Practical information for traveling to Japan...
Here is some practical information if you plan to travel to Japan
Here are some practical tips if you plan to travel to Japan:
- The time difference is 8 hours behind in winter and 7 hours behind in summer.
- Banks are open from 9am to 3pm on weekdays, closed on weekends and public holidays
- Post offices are open from 9am to 5pm, closed on weekends and public holidays. However, main post offices are open every day.
- Department stores are open from 10am to 7:30pm every day of the week and on public holidays
- Shops are open from 10am to 5pm every day of the week and on public holidays
- Museums are open from 10am to 5pm every day of the week and on public holidays (most museums close on Mondays)
- American Express, Visa and Mastercard credit cards are accepted in all major hotels and restaurants, as well as in most souvenir shops.
- Tipping is not customary in Japan.
- Dial +33 (0)1… to reach France and +81 (0)3… to call Japan.
- Japanese people are generally very punctual for their appointments.
- In Japan, you remove your shoes before entering someone's home... wear shoes that are easy to take off and make sure your socks are presentable...
- Never stick your chopsticks vertically in rice: this is done to pay tribute to the deceased
- Do not close Japanese taxi doors, they are automatic...
- It takes approximately 5 days to send a letter to Europe. Stamps are sold in post offices but also in hotels, some tobacco shops, pharmacies and souvenir stores.
Frequently asked questions
The time difference between France and Japan is 8 hours in winter and 7 hours in summer. So when it is noon in Paris in winter, it is 8pm in Tokyo.
American Express, Visa and Mastercard are accepted in major hotels, restaurants and souvenir shops. However, Japan remains a society very attached to cash: plan to carry yen in cash for small shops, temples and local transportation.
No, tipping is not customary in Japan. Leaving a tip can even be perceived as impolite. Service is included in the price and Japanese staff take pride in delivering impeccable service without expecting additional gratuity.
Banks are generally open from 9am to 3pm on weekdays and are closed on weekends and public holidays. To withdraw money outside these hours, ATMs at post offices (Japan Post) and 7-Eleven stores are available 24/7 and accept foreign cards.
In Japan, it is essential to remove your shoes before entering a home or certain traditional restaurants. Wear shoes that are easy to slip off and make sure your socks are in good condition. It is also important never to stick your chopsticks vertically in a bowl of rice, as this gesture is associated with funeral rites.
To call France from Japan, dial +33 followed by your contact's number (without the initial 0). To call Japan from France, dial +81 followed by the local number (without the initial 0).
