Important Things To Know
Currency
The currency in Japan is the Japanese Yen (¥). One Yen is divided into 100 sen. Coins come in 1, 5, 10, 50, 100, and 500 Yen denominations. Banknotes come in 1,000, 2,000, 5,000, and 10,000 Yen denominations.
We recommend you carry a mix of cash and credit/debit cards. Many small businesses and restaurants only accept cash, so it's a good idea to have some Yen on hand.
Cherry trees blossom above Tokyo's Yoyogi Park. (photo via G Adventures) (Photo Credit: (photo via G Adventures))
National Languages
The official language of Japan is Japanese. While English is taught in schools, proficiency varies widely. Some Japanese people may be able to understand basic English but may have difficulty speaking or reading it.
English is more widely spoken in major tourist areas such as Tokyo and Kyoto, and many signs and menus will have English translations. However, English speakers may be harder to find in smaller towns or rural areas.
We recommend that travelers in Japan learn a few basic Japanese phrases to help them navigate their trip. This can include simple greetings like "hello" and "thank you" and basic phrases for ordering food or asking for directions.
It's also worth mentioning that Japan has a very polite culture. It's always a good idea to show respect by bowing and using polite language when interacting with locals.
Climate And Weather
Japan has distinct seasons. Summers are generally hot and humid, ranging from 68 - 86°F (20 - 30°C). Winters are mild, with temperatures ranging from 32 - 50°F (0 - 10°C).
