VISA/PASSPORT
A valid passport and an onward/return ticket are required for tourist/business "visa free" stays of up to 90 days for both US and Canadian citizens. Passports must be valid for three months past the intended period of stay in Japan.
Please note obtaining a visa is your responsibility. These requirements change often and therefore it is best that you check with the Embassy of Japan for the most up to date visa information.
HEALTH
Health insurance is recommended. Medical facilities are widespread and first world quality - although the cost of treatment can be very high. We recommend that you see a health-care provider who specializes in Travel Medicine. The doctor or health-care provider will determine what vaccinations and medication you will need, depending on factors such as your health and immunization history, areas of the country you will be visiting, and planned activities. For more information on travel requirements, visit the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) website: http://wwwn.cdc.gov/travel/destinations/japan.aspx
COUNTRY INFO
Capital: Tokyo.
Government: Constitutional monarchy.
Language: Japanese is the official language. Some English is spoken in Tokyo, but is less usual in other big cities.
Religion: Shintoism and Buddhism (most Japanese follow both religions, although religion does not play a major everyday role in most Japanese lives, with frequent temple visits being more usually attributed to tourism). There is a Christian minority, and in the island of Okinawa, some people believe in Niraikanai, a paradise that lies beyond the sea.
Time: GMT + 9.
Electricity: 100 volts AC, 60Hz in the west (Osaka); 100 volts AC, 50Hz in eastern Japan and Tokyo. Plugs are flat two-pin plugs.
Telephone: Country code +81.
Mobile Telephone: The Japanese mobile network uses PDC (Personal Digital Cellular System) technology, which is not compatible with GSM or other mobile services. Visitors can hire handsets from companies such as NTT or Sony Finance.
Internet: Internet is available; there are many Internet cafes in Tokyo and in the main cities in Japan. Most Tokyo hotels have Wi-Fi access. The new grey telephones have modular sockets for computer network access.