For those of you who really want to travel to Japan but have never been and feel a bit worried, MMN will introduce to you “Seven things you should know before traveling to Japan.”
1：Do I need a visa?
Japan has agreements with 68 countries （2017, July）that exempt citizens of these countries from having to apply for a visa to enter Japan. Nationals of all other countries are required to have a visa.
▶Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan：http://www.mofa.go.jp/j_info/visit/visa/short/novisa.html
2：Do I need to be vaccinated before going to Japan?
No! There are no requirements for travelers from any countries regarding vaccination certificates.
3：Can I use my credit cards? What is the best way to carry money in Japan: Travelers Checks, cash or credit cards?
Although most stores and restaurants will accept VISA, MasterCard and American Express cards, travelers should keep in mind that there are smaller shops that may not have merchant account capabilities. More than 26,000 post office ATMs exist at various locations throughout Japan, and labels on the doors will indicate whether that particular post office has an ATM machine or not. Cirrus, Plus, Maestro and Visa Electron networks are accepted, as are Visa, MasterCard, American Express and Diners Club credit cards.
Japan has one of the lowest crime rates in the world, so carrying cash is not a real problem. Travelers Checks are also an option, although it is wise to have these available in either Japanese yen, or US dollars. Travelers Checks cannot be accepted by establishments other than major hotels and banks, as establishments must have currency exchange capabilities in order to accept these.
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4：Is it possible to use my mobile phone in Japan?
You should confirm the compatibility of your mobile phone in Japan with your phone line service provider in your home country before departing for Japan. If you want to use a mobile phone in Japan, rental phones are also available. You can rent them at all major airports.
5：Japan is expensive, right??
A visit to Japan is affordable even for those on a tight budget, as there are a wide variety of budget accommodations, transportation passes, and sightseeing discounts.
Despite rumors that travel in Japan is expensive, Tokyo and other large Japanese cities are not any more expensive than other big cities worldwide. 100-yen shops and budget stores abound in Japan and sell extremely affordable necessities and reasonably priced gifts, and inexpensive restaurants serve meals that cost 1,000 yen or less. You should check out MOSHI MOSHI NIPPON’s FOOD category for further details.
Staying in Japan is also affordable, as inexpensive hotel chains and ryokans abound for international travelers as well as for locals, which can meet anyone’s budget needs.
▶︎JAPAN Rail Pass：http://www.japanrailpass.net/en/purchase.html
▶︎MOSHI MOSHI NIPPON FOOD：http://www.moshimoshi-nippon.jp/category/food-en
6：I don’t speak any Japanese at all! Will I be OK?
Traveling in a country where you don’t speak the language can be both challenging and rewarding. But even if you don’t speak any Japanese, finding your way around Japan needn’t be difficult. English is widely spoken throughout the country, particularly in major cities and at tourist centers. Public transportation announcements are frequently made in both Japanese and English, and signs generally include decipherable roman characters or an English explanation. A comprehensive range of tourist services also provides a helping hand to foreign visitors in Japan. You should check out MOSHI MOSHI NIPPON’s SPOT category to find out about numerous sightseeing spots.
▶︎MOSHI MOSHI NIPPON SPOT：http://www.moshimoshi-nippon.jp/category/spot-2
7：When is peak travel season?
Visitors to Japan should be aware of the peak travel times as booking travel and accommodation reservations may be difficult. These times are: (1) Yearend and during New Year holidays — Dec. 27 to January 4 and adjacent weekends; (2) “Golden Week” holiday season — Apr. 29 to May 5 and adjacent weekends.
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