORK _ The capital of Japan is Tokyo. _ The political system of this country is a parliamentary monarchy, with Shinzō Abe as Prime Minister and Akihito as Emperor. _ The legal tender in the country is the yen (symbol:, ISO: JPY). _The GDP of the country is estimated to reach 4,461,689 million euros in _ The annual inflation rate is at 0.2%. _ The unemployment rate is at 3%. _ By economic sectors, agriculture contributes 3.7% to total GDP, manufacture 25.3% and services 69.7%. 4 5

4 WHAT YOU'LL NEED TO GET IN AND OUT _ When entering Japan, your passport must be valid for all the period of time you will be in Japan. BY BUS _ Japan has a wide network of long-distance buses called highway buses. _ Their fares are similar to those of the regular futsū trains. _ Tickets can be booked through any travel agency in Japan and in the midori-no-madoguchi (green ticket windows) at the biggest railway stations of Japan Railways (JR). _ The citizens of some countries do not need a visa for entering the country. Check if yours is among them in the Japan Tourism Agency website. - Before entering Japan, tourists are required to undergo a fingerprint control and to be photographed. People under 16 years old, members of the diplomatic corps or residents with formal accreditation are exempt from this requirement, as well as those who visit Japan invited by the main responsible of an official institution. _ Drug possession is forbidden, even for own consumption. Trying to smuggle it is punished with between 7 and 12 years of imprisonment, depending on the quantity, plus the corresponding fine that extends the stay two years more. BY TAXI _ Night buses are a good option for travellers with a tight budget and those who don t have a Japan Rail Pass. _ Taxis are very practical and they are everywhere, even in the smallest cities and islands. _In terms of pricing, the minimum fare (as indicated in the taxi windows) is between 600 and 710 for the two first km and after than it costs about 100 for each 350 m (approximately). There is also a time charge if the speed is lower than 10 km h. _ You don t need to open the door, because the driver opens and closes it remotely. HOW TO MOVE AROUND _ It s not necessary to tip the driver. If you call a taxi by radio later than 23 h, a charge of 20% of the price is added. A charge can also be added if you call or if you book them. BY CAR The public transportation system of Japan is one of the best in the world, so you will not have any problems when moving around the country. _ Main roads have their road signs in English. _ Travellers from most countries can drive in Japan with an international driving license, along with their regular driving license. _ The highway system is fast, efficient and vast, and tolls cost about 24.6 yens per kilometre. _ The price per litre for normal petrol is between 137 and 139 yens and between 148 and 150 yens for super petrol. _ If you want to rent a car, the standard fare for a small car is between 5000 and 7000 yens per day, with discounts available if you rent it for more than one day. Besides the rental costs, you also have to pay the insurance, which is about 1000 yens per day. BY PLANE BY BOAT _ Air services in Japan are extensive, reliable and safe and it is usually much faster than travelling by high-speed trains (Shinkansen), especially when travelling to the south-eastern islands (those south of Kagoshima and Okinawa prefectures). _ Some of Japan airlines: Japan Airlines, All Nippon Airways, Japan Trans Ocean Air or Skymark Airlines. _ Since Japan is an archipelago, it has many excellent ferry services, either between islands or between ports in the same island. _ Taking the ferry between Osaka (Honshū) and Beppu (Kyūshū), for example, is a good option to get to Kyūshū and if you choose the right time of departure, you will see the Inland Sea on the way. _ You can find information about the ferry routes, timetables and fares at the JR Jikokuhyō or in the info sheets of the Japan National Tourism Organization (JNTO). 6 7

5 BY BIKE _ This mode of transport is very used to go around Japan, both by locals and foreigners, and these zones are the most common: Kyūshū, Shikoku, the Japanese Alps, the Noto Peninsula and Hokkaidō. _ You can get more information about how to travel by bike around Japan in KANcycling. _ You will find bicycle rental shops outside train and bus stations and outside many tourist locations in Japan, as well as around the ferry docks of many small islands. BY TRAM Trams are an excellent method for getting around Japan. _ Many cities have a tram, especially Nagasaki, Kumamoto and Kagoshima in Kyūshū, Kōchi and Matsuyama in Shikoku, and Hakodate in Hokkaidō. _ The fare system is similar to the one of the buses and you can get oneday tickets with unlimited trips. _ The price for renting a bike is around 200 yens per hour or 1000 per day. _ Many youth hostels also have a bike rental service; in the Japan Youth Hostel Handbook there is a symbol that identifies the youth hostels that have one. BY TRAIN AND BY METRO _ Several cities, specially Osaka and Tokyo, have large rail systems that include a circle line that covers the city centre and several radial lines which connect the main stations with the metro line. _ You will find metro in Fukuoka, Kōbe, Kyoto, Nagoya, Osaka, Sapporo, Tokyo and Yokohama. It s usually the fastest and more comfortable way for moving around the city. _ You normally have to get the metro or urban train ticket in a machine. They are quite easy to use, even if you do not know how to read kanji, because they show a diagram in which routes and fares for each trip are indicated. If you cannot find the fare, you can buy a ticket with the minimum fare. _ Get more information about the national railway network at the Lonely Planet guide website. Source: Lonely Planet. 8 9

6 1 Shibuya 2 MUST-SEES 1. Tokio, the capital of Japan where you will be amazed by its incredible skyscrapers. 3 Orange Door... AND MUST- TASTES Sushi 2. Kyoto, the former capital of the country in which the ancient blends with the modern and where you can find wonderful temples and sanctuaries. 3. Hiroshima, a city known for sad reasons, but it will show you an important part of the world s history. 4. Nara, the first capital of Japan and the city in which you can find the Todai-ji temple, the biggest wooden building in the world. 5. Osaka, the third biggest city of Japan, after Tokyo and Yokohama, and one of the most important industrial centres of the country. 6. Nikko, the city located in the north of Japan. A must-visit for its combination of sanctuaries and natural landscapes. 7. The Japanese Alps, or without hiking around them for admiring the living nature that divides the Honshu island. 8. Arashiyama Bamboo Forest, near Tokyo, where you can enjoy this wonderful Green area. 9. Daisetsuzan National Park, the biggest one in Japan and located in Hokkaido island, north of the country. 10. Kamikochi, where you will find this stunning scenery and, especially, if you travel during autumn and see the leaf fall Hiroshima Todai-ji Temple Osaka Nikko Japanese Mounts Bamboo forest Otaru Canal _ Sushi. Sure, it s given for granted, but unless you don t like raw fish, you cannot leave this country without tasting this dish cooked with boiled rice. _ Gyozas, grilled dumplings filled with different ingredients such as meat, fish or vegetables. _ Miso soup, made of dashi, miso and other ingredients such as tofu, seaweed, chives or leek. _ Yakisoba, fried noodles with vegetables, pork and chicken. _ Fugu, pufferfish that you should not eat anywhere, because it is poisonous and it must be meticulously prepared. _ Yakitori, skewered chicken also known as kushiyaki. _ Tartar, of salmon or tuna, prepared with those two raw fishes and usually with avocado. _ Ramen, a Japanese noodle soup usually accompanied by other ingredients such as chicken or eggs. _ Sea Urchin Cocktail, surprising just because it's made of this animal. _ Mochi ice cream, a Japanese dish made of pressed rice and filled with ice cream. Gyozas Miso Soup Fried noodles 10 Kamikochi Ramen

7 HOW MUCH IS WHAT IF I GET ILL? _ A single ticket for the underground, bus or commuter train: HKD 130/ EUR 0.95/ USD 1. _ A beer in a pub: HKD 600/ EUR 4.4/ USD 4.8. _ A cup of coffee: HKD 500/ EUR 3.7/ USD 4. _ Eating at an average restaurant: HKD 800/ EUR 5.9/ USD 6.4. _ A drink at a bar or nightclub: HKD 600/ EUR 4/ USD 4.8. _ A little of fuel: HKD 130/ EUR 0.95/ USD 1. _ Renting a two-room flat in an average area: HKD / EUR 624/ USD 684. _ A ticket for a major museum: HKD 500/ EUR 3.7/ USD 4. _ A newspaper: HKD 150/ EUR 1.1/ USD 1.2. _ A ticket to the movies: HKD 1800/ EUR 13/ USD TRAVEL TIPS - Sanitary conditions in this country are adequate, even if sometimes there are food poisoning events caused by uncooked foods, especially in the summer. - Nevertheless, we recommend you to hire a travel insurance before travelling to Japan. - There have been cases of bird flu in some countries, so authorities recommend checking the World Health Organization (WHO) website before travelling to Japan. - Japanese authorities have taken action to prevent access into the market of products that could contain levels of radiation above those allowed. These radiation measurements can be checked at the Japanese Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology web page. Still, some consignments of beef meat have been found to be contaminated, and even if they have tried to withdraw then from the market, they recommend not eating this kind of meat as a precautionary measure. Water tap in this country is drinkable. _ The national holidays in Japan are: 1st January (New Year's Day), 11th February (National Foundation Day), 2nd April (Foundation Day), 20-21st March (Spring Equinox), 29th April (Shōwa Day), 3rd May (Constitution Memorial Day), 5th May (Children's Day) third Monday of July (Marine Day), third Monday of September (Respect for the Aged Day), 23-24th September (Autumn Equinox), second Monday of October (Sports Day), 3rd November (Culture Day), 23rd November (Labor Thanksgiving Day) and 23rd December (Emperor's Birthday). _ In Japan, the standard voltage is 100V and plugs have two flat pins. _ Opening hours are the following: banks open from Monday to Friday, from 9.00 to 15.00, shops and shopping centres open every day from to and museums open every day from to (many of them do not close on Mondays). _ In terms of tips, they are not mandatory and service workers do not expect you to leave them. BE CAREFUL WITH _ Earthquakes are common in Japan, because it is located in a seismic area, but most of them are imperceptible. Moreover, between August and September, the typhoons cause torrential rains and strong winds. If there is any natural disaster, radio and TV stations of NHK provide information in English. In the vicinity of Hakone-machi (Kanagawa prefecture) an alert level 3 has been ordered due to the possible eruption of the Owakudani volcano, which is also causing quite strong seismic movements. This increase of the alert level issued on 30th June 2015 means that you cannot come close to the volcano area, about 100 km southeast of Tokyo. This is the same in the case of Mount Ontake and Mount Sakurajima, which are in alert level 2 and 3, it is also recommended to stay away from the volcanoes areas. Japan is a very safe country. There are few crime problems that can affect tourists or residents there; attacks are not frequent and moving around the cities and the rest of the country is safe at all times. - If you have any security problem, go to a koban (police station easily recognisable in the cities) to report the incident. Avoid going within less than 20 km from the Fukushima nuclear power plant and to the areas indicated in this map

8 WHO TO TURN TO... _I need to call the country: dial the prefix 81. _I need to call the National Police: call 110. _I need to call the firefighters or call for an ambulance: call 119. _I need information about the nuclear situation: check the Nuclear Regulation Authority of Japan website. _I need information about the metro of Tokyo: Check their website. _ If I need to check something online: Lonely Planet travel guide. Torii in Kumamoto MUST-TAKE PICS Snow monkeys (Chi Tranter) Mount Fuji 14 15

9 Shibuya DISCOUNTS for your trip Your currency exchange at the airport with a discount CODE: AU15TRAVEL CODE: BR15TRAVEL Australia 15% discount Brazil 15% discount CODE: CO15TRAVEL CODE: CR15TRAVEL Colombia 15% discount Costa Rica 15% discount CODE: DK15TRAVEL CODE: EC15TRAVEL Denmark 15% discount Ecuador 15% discount Tren bala Spain 15% discount Jamaica 15% discount CODE: ES15TRAVEL CODE: JM15TRAVEL CODE: GT15TRAVEL Guatemala 15% discount CODE: JO15TRAVEL Jordan 15% discount 16 17

10 Travel money services Print this voucher page and present it at our currency exchange branches. We are present at the airports of these 18 countries. CODE: MA15TRAVEL CODE: MX15TRAVEL Morocco 15% discount Mexico 15% discount CODE: NI15TRAVEL CODE: PY15TRAVEL Nicaragua 15% discount Paraguay 15% discount CODE: RD15TRAVEL CODE: CH15TRAVEL Dominican Republic 15% discount Switzerland 15% discount CODE: TT15TRAVEL CODE: UY15TRAVEL Trinidad and Tobago 15% discount Uruguay 15% discount ONLINE CODE: ESBLOG If you are in Spain and you make your currency Exchange online we will discount 5 and take it wherever you need. Go to and enter the code ESBLOG when completing your order. 18