Japan Rail Pass Now - Japan Travel Guide

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Money
The Japanese currency is called yen, written as 円 , and with a currency symbol ¥.
You can buy Japanese yen from foreign exchange services in Australia (or your country of origin) or when you arrive in Japan. You can also
withdraw money using your foreign ATM card from certain ATMs in Japan. The safest option is to use the ATMs located in post offices or
7-Eleven stores. These ATMs allow you to use credit or debit cards and also offer an English menu. 7-Eleven offers 24-hour availability, while
post offices have more limited opening hours.
Cash is still the most widely accepted method of payment in Japan, so make sure you have enough on hand, especially when visiting museums,
restaurants, shops, and other sights.
Coins are essential when purchasing something from the numerous vending machines in the country, as well as when using most storage
lockers. Buses also typically only accept coins or small denominations for fare.
Credit and debit cards are not very commonly accepted, but over the last few years there has been an increase in the number of hotels,
restaurants and malls in the major cities that accept these payment methods.
Electricity
Japanese electrical outlets are 100 volts, which is different to Australia’s standard 240 volts. Their sockets are also 2-flat-pin, similar to North
American sockets, rather than the 3-pin plugs common in Australia.
While most electronics from other regions will work when used in Japan, some equipment may require an adapter, a transformer, or a conversion
plug to function properly and not get damaged. Fortunately, these supplemental devices can easily be purchased in any electronics shop in
Japan, so don’t panic if you forget to bring one with you.
Health and Safety
Japan is a progressive and modern country that has first-rate hygiene and sanitation standards. Its tap water is drinkable. International visitors
don’t require any special vaccinations or immunisations. The country’s medical system is extensive and very reliable, and there are hospitals and
clinics with English-speaking staff that can provide the necessary care. However, treatment may be expensive, especially for tourists travelling
without health insurance.
It’s probably one of the safest countries in the world, being generally free of petty crime. Pick-pocketing and mugging are almost non-existent.
Walking at night is generally not considered dangerous, however, it’s still advised to travel with caution at all times.
When it comes to natural disasters such as typhoons (cyclones), tsunamis, volcanic activities and earthquakes, check out the Japan
Meteorological Agency’s website for the latest information and news in English.
Finally, always have your passport with you, whether you’re sightseeing or just having dinner at a nearby izakaya (pub). Keep photocopies of
your passport and other travel documents in your luggage, hostel locker or some other separate place in case of an emergency.
Australian Embassy
The Australian Embassy in Japan is in Tokyo (Address: 2-1-14 Mita, Minato-ku, Tokyo 108-8361; Telephone: 03-5232-4111). It’s open Monday
to Friday, from 9am to 12:30am and from 1:30pm to 5:00pm, except on public holidays.
Visit the official Embassy website, http://australia.or.jp/en, for their holiday calendar and more consular information.
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