APARTMENTS

Housing in Tokyo and other metropolitan areas is very expensive. In the metropolitan areas a single room of About Japan 3 square meters may be found for less than ¥20,000 a month. Though generally, any reasonable single accommodation with a minimum of facilities (kitchen with sink, gas outlet, bath/shower, toilet) and close to central Tokyo, will usually cost at least ¥40,000 a month and in some cases between ¥50,000 to ¥80,000 a month. The rates in cities other than Tokyo such as Osaka, Kyoto, etc., are at least 10% cheaper to live in as compared to Tokyo.

CHOOSING AN APARTMENT

There is more than one way to find accommodation for more than a few months. One choice is to follow up advertisements in newspapers, on bulletin boards. The best place to look for them would be at supermarkets in areas with a large foreign population or at the local TIC (Tourist Information Center).

The alternative is to choose one or two areas that seem interesting and then look for listings of places available in that area. Near most railway stations, you will find rental agencies (fudosanya) with listings of apartments and houses and rooms for rent in that district. Most Fudosanya-San rarely speak much English.

To overcome the language problems, take a Japanese friend when looking for any type of accommodation.

These are a few things to be aware of while choosing an apartment:

• Room sizes are measured by the number of tatami (reed mats) that do or could fit.
• In Japanese-language listings, it is common to see abbreviations such as 2LD, 3LDK, and so on; where "L" is living room, "D" is dining room and "K" is kitchen.
• Apartment buildings and concrete houses have higher rentals than wooden buildings because of the greater comfort, strength and fire and earthquake resistance.
• Places with a shared toilet and bath are less expensive and there are some bargains to be found if you can spend some time looking.

Rent

• It is usually necessary to have a bundle of money on hand before moving into your own apartment.
• First, you pay one month's rent in advance (maekin) in addition to a deposit (shikikin) of one to four months rent, refundable when leaving. This does not include the cost of any repairs.
• Next, there is "key money" (reikin), which is nothing but a bribe to get the place. Reikin is commonly two months rent, occasionally one, rarely none and is non-refundable.
• Add to that the agent's commission which is one month's rent.
• Frequently, you have to pay a maintenance fee, which may vary from a reasonable ¥1000 to ¥3000 per month to ¥10,000 at the more ritzy addresses.
• Finally there are separate charges for gas, waster, electricity and telephone - all of which are expensive.
• Telephone installation charges are high and it is necessary to buy a telephone bond (which can be resold immediately for a negligible loss).

FOOD

Japanese restaurants in India serve Japanese food totally different from the real thing, so don't be surprised. The pizza chains Shakey's and Pizza Hut offer a real bargain between 11:00 am and 2:00 pm . Everyday except Sundays and holidays, all the pizza you can eat for a fixed price, usually ¥500. McDonald's, Wendy's Hamburgers, and Kentucky Fired Chicken and relatively economical. There are Indian restaurants in Japan and prices for a meal range from ¥900 (fixed lunch) to ¥2500.

Some tips on eating out:

• Nearly all department stores and office buildings have restaurants in the basement, which offer reasonably priced meals, especially at lunchtime.
• You can order individual items but the cheapest way is to order teishoku, the day's set lunch, usually on display. A typical teishoku will have a gohan, (a bowl of rice), miso shiru soup (based on soybeans) and has one or more kinds of vegetable or meat or fish with salad and dessert.
• More economical dishes are based on noodles, either soba (grayish, buckwheat) ramen (yellow), or udon (white, wheat).
• Milk sold everywhere is pasteurized (UHT method), and tap water can be drunk anywhere in the country.
• Food from mobile stalls, often seen at night near railway stations is safe to eat.
• Monosodium glutamate is widely used, so if you are allergic to it, be careful. Salt is used almost excessively, so those on a low salt diet must be wary.

Some tips on cooking at home:

• Residential neighborhoods have grocery stores that sell a variety of meat, vegetables and fruits.
• Supermarkets are fairly common and provide everyday food ingredients.
• You can get a large variety of instant ramen (dried bundles of noodles) or Cup Noodles that cook in a few minutes.

FOR VEGETARIANS

Being vegetarian in Japan is not easy. To make it a little easier, keep these things in mind:

• Remember that meat is eaten more often, and vegetarian food is not that common.
• Don't even bother asking a cook to leave out the non-vegetarian in a particular dish. He probably will try but not very hard resulting in at least some non-vegetarian in your dish. Try to order only purely vegetarian dishes or learn to cook.
• Be careful with the salads because all salads are not vegetarian.
• If you have a doubt About Japan something, don't hesitate to ask.

PHONE CALLS

Pay phones in Japan are operated with prepaid magnetic telephone cards (you can buy them at convenience stores or vending machines) or ¥10/¥100 coins. Some phones accept only magnetic telephone cards, some take only coins, and some accept both. Find out which type it is by looking for coin inserts and card slots. Here's how to use them:

• Pick up the receiver and insert a telephone card into the slot or insert coins and dial.
• When you are using a telephone card, the phone indicates how much money is left.
• When you have almost used up the card value or coins, the phone beeps. Add another telephone card or more coins.
• When you hang up, the telephone card will come out or extra coins are given back.
• If you want to use prepaid phone card with card number or use your credit card dial 0055 first. (If you are using green phones, you need to insert coins or a magnetic telephone card before you dial.) Enter your card number and the pin number and dial the number you want to call.
• If you want to make a collect call or operator call, pick up any phone and dial 0051. (If you are using green phones, you need to insert coins or a magnetic telephone card before you dial.)
• Telephone number information is available in English in Tokyo by dialing 201-1010.

International Calls

Calls can be made through an operator or by dialing directly:

• To call the overseas operator, dial 0057 from anywhere in Japan. For information About Japan overseas calls, dial 03 (270) 5111.
• To begin a direct-dialed overseas call from one of these phones, first dial 001, then the country code and the number.

You can make international calls from the tall gray phones and tall green phones with gold faces, using coins or magnetic phone cards. These phones are common in airports, major hotels, some train stations and shopping areas, but may be rather scarce in country areas.

Discounts

• There are reduced tariffs (20% off) and discount tariffs (40% off) at certain times of the day. Discount hours start at 11:00 p.m. and end at 5:00 a.m. Check reduced and discount tariff times yourself.
• Domestic calls are cheaper in the early morning, late night, and weekends. Phone fees are expensive in Japan, so save your money by choosing the right time.
• Long distance calls (more than 60 km) within Japan are About Japan 40% cheaper on Saturdays Sundays and national holidays and between 7:00 pm and 8:00 am. For information on these calls telephone 0120-019019 (toll free).

TRAVELING

TRAINS

The railway network in Japan is by far the best in Asia and ranks among the most comprehensive in the world. The trains are fast, frequent, clean, comfortable and often very expensive. They include the famed Shinkansen super expresses (bullet trains), among the fastest scheduled trains in the world.

Buying Tickets: For short distances there are usually ticket vending machines otherwise there are ticket counters. You can also buy a rail pass.

BUSES

Every Japanese city of any size has extensive bus services. Unfortunately it is difficult to use them as the destination signs are written only in Japanese and the drivers don't usually speak English. Therefore it is necessary to know bus routes before they can be useful. Buses are also subject to traffic delays and are usually much slower than trains or subways. They act mostly as feeders to railway and subway lines, often through incredibly narrow streets. Buses generally stop running after 9:00 p.m.

SUBWAYS

There are subway systems in Sapporo, Sendai, Tokyo, Yokohama, Nagoya Kyoto, Osaka, Kobe and Fukuoka. They offer a convenient means of getting around these cities as they run free of traffic congestion. Subway maps are usually available free at stations and tourist literature (especially for Tokyo) often has maps.

Counter Passes: Passes valid for 1/3/6 months are available for all forms of public transport in Tokyo and other major cities. A single pass valid for 2 separate systems (JR and subway, for example) can be purchase at the office of either the destination stations. Counter passes permit an unlimited number of trips between any stations (and all the station s between).

Day Passes: The subways of Tokyo offer a day pass valid for unlimited use on all subway lines for one day for 600. It has the name 'one-day open ticket' and is available at any subway station.

TAXIS

Taxis are expensive, however use them when you first get into Japan. Be aware of the following:

• Taxis can be flagged down on the street. Never whistle for a taxi. The flagfall cost is prominently displayed in both windows on the left side of the vehicle.
• The red-light signal in the left front window indicates an available taxi, green means that a night surcharge is in effect, and yellow indicates that it is answering a radio call.
• Taxis can be summoned by phone in cities and there is a 20% surcharge for this service.
• There are taxi stands near most stations.
• From 11:00 p.m. to 5:00 a.m. there is a 20% surcharge.
• Japanese taxi drivers mostly do not speak English. Say your destination in Japanese, if possible, or have it written down for you by someone so you can show it to the driver.
• Hotels have cards with their address in Japanese to help guests get back. Use those if necessary. Addresses are notoriously difficult to find in Japan, so don't get upset if the driver takes a long time to find it.
• Passenger doors are operated by the driver so don't try to open it or slam it.

DRIVING

Driving in Japan is much more feasible than it's normally made out to be. You wouldn't want to get behind the wheel in Tokyo, but elsewhere the roads are fairly well signposted in English, other drivers are mostly considerate and cautious. Roads in Japan are generally good. Except for expressways, all roads are narrow relative to the heavy traffic that they carry. The speed limit is 60 km/h in most areas and even 50 or 40 km/h in some areas. These restrictions are strictly enforced.

Fuel is expensive but is readily available almost anywhere. The cost of regular fuel is in the range of ¥140/litre while motor oil is incredibly expensive at up to ¥1500/litre.

Renting a Car
Rental cars are not cheap, but not unreasonable, especially if shared. Rented cars are available near most major stations and elsewhere throughout the country. Due to crowded conditions on ordinary roads and low speed limits, it is not recommended to rent a car in a city like Tokyo. Two of the main companies are Nippon Rent-a-car (associated with Hertz) and Toyota. Both have brochures in English at airport and at TIC's Renting a car for unlimited distance is cheaper in practice though you have to return the car with a full tank. Vehicles can be rented for 6-hours, 12 hours or multiples of 24-hour periods. A discount is often available so check.

AIR TRAVEL

Flying is an efficient way to travel from the main islands to any of the small islands, and is often not much more expensive than going by rail. Check if you qualify for discounts such as discounts for 3 or more women travelling together or for a husband and wife if their combined age totals 88 or more.

MONEY MATTERS

The currency of Japan is the Yen. You have coins of 1, 5, 10, 100, and 500 yen and notes of 500, 1000, 5000 and 10,000 yen. The banknotes all have Arabic numerals and are also of different sizes so they can be easily identified. The ¥1 coin is aluminium, the ¥5 coin is brass with a hole, the brown solid coin is ¥10 and the ¥50 coin is nickel and has a hole. The ¥100 and ¥500 are nickel and solid, the ¥500 being larger.

Exchange Rates

The conversions given below are subject to change. For latest rates click here.
Rs. 1 = ¥ 2.36357
US $ 1 = ¥ 108.770

• Only yen may be spent in Japan and it is illegal for foreign currencies to be used.
• Foreign currencies can be changed only at banks that have the sign 'Authorized Foreign Exchange Banks' on them. A few authorized stores that have a large tourist trade will have a similar sign posted.
• Both rupees and yen may be exchanged.
• It would be advisable to carry US dollars and traveler's checks as they are the most convenient to exchange for yen, but Yen traveler's checks are of little more use in Japan than foreign currency and you may have trouble cashing them.
• Also, major banks that issue traveler's checks often don't have branches in smaller cities, so check carefully where they can be cashed.

Tip: Cashing traveler's checks that were issued in dollars give you a higher rate on the yen than if you were cashing hard currency.

BANKS

Open a Passbook Saving Account with a large bank, preferably one that has branches nation-wide, such as Mitsubishi, Mitsui and Dai-Ichi Kangyo. These are some tips:

• Try to obtain a cash card for the account.
• You will then be able to withdraw funds at any branch of the bank with the passbook by the invisible signature system.
• You can also withdraw cash from cash dispensing machines at almost any bank throughout the country using the cash card.
• There is a ¥450 charge if the machine at a different bank is used.
• A cash card gets around the problem that many large banks, like Mitsubishi, have few branches outside the largest cities.

It is also possible to open US dollars savings account:

• It allows easy transfer of money in and out of Japan without having to exchange it each time.
• Banks might be unwilling to open an account for a stranger but looking around there should be no trouble finding a branch willing to help.
• Interest rates paid on dollar accounts are usually higher than for Yen accounts, but a tax may be imposed.
• Some banks deduct a handling fee of 1% per transaction (or a minimum charge of ¥750 to ¥1000, whichever is greater) of which 01% is deducted as tax.

Checks

It is possible to open a check account and write checks, but the use of checks is so uncommon that it would be difficult having them accepted.

Money Orders

The cheapest way to remit money within the country is by a postal money order (yubin gawase). To pay off a debt or debit an account by arranging a transfer to the account of the creditor costs ¥600 per transaction. At the cost of ¥300 plus postage, you can send cash by registered mail.

Transferring Money

If there is no rush to have money transferred, the simplest way is to have a yen money order or draft (issued by a bank or a post office) sent by mail to the address that you specify.

• You could also carry a draft payable to yourself when coming to Japan. This is a cheap way of transferring money to Japan without carrying a large amount of cash.
• A money order can be cashed only at the bank or post office listed on the order it self.
• If you are sending a draft, send it by registered post.
• It would be a good idea to talk with someone in your home bank before setting out, asking his or her advice on the best method of transferring money.

Credit Cards

Several international credit cards can be used in Japan such as Diner's Club, American Express, Master Card and Visa Card. Inquire before leaving home About Japan the usefulness of any other card, if you have one, from another large credit organization.

Establishments accepting credit cards have signs prominently displayed. Usually the places that accept them are expensive and are aimed at the wealthy. When using a credit card, you are unlikely to obtain a discount of any size, as shops must pay a commission to the Card Company.

ALIEN REGISTRATION

All aliens, except for diplomats and US military personnel must register with the authorities. This requires you to obtain an ALIEN REGISTRATION CARD (ARC) if you remain in Japan for 90 days or more.

Obtaining an ARC is a simple procedure and costs nothing but does require 3 photographs - About Japan 5 x 5 cm. The municipal office of the city, town or ward (Ku) that you are living in issues it.

• Carry your ARC with you at all times as you can be asked by police or other authorities to produce it at any time.
• Failure to show either an ARC or passport (as it is not safe to carry your passport at all times, carrying your ARC is recommended) will most likely lead to several unpleasant hours in custody while someone else fetches it. (You are not allowed to get it yourself).
• An ARC is surrendered when you leave Japan (except long-term residents).

Finger Printing

Persons over 16 years of age who are granted a total stay of more than one year must be finger printed.

Note: Though these procedures may seem rather bothersome we advise you to make it a point to carry them out as the authorities are very rigid About Japan them.

TAXES

There will be certain taxes that will be imposed on you in Japan. This will either be deducted at source, or you will have to pay it. You should ask your company About Japan the taxation policies of Japan, and also About Japan all the other commodities that may be taxed.

INSURANCE

It would be wise of you take out Insurance from home. That way, you will be covered for some time, before you can inquire with your company About Japan their insurance policies for employees. Otherwise, if you want to take out insurance in Japan, it would be best to ask your company for advice and help.

BUSINESS HOURS

Bank hours: 9am-3pm. Closed on Sundays and third Saturdays of the month, and on other Saturdays, they are open 9am-12pm. Cash dispensers are open from 8:45am to 6pm on weekdays and from 9am to 2pm on Saturdays. Unlike in other countries, the cash dispensers are not open 24 hours when they could be most useful.

Post offices keep longer hours: 8am to 7pm on weekdays, 8am to 3pm on Saturdays, and 9 am to 1230pm on Sundays and national holidays. There are some central post offices that are open 24 hours.

HOLIDAYS

During holidays, banks and offices close, while stores remain open. During three weeks of the year (New Year's holidays, December 28 to January 3; Golden Week, April 29 to May 5; and Obon in mid-August), many people visit the graves of their ancestors. Conducting business and traveling are difficult during these periods. It is useful to know when the Japanese holidays are in order to avoid a rush at the trains because everyone goes home for the holidays:

Holiday List

http://www.japan-guide.com/e/e2062.html

Note: Your nearest Tourist Center will have a free monthly list of all the festivals of that area, and the country.