Relocation guide japan by Ben Quinton

Relocation Guide: Japan Our guide to living and working overseas

Japan Overview

Japan is a country as steeply immersed in its traditional culture and values as it is in its famous cutting edge modernity. It is a country of dramatic landscapes - mountains, volcanoes and plains, and its residents are proud of their rich history and gracious reputation.

Electricity: 100v AC, 60Hz in the west (Osaka); 100v AC, 50Hz in eastern Japan and Tokyo. Plugs are flat two-pin plugs. Timezone: GMT +9 Area: 377,864 sq km (145,894 sq miles). Population Density: 338 per sq km Capital: Tokyo Total Population: 127.9 million (2008) Language: Japanese with some English Religion: Shinto and Buddhism, with a Christian minority.

Climate

With the exception of Hokkaido and subtropical Okinawa, the weather is temperate with four seasons. Winters around Tokyo (with occasional snow) and in the south are cool and sunny, while it can get very cold and snow covered for up to 4 months a year around Hokkaido . Summer’s (June – September) temperature can get warm to very hot, while spring and autumn are usually mild throughout the country. July is considered the rainy season although rain falls throughout the whole year, with exception to the drier Hokkaido. Late September often brings typhoons.

Required Clothing

Light materials such as cottons and linens are required throughout summer in most areas. Light to medium fabrics for spring and autumn, and medium to thicker fabrics for winter seasons. Much thicker clothes will be needed around the mountain areas all year round.

Social Etiquette Geography

Japan Archipelago is separated from the Asian mainland by 160km of sea. It is split into four main islands: Honshu, Hokkaido, Kyushu and Shikoku. 70% of the country is covered with hills and mountains, a number of which are active or dormant volcanoes including Mount Fuji - Japan’s highest peak standing at 3,776m (12,388ft). Its mountain ranges run from northern Hokkaido to southern Kyushu. The Japanese Alps runs in a north-south direction through central Honshu. Its coastline is vast in relation to the land area, and is surrounded with bays and natural harbors.

Japanese manners are unique and deeply valued by its people. Good manners is recognized and well practiced by both young and old. However, locals do not expect visitors to be familiar with all their traditions, although a level of respect and courtesy is expected. For example, a Japanese family welcoming a western visitor will give the full red carpet treatment. So if you are lucky enough to be invited, be prepared for customs such as greeting your hosts with a gentle bow and removing your shoes at the door. Use the suffix san when addressing others; for instance, Mr Yamada is Yamada-san. It is rude to categorically refuse something; a vague ‘yes’ is always preferable so as not to cause embarrassment. Dinner may be served at a low table with guests seated on www.airenergi.com

the floor. There are usually toilet slippers outside a bathroom, to wear when inside and to remove on leaving. Table etiquettes are very important but the Japanese host is more forgiving towards guests. Nevertheless it is best for guests to familiarize themselves with using chopsticks. Small gift is also customary to bring along when visiting someone’s home.

Business Etiquette

Sufficient amount of business cards printed in English and Japanese is essential. Cards can be printed almost instantly on arrival with Japanese translation on the reverse side. Engagements should be made in advance and, because of formality, visits should be more than a few days. Punctuality is essential. Business discussions are often followed by tea and are generally very formal. Seniority is closely observed. Exchanging gifts is a common business practice and may take the form of souvenir items such as company pens, ties or high-quality spirits.

Office hours: Mon-Fri 09:00-17:00.

Some offices are open Sat 09:00-12:00.

Currency

Japanese Yen (JPY; symbol ¥). Notes are in breakdown of ¥10,000, 5,000, 2,000 and 1,000. Coins are in breakdown of ¥500, 100, 50, 10, 5 and 1. Japan has a strong cash culture. It is common to see people carrying large amounts of cash. It is only a while ago that credit cards have begun to become more prevalent. However, visitors may still stumble upon difficulties with foreign credit cards.

Currency Exchange

All cash must be exchanged at an authorized bank or money changer.

Credit Cards and ATMs

American Express, Diners Club, MasterCard,Visa and other major credit cards are widely accepted in towns. ATMs are located in Post Office and 7-eleven stores. Only international banks accepts foreign credit or debit cards, and these are not easily found outside of major cities. They are generally open Mon-Fri 07:00-23:00, accepts foreign credit or debit cards, and these are not easily found outside of major cities. They are generally open Mon-Fri 07:00-23:00. Sat-Sun 09:00-19:00, though some operates only during normal banking hours and on Saturday mornings. Citibank machines are the likely chance to have ATMs and to accept foreign credit cards (and are usually open 24 hours).

Traveller’s Cheques

These can be en cashed at most major banks, larger hotels and some duty-free shops. To avoid extra exchange rate charges, it is better to take traveller’s cheques in Japanese Yen or US Dollars.

Banking Hours

Banks are usually open from Monday to Friday, 09:00-15:00.

Import Restrictions

The following goods may be imported into Japan without incurring customs duty: • 400 cigarettes, 100 cigars, 500g of tobacco, or 500g of a combination • Three bottles (approximately 0.76l each) of spirits. • 56ml of perfume. • Gifts up to the value of ¥200,000. 19 years or younger tourist are not entitled to duty free allowance for alcohol. Oral declaration is necessary on arrival at customs. Tax exemptions are available in authorised tax-free stores. Certain items costing more than ¥10,000 are exempt from tax. Remember when buying electronic goods that they may not be compatible with UK or US voltage.

Prohibited Imports

Counterfeit currency and securities; plants with soil; meat and fruit; animals without health certificates; firearms and ammunition; narcotics and obscene articles and publications. Japan has very strict laws regarding the importation and possession of firearms and other weapons. Persons bringing a firearm or sword into Japan (including target and trophy pistols, air guns, some pocket knives, and even Japanese origin swords) may have these items confiscated by Japanese customs authorities and may be arrested, and prosecuted or even deported or jailed.

Other Customs Regulations

Visitors should be aware that in Japan cold

and flu medication containing stimulants are illegal. You are not permitted to take commonly available nasal decongestant medication such as Sudafed and Vicks Inhalers into Japan. Persons traveling to Japan carrying prescription and nonprescription medications should consult the Japanese Embassy, or a Japanese consulate, in their home countries before leaving for Japan to confirm whether they will be allowed to bring required medication into Japan.

Health

Vaccinations

No vaccinations are required for Japan. However, you should be aware that Japan scrupulously checks visitors who arrive from countries where there is a risk of yellow fever and other similar diseases. Vaccination Required? Diphtheria No Hepatitis A No Malaria No Rabies No Tetanus Yes Typhoid No Yellow Fever No

Other Risks

Tuberculosis and hepatitis B occur; vaccination is sometimes advised. Typhus occurs in some river valleys. Vaccination against Japanese encephalitis is recommended if staying longer than 30 days in a rural area.

where diners pick sushi from a conveyor belt, without the difficulty of ordering from the menu in a different language. Prices here are generally more reasonable than a conventional sushi restaurant with an a la carte menu. Japan offers varieties of international restaurants catering for every taste and budget, from French and Italian to Chinese, Indian and Thai. Western dishes in pricey places are good, but cheaper restaurants don’t dissatisfy. While sake (rice wine) is commonly consumed, beer is by far the most well liked alcoholic beverage.

Things to know

Restaurants have table service and in some places, it is customary to remove footwear. There are no licensing hours. Drinking is subject to very old rituals of politeness. The host will pour a drink for the guest, and will insist on the guest’s glass being full. It is impolite for a guest to pour one for him or herself.

National specialities: • • • • •

Teriyaki (marinated beef/chicken/ fish seared on a hot plate). Tempura (deep fried seafood and vegetables). Sushi (slices of raw seafood placed on light and vinegary rice balls). Sashimi (slices of raw seafood dipped in soy sauce). Ramen, soba and udon (varieties of noodles, which can be served hot or cold, in soups or dry).

Health Care

Japan has a national health insurance system, but this is only available to foreigners if they have long-term visas in Japan, so you may require a health insurance plan. Be aware that medical facilities will require full payment at the time of treatment or proof that your travel insurance will pay for any treatment that you receive. Find out in advance if your insurance plan will make payments directly to providers or reimburse you later for overseas health expenditures. If you are reimbursed, take note that costs are very high. Japan’s major urban centres all have perfectly modern facilities, but facilities do vary in rural areas. The International Association for Medical Assistance to Travellers www.iamat.org provides English-speaking doctors.

Emergency Numbers Police: 110 Fire & Ambulance: 119 Emergencies at Sea: 118 English-speaking police hotline: (Tokyo area code) 03-3501-0110

Food and Drink

Food and drink are in general considered safe but there is risk of parasitic contamination from raw seafood. Japanese cuisine involves fresh, delicate flavours. The best place to have sushi is a kaiten-zushi restaurant, www.airenergi.com

National drinks: •

• •

•

Green tea is extremely popular. The quality of the tea varies greatly from houjicha (a common brown tea) to matcha (a bitter green tea used in tea ceremonies). Sake (rice wine served hot or cold). Shochu (strong vodka-like spirit usually mixed with soft drinks to make cocktails). Popular brands of beer are Asahi, Kirin, Sapporo and Suntory.

Legal drinking age: 20.

Transport

Public Transport

Public transport is reliable and efficient but tends to be very crowded during rush hours. The underground and suburban rail services cover all the major cities and are very convenient. Tokyo also has a tram - the Toden-Arakawa line running 12km (7.5 miles) from Waseda via Ikebukuro to Minowa-bashi in northeast Tokyo.

Bus

Due to a lack of English signs, bus travel can be difficult. However, you can ask someone with a grasp of English to help you. It helps to have your destination written in Japanese. Fares are automated, and passes are a good idea for extended periods of use. In Tokyo www.tokyobus.or.jp you just need to pay a flat fare of ¥200 on entering a bus, but everywhere else - especially if you’re travelling over a distance in the countryside and suburbs, you will have to pay upon exiting the bus, depending on the distance travelled.

Metro

Subway systems is available in all of Japan’s largest cities. Tokyo has two underground systems: The 9 line Tokyo Metro system www.tokyometro.jp/global/en/index.html, and The 4 line Toei www.kotsu.metro.tokyo. jp/english/index.html . Tickets for Toei lines are invalid for the Tokyo Metro and vice versa, so a transfer ticket must be purchased. A range of tickets can be bought including a monthly open pass, a one-day open ticket, 14 tickets for the price of 10 and a Tokyo Combination ticket. The most convenient pass though is PASMO www.pasmo.co.jp , a stored value card that can be used on all subway lines as well as JR and private railway lines and buses in the Tokyo area. Kyoto also has its own subway system with two major lines: the Karasuma and Tozai lines www.city.kyoto.jp/koho/eng/ access/subway.html as do Osaka www.kotsu.city.osaka.jp/foreign/english/ index.html and Sapporo.

Taxi

Taxi can be costly, particularly in peak hour (07:30-09:30 and 17:00-18:00) when traffic can be sluggish. There is a minimum charge of ¥660 for the first 2km (1.2 miles) followed 3

by ¥80 per 274m subsequently, plus a time charge when the taxi is moving at less than 10kph. It is useful to ask your hotel to write the name and address of your destination in Japanese writing, or the name of a landmark near to it. A map will also help you communicate your destination to the driver.

Driving

Driving in Japan is complicated and expensive, so most short-term visitors choose public transport instead. Those who cannot read the language will struggle to understand road signs. Highway tolls usually cost around $1 (U.S.) per mile. City traffic can be very congested, for instance, a 20mile trip in the Tokyo area may take up to two hours, so consider another method of transport depending on the time of day. There is virtually no legal roadside parking. In mountainous areas, roads may close during the winter, and cars should be equipped with tire chains. Roads in Japan are narrow. Japanese compulsory insurance (JCI) is mandatory for all automobile owners and drivers in Japan. Vehicular traffic moves on the left and turning at a red light is forbidden.

Regulations

Japanese law states that all drivers in Japan are held liable in the event of an accident, and assesses fault in an accident on all parties. Japan has a national 0% blood-alcohol level standard for driving, and drivers stopped for driving under the influence of intoxicants will have their licenses confiscated. Persons found guilty of “drunken, speeding or blatantly careless driving resulting in injury” are subject to up to 15 years in prison. The National Police Agency (NPA) oversees the administration and enforcement of traffic laws. Seat belts are compulsory and speed limits on highways is 80kmp (50mph) although many drivers exceed this. In cities the speed limit is 40kph (25mph).

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Documentation

An International Driving Permit is required. Minimum driving age is 18.

Main Airports

Narita International Airport (NRT)

Narita City www.narita-airport.jp/en 65km (40 miles) east of Tokyo (journey time - 1 hour 10 minutes), 2 terminals. To/from the airport: Airport Limousine Buses www.limousinebus.co.jp depart on a regular basis from the airport to city centre hotels. Japan Railways’ reservation-only Narita Express line www.jreast.co.jp/e/nex operates from Narita station terminal situated beneath the airport to Tokyo station (journey time - 1 hour), Shinjuku (journey time - 1 hour 30 minutes) and Yokohama (journey time – 1 hour 45 minutes) frequently. There are also private Keisei line trains www.keisei. co.jp oeprating to Ueno in northern Tokyo. Travellers should note that a taxi to the city from Narita is more costly as the train but is no faster than taking a bus. Facilities: Dutyfree shops, bank/bureau de change, car hire, restaurants, tourist information centre in both terminals, post office, mobile phone and video camera hire and Internet facilities. Departure Tax: ¥2040.

Kansai International (KIX)

Kansai, www.kansai-airport.or.jp 50km (31 miles) southwest of Osaka.To/from the airport: There are a few trains to the city with the Nankai Express train to Nakai Namba station providing the fastest travel time of just over 40 minutes. JR West services goes to JR Osaka station (journey time - 1 hour 10 minutes). Taxis are accessible to the city (journey time - 1 hour) but are very costly compared to buses which take about an hour to reach the city also. Facilities: Duty-free shops, car hire, banks/ bureaux de change, tourist information and bar/restaurant. Departure Tax: ¥2650. © Air Energi 2013

Central Japan International Airport (Centrair)

NGO www.centrair.jp/en 35km (23 miles) south of Nagoya.To/from the airport: The high-speed Meitetsu Airport rail line www. meitetsu.co.jp/english/airport-access/index. html connects the airport with the city (journey time - 28 minutes). JR Tokai Bus Company operates regular services between the airport and Nagoya station (journey time about 45 minutes). Meitetsu bus services are also frequent and call at Sakae and several hotels in the city. Taxis are accessible. Facilities: Car hire, bureau de change, ATMs, bars, restaurants and shops. Departure Tax: None.

Fukuoka International

FUK www.fuk-ab.co.jp 20 minutes’ travel time from Fukuoka City. Facilities: Outgoing duty-free shop, car hire,bank/bureau de change and bar/ restaurant. Departure Tax: ¥945.

Main Sea Ports

Main ports: Osaka, Kobe and Okinawa. Japan is reachable by sea and passenger ships include the major ports on their schedules. Ferries run daily from Osaka and Kobe to Shanghai (China) and weekly from Kobe to Tanggu (near Tianjin, China). Ferries depart from Okinawa with Arimura Sangyo Meitetsu Airport rail line www.meitetsu.co.jp/english/ airport-access/index.html connects the airport with the city (journey time - 28 minutes). JR Tokai Bus Company operates regular services

Busan and Shimonoseki www.kampuferry. co.jp .Links to the Russian Federation include weekly services between Fushiki, near Toyama, and Vladivostok www.bisintour.com . Alternatively, there is a twice-weekly service to Wakkanai via Hokkaido from Korsakov in the Russian Federation. There are cruises between the Japanese islands en route to Shanghai and Hong Kong.

Accommodation

Japan, and especially Tokyo, has been notoriously famous throughout the years as being among the world’s most expensive places to live. Those who have experienced a $10 cup of coffee in the Ginza, or noticed the stylishly packaged melons for sale at airport tourist shops for ¥10,000 will attest to this fact. Yet the truth of the matter is you don’t have to spend a fortune to enjoy Japan. One way to avoid the potentially high cost of living is by deciding where to live. As rent will consume up to 30% of your income, choosing a suitable area to live becomes a number one priority when trying to hold on to your yen.

Hotels

Both Western and Japanese style hotels are available in Japan. Western-style accommodation is similar to any modern American or European hotel, providing top level of service. Business hotel chains such as Tokyo Inn have become very trendy; conveniently located in most cities and towns. In a Japanese-style hotels (ryokan), guests receive kimonos and slippers. Every

night if the room costs over ¥15,000).

Serviced Apartments/ Rental Houses

Most serviced apartments are located in city areas in convenient locations and provide you with a more ‘homely’ stay than a normal hotel. In most cases, what separates a serviced apartment in Japan from a normal hotel is separate work space, kitchen area, lounge area, customer service is superior (usually a bilingual concierge), provided housekeeping (at the more expensive ones), and furnishing which creates a ‘homely’ atmosphere. Services provided at most serviced apartments may also include free internet, concierge, laundry/ dry cleaning and security. Lease agreements usually need to be signed and submitted at least one day before moving in. You also have to transfer the rent amount for the period you are staying to the designated bank account or pay by credit card. To make a reservation at a serviced apartment usually takes about one week.

Pricing

Serviced apartments are on average 1530% cheaper than hotel accommodation of equivalent quality. Most have daily, weekly and monthly rates. Typical prices for central Tokyo are around ¥18,000-20,000/day for a studio room up to about ¥28,000/day for a 2 bedroom place. Monthly rates also vary greatly, from around ¥200,000 yen to over ¥3 million yen. Generally, the longer you stay the more you save.

Communications Telephone

Country code: 81. Four companies provide international communications services: KDDI (001), Cable & Wireless IDC (0061) Japan Telecom (0041) and NTT (0033). Phone boxes accepts credit card and are found everywhere in Japan. They are green and grey, and accept coins and magnetic pre-paid cards. IC phone boxes only accepts IC cards .

Mobile Telephone

between the airport and Nagoya station (journey time - about 45 minutes). Meitetsu bus services are also frequent and call at Sakae and several hotels in the city. Taxis are accessible. Facilities: Car hire, bureau de change, ATMs, bars, restaurants and shops. Departure Tax: None.Lines from Taiwan. To confirm sailing times in English, please call: (3) 3562 2091 or (98) 860 1980. Route between Busan and Fukuoka from South Korea, www.jrbeetle.co.jp/english , Busan and Hakata www.camellia-line.co.jp , and © Air Energi 2013

room have Japanese straw mat flooring (tatami) and fold-away futon beds; there may also be paper sliding doors. Ryokans for basic inns with shared baths are quite reasonable. The more exclusive ones can be more expensive. More exclusive ryokans include lavish breakfast and dinner meals. Almost all top-end hotels levy a service charge of 10 to 15% on the bill. The Tokyo Metropolitan Government also enforces a small accommodation tax of ¥100 per night on hotels and ryokans located around the city that charge over ¥10,000 per room (¥200 per www.airenergi.com

Japanese mobile network is supported by PDC (Personal Digital Cellular System) technology. This system is not compatible with GSM or other mobile providers. Visitors can hire handsets from companies such as DoCoMo www.nttdocomo.com, Softbank ww.softbankrental.jp or Go Mobile www. gomobile.co.jp. In the UK, phones can be rented in advance of travel from Adam Phones www.adamphones.com.

Internet

Internet is widely spread everywhere. You can easily find Internet cafes in Tokyo as well as the main cities in Japan. Most hotels will have Wi-Fi / Internet access. The new grey telephones have modular sockets for computer network access.

Postal Service

Letters and packages can be brought to the International Post Office, near exit A-2 Otemachi subway station. Staff are mostly English speaking. Airmail to Europe takes between four to six days: www.japanpost.jp Post office hours: Mon-Fri 09:00-17:00 (1900 at bigger branches). Some main post offices are 09:00-15:00 on Saturdays; 09:00-12:30 on Sundays.

Japanese authorities do not allow foreigners to change their immigration status from visa-waiver status to work status while in Japan. Please contact the Japanese Embassy or nearest Japanese consulate in-country for guidance on what constitutes adequate financial support. Fines for overstaying one’s visa or working illegally can run into thousands of dollars, and in some cases, reentry bans can be as long as ten years.

Education and Schools

Entry/Exit Requirements

Japan has one of the highest standards of education and one of the highest literacy rates in the world. About 93% of children enter high school, and nearly all of them graduate. At over 40% in 2000, Japan also has one of the highest university enrolment rates in the developed world, and a huge number of state and private universities to serve the population. Once a rarity, foreign students in Japanese schools are becoming more and more common - particularly in urban centres. If you are moving to Japan and would like your children to attend a local school, all children are eligible to enter public education for free (i.e. up to the end of Junior High School at age 15). The only expenses you have to pay for your child are the same as Japanese parents - uniforms, texts, clubs etc. Some schools have more experience of teaching foreign students than others, so find out in advance which are suitable as the school your child will enter is determined by where you live. The city council will be able to give you information, or you can visit schools personally. Of course you can choose to go private: in larger cities there is often an international school which will offer lessons in English and Japanese. This is of course a more expensive option, but if you do not want your children to have to study everything in Japanese, this may be a better option (particularly for older children). Most young children will learn Japanese far more quickly than their parents, so you should not worry that they will be disadvantaged in a Japanese-language environment.

Consular Access

Foreigners living or traveling in Japan are encouraged to register with their respective Embassies or Consulate Offices, in order to obtain updated information on local travel and security. Foreigners must carry their passports or Japanese alien registration cards with them at all times so that, if questioned by local officials, they can prove identity, citizenship, and immigration status. Under Japanese law, the police may stop any person on the street at any time and demand to see identification.

Employment/Visa

Foreigners are advised against coming to work in Japan without having the correct employment visa arranged in advance. The minimum requirement is a written and signed work contract. Japanese work visas are issued outside of Japan for a specific job with a given employer and are not transferable. 5

A valid passport and an onward/return ticket are required for tourist/business “visa free” stays of up to 90 days. Passports must be valid for the intended period of stay in Japan. Foreigners cannot work on a 90-day “visa free” entry. As a rule, “visa free” entry status may not be changed to another visa status without departing and then re-entering Japan with the appropriate visa such as a spouse, work or study visa.

Nightlife

Tokyo has plenty of cinemas, theatres, bars, coffee shops, discos and nightclubs. Karaoke bars are also one of the popular form of entertainment. Bars differ from the hip and stylish to the more affordable street stalls, with the key areas being Shibuya, Roppongi and hinjuku. In the summer, rooftop beer gardens are popular. Be careful of clubs with hostesses who expect to be bought drinks and snacks. There are a lot of bars and clubs that do not charge entry fee and do not offer hostess service. In Tokyo there are all sorts of entertainment, from foreign opera and ballet to orchestras and western rock/pop stars. For those who would like to experience traditional Japanese performing arts, there is kabuki and noh theatre in Tokyo, Kyoto, Osaka, Nagoya and other major Japanese cities.

Pets

The Japanese Animal Quarantine Service (AQS) sets procedures for importing pets. In most instances, the process will take at least seven months from the date of the first rabies vaccination before a pet may enter Japan, so advance planning is critical.

Shopping

Mixture of Oriental goods and Western selling technique confronting the shoppers, particularly at the big department stores, which are more like exhibitions than shops. Special purchases include kimono, mingei (local crafts including kites and folk toys); Kyoto silks, fans, screens, dolls; religious articles such as Shinto and Buddhist artifacts; paper lanterns. Bargaining is common. Shopping hours are from 10:00-19:00/20:00 every day of the week and on public holidays.

Taxation

Taxation of an individual’s income in Japan is progressive - the higher the income, the higher the rate of tax payable. The tax rate for an individual in 2009 is between 5% and 40%. There are reduced rates of tax for www.airenergi.com

certain income earners. An individual pays tax on his income as a wage-earner or as a selfemployed person. Tax for an individual who meets the criteria of a “permanent resident” in Japan will be calculated on his income in Japan and abroad. A foreign resident who is employed in Japan pays tax only on income earned in Japan. The three classes of tax payers: • Permanent resident. • Non-permanent resident (those who have been living in Japan for less than five years). • Non-resident. Personal income is subject to a 6% Japan municipal tax and a 4% prefectural tax, 10% in total. Japan’s individual income tax rates including local taxes are among the highest tax rates in the world. The effective top marginal tax rate is around 50%. Non residents pay 20%. The employer is obligated to deduct tax at source from a salaried worker in accordance with the tax tables. The employer is obligated to pay the income tax to the authorities by the 10th of the month after the month of payment. When paying a salary to a foreign resident, 20% should be deducted at source.

Tipping

Tips are not to be expected. In some restaurants and cafes, a 10 to 15% service charge has already been added to the bill. In some bars there may be a table or “charm” charge too, which can be quite expensive; it’s best to find out in advance if you’re in any doubt.

Travelling with family

Japan is a great place to travel with kids: it’s safe and clean and there’s never a shortage of places to keep them amused. Kanagawa and Jeanne Huey Erickson - an excellent introduction to Japan’s highlights from a child’s perspective. Lonely Planet publishes Travel with Children also.

Female travelers

Japan is a relatively safe country for female travellers. The best advice is to avoid being lulled into a false sense of security by Japan’s image as one of the world’s safest countries and to take the same precautions that you would in your home country. If a neighbourhood or establishment looks unsafe, then treat it that way. Be wary of giving your address to an unfamiliar person. As long as you use your common sense, you will find that Japan is a pleasant and rewarding country in which to travel. Several train companies in Japan have recently introduced women-only carriages. There are signs (usually pink) on the platform indicating where to board, and the cars themselves are labelled in both Japanese and English. If you have a problem, you can call the Japan Helpline (0570-000-911), an emergency number that operates 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Caroline Pover’s book Being A Broad in Japan is recommended for women starting a life in Japan. © Air Energi 2013

Tra vel Tips Be prepared

Generally, overseas travellers are more likely to be injured through unintentional injuries than to be struck down by exotic infectious diseases. In fact, accidents and traffic collisions are the most frequent cause of death among travellers, so ensure you have good insurance and if you are hiring a vehicle, ensure it is in good working order. It will be beneficial to have some vehicle maintenance knowledge if you are planning on travelling to the more remote areas of the world, where a breakdown in harsh conditions can cost your life.

Copy your documents

In the unfortunate event of your luggage going missing, or your passport / wallet is stolen or lost, it is a good idea to have copies that can help you with re-issues. Take 2 colour photocopies each of your passport, plus visa stamps and documents, driving licence, important prescriptions or other ID documents. Make 2 sets of the documents and keep these copies separate from your main luggage, preferably in 2 separate bags. It is also a good idea to copy scanned or phtocopied documents to an Internet based e-mail account. Make sure someone at home knows how to access it in case of an emergency.

Vaccinations

Check with your medical practitioner on what vaccines are required before your travel. Due to your medical history, you may require more than one dose, or you may need boosters for childhood vaccines. Check the latest travel advice and travel bulletins for your destination before you depart, and also while travelling, so you can ensure you have the latest information. Common diseases contracted by travellers include those which are the result of eating or drinking contaminated food or water, or not practising safe sex, plus a number of mosquito or tick-borne diseases endemic to tropical areas. Be sure to take measures to avoid being bitten such as wearing light-coloured clothing that covers your arms and legs, regularly applying an appropriate insect repellent and staying in mosquito-proof accommodation or using bed nets.

Taking medicines with you Book a checkup at your doctor or dentist, dbefore you leave. If you wear glasses or contacts lenses, bring an extra pair of glasses and your prescription. Persons taking prescription medications should make sure they have an adequate supply for the trip, and/or bring their prescription, making sure it includes the medication trade name, manufacturer’s name, generic name, and dosage. Prepare a simple medical kit of over© Air Energi 2013

the-counter medications (aspirin, ibuprofen, antihistamine, antiseptic, diarrhoea medication), bandaids, thermometer, sunscreen, and insect repellent. When travelling overseas with medicine, (including over-the-counter or private prescription) it is important that you talk to your doctor and discuss the amount of medicine you will need to take. Carry a letter from your doctor detailing what the medicine is, how much you will be taking, and stating that it is for your own personal use. Leave the medicine in its original packaging so it is clearly labelled with your own name and dosage instructions. If you have to inject your medication, inform your airline before you travel and, if necessary, arrange a letter from your doctor explaining why you need to carry them.

Your health on long-haul flights

Keep important medication with you in case your luggage goes missing. To help avoid deep vein thrombosis (DVT): drink plenty of fluids, avoiding alcohol and caffeine, and whilst seated, stretch and rotate your feet and lower legs. Walking around the cabin at regular intervals will help.

Scuba Divers

If you have been scuba diving, don’t travel in an aircraft for at least 24 hours after your final dive.

Coping with Jetlag

Factor the effects of jet lag into your itinerary. In order to cope with Jetlag you should get a good deal of sleep before your journey. It is also important to rest as much as possible during your flight. Planning to arrive at your destination as near to the time when you normally go to sleep will also help with the adjustment. If you are able to plan your itinerary allow time on arrival for adjustment or plan meetings at similar times to back home. Some people advise changing their watches to destination time when they get onto the plane. While this helps many people, for those who are on regular medication, such as diabetics, watches should remain on home time until you are able to adjust your medication to local times on arrival at your destination or as suggested by your health advisor. On arrival at your destination get active as soon as possible, as exercise has been proven to improve productivity. Adjust your meals and activities to local time as soon as you can. Exposure to light is also a good way of naturally allowing your body to adjust. If you need to take a short nap, do, it will help refresh you, but don’t forget to use an alarm clock or wake up call to get you up!

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Lost Luggage

If you happen to lose your baggage on arrival at your destination airport, tell the airline immediately and get suitable compensation. Agree on an amount you can spend on essential items that you will need and give them an address to deliver the luggage to when they find it. It is wise to make a copy of your passport details and any other important papers or vaccination certificates that you are carrying with you when you travel. Leave them in a safe place in the office or copy to an Internet based e-mail account. Make sure someone at home either a partner or friend knows how to access it in case of an emergency. You will need photo identification even for air travel within the UK.

Personal Safety

Be aware of your surroundings at all times; thieves will use many tricks to distract you - wiping something off your shoulder while an accomplice is picking your pocket, getting young children to surround you while they plan to rob your belongings. Trust your instincts, especially when visiting countries where a high poverty rate comes along with high petty crime rates. When not attending meetings, try to blend in with the crowd when out and about - try not to look like a visitor! When enjoying the local nightlife, guard your food/drinks and keep your wits about you. Beware of the fact that you will be an easy target after a few too many drinks. Avoid walking home to your hotel late at night, even if it is close by. Get a taxi. Don’t take shortcuts through poorly lit areas, it pays to trust your instincts in these situations. Keep your wits about you when making new friends - men and women may come across very friendly indeed if you are the route to an easier life. Be careful of telling people where you live.

Unsafe Water - What to do

If travelling to more remote areas with poor sanitation - only drink boiled water, hot beverages, such as coffee and tea, canned or bottled carbonated beverages, beer, and wine. Ice may be made from unsafe water and should be avoided. It is safer to drink from a can or bottle of beverage than to drink from a container that was not known to be clean and dry. However, water on the surface of a beverage can or bottle may also be contaminated. Therefore, the area of a can or bottle that will touch the mouth should be wiped clean and dry.

Frequently asked questions Do I need a visa to enter Japan? Yes, we will make these arrangements for you in advance and keep you informed at all times. Can I take my family with me? We advise you not to bring your family before we have secured a residency visa for you. Do I need a local bank account? No, an international account will be sufficient. Will I need a medical? You may be asked to complete a medical examination for the client you are working for, before you go. Will you provide medical insurance? No, you will need a personal medical insurance scheme, but we will help you where possible to set this up.

Contacts Air Energi Japan KK 501 Reverse Yokohama 2-5-14 Takashima, Nishi-ku Yokohama Japan 220-0011 Tel: +81 (0)45 620 7166 Fax: +81 (0)45 620 7199 asiapacific@airenergi.com