PERSONAL SAFETY

Japan is one of the safest countries in the world. Theft does not happen often enough for it to be a hazard but beware of pickpockets. It would be a good idea to store your money, passport, traveler's checks, ARC, etc., in the inner pocket of your jacket or blazer. The average Japanese is honest so if you've lost something it would be a good idea to check with the police or the transport authorities. Sometimes you'll find it's been handed in to an authority. In any case do take normal precautions against theft and burglary.

STREET SMARTS

There is not much to be afraid of in Japan, although in the big cities, there are gangs that could be dangerous. Muggings are not common, although they can happen, so there are a few things you should keep in mind:

Mugging
The best precautions that one can take against `mugged' or becoming an unsuspecting victim of robbery in Japan have to do with using simple common sense.

• In large cities, avoid traveling alone after dark in subways, downtown districts, parks, empty streets and decaying neighborhoods. Any area that looks seedy, is littered with trash and broken bottles and has idle people hanging around street corners, is probably unsafe.
• When in and around airports, train and bus terminals and entrances to subway stations, or on empty pavements and staircases always avoid standing around and looking lost.
• Avoid keeping your wallet in your back pocket.
• Always keep an eye on your luggage at airports and stations and do not leave bags unattended, even for a few minutes.
• Be sure not to pick a fight with anyone on a street, especially in shady, downtown areas.
• Be careful of beggars and homeless people. Ignore them as far as possible.

WEIGHTS AND MEASURES

Measurements are done in the old British Metric system, so you shouldn't have any problems.

ELECTRICAL FITTINGS

The electricity service everywhere in Japan is 100 volts AC, an odd voltage used nowhere else in the world except Korea. Most 117 volt equipment (such as shavers, dryers) designed for use in North America, will work satisfactorily, if a little slowly or with reduced heat output.

The plugs in Japan have two flat pins instead of the round-pin kind therefore you might need to take a converter plug that accepts the Indian round pin kind and has two flat pins.

WEATHER

Japan has 4 seasons...summer (June-August), fall (September-November), winter (December-February) and spring (March-May). Summer is hot and uncomfortably humid in the Southern coastal and lower areas, where most of the big cities are located. Winter is generally a time of clear air, bright sun and cool/cold weather. Overnight temperatures in winter are rarely much below freezing (-2C or so) and daytime temperatures are commonly in the 8-10C range. Tokyo and other large cities are usually snow-free except for certain light falls that usually melt by midday.

LANGUAGE

Japanese is the official language of Japan. It is a complex and subtle language and is spoken nowhere else in the world as a primary tongue. Most sentences in Japanese can be expressed on at least four different levels of politeness. Communication in Japan is often marked by great subtlety; information is left unspoken yet is perfectly understood.

• It is very useful to take at least an introductory course in spoken Japanese, because even in the big cities, it can be difficult to communicate using only English.
• It would be a very good idea to carry a basic phrase book. You can get one at any tourist center for free and it is titled: Tourist's Handbook.
• The rules of speaking Japanese are complicated and sometimes sexist. Women have a different manner and language from the men, and different situations require different speaking styles.
• Younger Japanese don't tend to follow the older communications of speech, resulting in a more straightforward form of speech.

Except for large supermarkets and railway stations, there are no signs in English, so it might take you a while to find your way around.

INDIAN ASSOCIATION

There is an Indian association for greater Tokyo and Yokohama area that sponsors programs on occasions of major national importance and on festivals of India. Information About Japan recitals of Indian music and dance is also sent to the members.

EARTHQUAKES

Earthquakes are common in Japan. Most are very mild, showing up only on instruments and are not strong enough to cause damage. Buildings in Tokyo are built to resist earthquake damage. If you are caught in a quake, get outside if possible. Do not use elevators. If you cannot get out, stand near a supporting pillar or in a doorway, and far from the center of the room. Ducking under a desk or table is also a good option and is good protection from falling debris.