A Practical Guide to

Japan
 Table of
Contents

Introduction..................................................................................................................3
About Export to Japan.................................................................................................4
Japan at a glance........................................................................................................4
Japan since the COVID pandemic..............................................................................5
Accommodation...........................................................................................................5
Getting Around............................................................................................................ 7
Wi-Fi and Using Your Phone in Japan......................................................................14
Money........................................................................................................................17
Business Etiquette.....................................................................................................18
Interpreters and Translators......................................................................................22
Shopping................................................................................................................... 24
Food and Drink..........................................................................................................25
Health and Safety Aspects/Emergencies...................................................................26
Other Useful Information............................................................................................27
Japanese Language..................................................................................................28
Introduction
Going on a business trip to Japan entails a lot of organisation and research. Things
you take for granted in your own country are not always the same in Japan. It is
always best to prepare in advance.
This guide gives you all the practical, up-to-date information you will need to take the
stress out of that preparation covering topics such as:
• Where to stay.
• How to get around Japan.
• How to get discounted tickets.
• Staying connected with your phone and Wi-Fi.
• Using interpreters and translation services.
• Ensuring smooth communications in your business meetings.
• Useful phrases to use.
To save you from having to trawl through the Internet, this report will also provide
you with links to relevant websites and apps plus many useful tips on navigating
areas that may cause potential misunderstandings. Armed with this knowledge, you
can enjoy a relaxing and successful business trip.
About Export to Japan
Export to Japan is a not-for-profit organisation founded in July 2013 as
the result of a unique partnership between private and public sector
organisations. Our founding partners are the Department for Business &
Trade (DBT), the British Chamber of Commerce in Japan (BCCJ), British
Airways and Business Link Japan.
Our mission is to be the number one resource for companies wishing to
do business in Japan, and help companies succeed in one of the
world's richest economies. We are doing this by providing access to
trusted and up-to-date market insights, trade shows, business
opportunities and events.
For much more in-depth advice on how to do business in Japan, to learn
from other UK companies on how they succeeded in this market, or
detailed information about your particular business sector, visit
www.exporttojapan.co.uk

Japan at a glance
Capital: Tokyo
Population: 125.6 million (UN 2022)
Currency: Yen
Time Zone: GMT +9 (+8 on British Summertime)
International phone code: +81
Domain extension: .jp
Main business centres: Tokyo, Osaka, Yokohama, Nagoya, Sapporo,
Kobe, Kyoto, Fukuoka, Kawasaki and Hiroshima
Japan since the COVID pandemic
Japan took to a very conservative approach to controlling the virus, with strict border
control and mitigation measures imposed on the population. Temperature testing,
hand sanitiser and mask wearing became the norm. Measures to control the spread
of the continued mutation and variants of coronavirus are still in place, despite
overall guidance being relaxed. Here are some points to be aware of:
Mask wearing
Although it was always a seasonal mainstay in Japan to wear surgical masks
when suffering cold symptoms, a more consistent wearing of masks took
hold under COVID. A relaxation of mitigation guidance stipulates that wearing
a mask is now optional, advised for those exhibiting symptoms. However, at
time of writing many Japanese people consider it courtesy to wear masks at
all times when in public. Be prepared for looks of disapproval if you are not
wearing a mask when out in the open.
Hand sanitiser & temperature checks
Many establishments continue to ask that hand sanitiser be applied on
entering, and have a dispenser at the door. Although relaxed across much of
Japan, some venues insist on a temperature check when you arrive. Best
option is to oblige. If you do have high temperature or show significant
symptoms, the advice is to stay at your accommodation until they subside –
however, it is not mandatory and often impractical.

Accommodation
Japan has a vast array of accommodation available, ranging from deluxe hotels to
simple capsule hotels. Most of the larger hotels have bi-lingual websites and English
speaking staff. Many of the tourist guidebooks have a good selection and the Japan
National Tourist Organisation (JNTO) website has booking sites and information on
the variety available.
Business Hotels
In the main cities, business hotels are convenient and quite reasonably
priced with all the basic facilities needed including Wi-Fi and in some cases,
meeting rooms. They are usually near railway stations and the major chains
are Toyoko Inn, Route Inn, APA Hotel, Super Hotel, Daiwa Roynet Hotel and
Dormy Inn.
Traditional Ryokan (Inn)
A Ryokan offers a traditional Japanese experience and is normally set within
Japanese gardens, has hot springs or baths, is located in beautiful traditional
Japanese houses with sliding doors, tatami floors and futon beds with
amazing Japanese dining experiences. There are certain rituals involved with
staying at a Ryokan: using the baths, wearing the “yukata” and slippers. The
JNTO website has information on the etiquette involved.
Major cities have some Ryokan-style establishments catering specifically to
foreigners, offering value accommodation on tatami mats with futons. Some
are more informal than traditional Ryokan, and often have shared bathing
facilities. Most owners speak English and they are in peaceful parts of the
cities, offering a traditional experience of Japan within a bustling metropolis.
The Japan Ryokan & Hotel Association is a good source of information.

Japanese on-line retailer Rakuten has a hotel booking line much like Expedia and
Lastminute.com. There are some Japanese rooms on Airbnb, where families offer
rooms in their homes, in some cases to increase their contact with English speakers.
However, as always, exercise caution as you would if considering this option when
travelling alone and respect the local customs.

Useful tips
• Check national holidays before
travelling in Japan or booking
accommodation. Golden Week
(end of April to the beginning of
May), New Year and Obon
(August) can be incredibly busy.
It will also make arranging
business meetings more difficult

• Ask for a pictorial map if

possible from the station to the
hotel.
Getting Around
Streets and Addresses
In Japan, only the major roads and streets are named and houses are not
numbered in the same way they are in the UK. Cities are divided into towns (machi),
which are then divided into wards (ku). These wards are then divided again into
areas (chome) and then divided again into blocks (ban) and numbers (go). Sounds
confusing but Japanese people can be very helpful if you ask for directions and
have been known to accompany you to your destination!
See this example of an address:

1. 〒100-8799 1. 〒100-8799 1. Postal code

2. Tōkyō-to 2. Tokyo city
2. 東京都 3.千代田区 4.丸の内二丁目
3. Chiyoda-ku 3. Chiyoda Ward
5.7 番 6.2 号 4. Marunouchi 4. Maronouchi
7.東京中央郵便局 ni-chōme district number 2
5. nana-ban 5. Block number 7
6. ni-gō 6. House number 2
7. Tōkyō Chūō 7. Name of the
Yūbin-kyoku place

This old article offers more of an explanation, and mentions the different system
used in Sapporo and Kyoto.

Useful tips
• If you get the address in Japanese, you can input it into Google maps
and it will give you the visual point on a map.

• If you are going to a meeting, ask for a pictorial map from the station
with landmarks on it- some companies have them on their website.

• The recently updated Navitime for Japan Travel app has maps,
information on using the trains, offline Wi-Fi spot search and also
gives you access to NTT free Wi-Fi.
Subway in Tokyo
The Japanese subway system is very efficient and fairly easy to navigate. All
stations have names in Romaji (Roman letters) and there are many signs and maps
in English. Unsurprisingly, stations in Tokyo are amongst the busiest stations in the
world so it is advisable to really plan your travel and download a map from the
Tokyo Metro website. Their website also has an app you can download to help you
get round the Tokyo subway and has links to Wi-Fi spots in the stations. A different
letter, colour and number represent each Tokyo Metro line.

Useful tips
• If you are using the subway system, be prepared to do lots of walking.

• Rush hour is very busy - think about sending luggage ahead if travelling
to the airport (see section on luggage couriers).

• There are female-only carriages during rush hour.

JR and Private Railways
Japan has a very reliable network of trains including 6 Japan Railway groups that
cover the whole of Japan. JR East covers Tokyo and you can download maps and
timetables from their website. The most useful JR line in Tokyo is the Yamanote line,
which does a loop around the city and connects with many metro stations. Dozens of
private railways operate in Japan, the most useful of which are listed on Japanese
Trains (japan-guide.com).

Pre-paid Tickets
Pre-paid tickets are the easiest to use for foreign visitors. The “Suica” (JR) and
“Pasmo” (Metro) cards, can both be used on either systems (JR and/or Metro) as
well as on buses around Tokyo, like the Oyster card in London you just swipe them
in and out. You can also use them to pay in convenience stores and at some
vending machines too!
They are now available to add to your smartphone – some clear details for
downloading the relevant app and applying credit are on this site.
You can still purchase physical cards from stations, the best place to do this as a
visitor is the airports (a refundable ¥500 deposit is payable) where you can get
special discounts for foreigners (see below) and then top up at stations. You can
also buy at ticket machines displaying the Suica or Pasmo logos. There are fare
adjustment machines at every station so you are never caught out and the
machines have a switch-to-English button. The minimum top-up amount is ¥1000.
These cards can be used across other regions of Japan with certain restrictions so it
is best to check their websites: PASMO / SUICA
More information on purchasing JR rail tickets as well as pictures of the ticket
machines and relevant buttons can be found on the JR East website.
Other regions have their own version of these pre-paid passes - in the Kansai region
the ICOCA card is used and can be purchased alongside a “Kansai Airport Express
Haruka” ticket at a discount for foreign travellers from the JR West website.

Rail Passes That Can Be Bought Outside of Japan

Japan Rail Pass
If you are planning to travel long distances around Japan, the Japan Rail
Pass is very good value but it can only be bought outside of Japan. It is sold
through many travel agencies so it is worth checking the official website
before buying, to make sure you are buying from designated agencies. It
offers unlimited use on JR's shinkansen super-express trains (except the
 super-express “Nozomi"), limited-express trains, express trains and local
trains as well as JR-affiliated buses throughout Japan. You can buy it for
different lengths of time and for different regions in Japan and there is also a
“Green Japan Rail Pass” that allows you to travel in the Green class (1st
class) on most trains. In order to use it in Japan, you must validate it upon
arrival in Japan at the JR desk at the airports or at the JR Travel Center in
Tokyo station. If you just need to make seat reservations, you can do this at
any JR Ticket Reservation Counter (Midori no Madoguchi) by showing your
Rail Pass and Passport. Most reservations have to be made in Japan with
one exception - JR East offers Japan an on-line seat reservation system you
can use to book tickets before you come to Japan. It is aimed at those
arriving in Tokyo.
Other Rail Passes
There are various other regional passes you can purchase before coming to
Japan. More information on these can be found on the JNTO website or
you can purchase them through this International Rail website.
Discount Tickets Available for Non-Japanese Visitors to
Tokyo The Keikyu Haneda and subway common pass
Used on the Keikyu line from Haneda Airport to Sengakuji station
and includes unlimited rides on the Tokyo subway.
The Keisei Skyliner & Metro Pass
A round-trip or one-way ticket to and from Narita Airport plus an open
ticket for all Tokyo Metro lines. This specially discounted ticket for
foreigners is only available at Narita airport.
Tokyo Metro Special Open Tickets for Foreign Tourists

Accessibility for Wheelchair Users

Not all stations have lifts. The JNTO website has some information on this and this
website, Japan Accessible Tourism Center, offers useful information on getting
around the whole of Japan.
Train Etiquette in Japan
There are signs and announcements on all trains asking you not to speak on your
mobile phone or disturb other passengers. The silent mode on their phones is
actually called “Manner Mode” to reinforce this. This is very indicative of Japanese
society, where consideration of the effect of your behaviour on others is very
important. The Tokyo metro website has a dedicated page on Things to Consider
when using the subway and a dazzling array of “manners” posters telling people not
to put make-up on, not to drip wet umbrellas all over and not to leave rubbish on the
train.

Shinkansen (High Speed Bullet Train)

As of October 2022, Japan operates 10 Shinkansen lines – with a further 3 under
construction. They are covered by the different jurisdictions of the JR network so
check the appropriate JR website to find out about the routes and timetables. This
website has a useful map and information on the routes.
Shinkansen Tickets
There are 3 classes of tickets: Standard Class, Green Car (1st class) and
Gran class. Just in case you are wondering, this is not for those with
Grandchildren but actually is a premium class, only available on some trains.
Supplements are payable on Green and Gran Class.
If you are not using a Japan Rail Pass (see above) you can buy shinkansen
tickets at JR ticket offices. In order to purchase a shinkansen ticket, you need
the following information:
- Number of travellers
- Date of travel
- Departure Station
- Destination Station
- Ordinary or green car
- Reserved or non-reserved seat
Shinkansen Seat Reservations
Some routes have reserved and non-reserved seats although some lines
require seat reservations. With a Japan Rail pass, making a reservation is
free. Otherwise you will have to pay a supplement. You can make a
reservation a month in advance either at a JR ticket counter, at a vending
machine (not with Japan Rail Pass) or online if you have a Japan Rail Pass
via the JR East website.
For a seat reservation, the following additional information is required:
 - Train name (e.g. Hikari) and train number or departure time
- Preference of smoking or non-smoking seat, if available
Useful tip: If you don’t speak Japanese, write this information down on a piece of
paper and hand it over to the person behind the counter.
Check out the Jorudan website for a useful English route planner across all train
lines. Hyperdia is another popular route planner.

Getting To and From the Airports

Haneda
Nearer to the city, Haneda is easily connected to Tokyo by a convenient
monorail ride followed by easy access to the Yamanote JR line that loops
around the city. Alternatively, use the previously mentioned Keikyu line and
there are good bus links into Tokyo. Check their website for access
information.
Narita
From Narita, there are various options to get into Tokyom including express
train options such as the Narita Express and the Keisei Skyliner, which both
include Suica tickets too. Check out the airport’s website for further
information on all the options available or see the section on discounted
tickets for foreigners for special offers on the Keisei Skyliner.
Kansai International Airport
They have access information on their website (see “pre-paid tickets” section
for more information on the ICOCA Haruka ticket)
Fukuoka International Airport
Access information is on the Fukuoka International Airport website.
Central Japan International Airport
This airport near to Nagoya has transport links on its website.

Luggage Courier Services

There are reliable courier services that deliver your luggage to and from the
hotel/airport. Compared to other countries their services are incredibly economical
and convenient, and they are widely used in Japan. Some have English websites
and on-line reservation systems. Kuroneko Yamato, Sagawa Transport, Japan Post
and JAL ABC feature at most airports – check the airport websites for available
services and where to find the desks.
Low-cost Carriers
Recently, there has been an increase in the number of low-cost carriers flying within
Japan and Asia- most have websites in English.
Peach – Routes across Japan (including Okinawa) Hong Kong, S. Korea &
Taiwan
JetStar – Has flights across Japan, Asia, Australia and New Zealand
AirAsia Japan
Airdo (Hokkaido International Airlines) – Website in Japanese, operates flights
between Hokkaido and Tokyo
Solaseed Air – They have special fares for non-Japanese travellers flying
from Haneda around Japan
Vanilla Air – Flights between Japan and Taiwan
Starflyer – Tokyo Haneda around Japan
Skymark Airlines – Tokyo Haneda around Japan
Wi-Fi and Using Your Phone in Japan
Free Wi-Fi
Although Japan has lagged behind on its provision of free Wi-Fi to tourists or those
with non-Japanese SIM cards, Tokyo’s winning bid for the 2020 Olympics acted as
a catalyst for improving this situation. Whereas once, free Wi-Fi access was limited
to the airports upon arrival, it is now available in hotels, major JR stations,
convenience stores, Tokyo metro stations, as well as quite a few coffee shops and
shopping areas in Tokyo. There are a number of free networks, especially for
foreign visitors, although most of these require sign-ups or in some cases registering
at certain locations with your passport. It is worth doing your research before you go
so you know which option suits your schedule best.
Area Specific Networks
- NTT EAST offers free 14-day Wi-Fi across 40,000 Wi-Fi spots for foreign
tourists across East and Northern Japan when you register at their
centres across Japan.
- The Keikyu Corporation has recently launched free Wi-Fi for foreign
visitors that you can register for at Haneda Airport and use in many Wi-Fi
hotspots.
- Osaka, Kobe and Kyoto also have free Wi-Fi systems that require
registration and are limited to certain areas. See here for a more
comprehensive list and explanation of the services available.

Wi-Fi Apps
These apps allow you register in advance to get access to many networks:
Japan Connected-free Wi-Fi (NTT) – This free app allows you to connect to Wi-Fi
networks with roughly 92,000 access points at international airports, main
shinkansen and JR East train stations, including Tokyo Station, along with all
Tokyo Metro and Toei Subway stations, major sightseeing spots, and certain
convenience stores around the country.
Travel Japan Wi-Fi – This free smartphone app offers users free web access at
60,000 “basic area” access points nationwide. If you enter a Premium Code –
available from partner municipalities and companies across Japan, including
Japan Airlines, Odakyū Group, and Bic Camera – the application can also be
used to connect for free to over 200,000 Wi2 300 “optional area” access points,
which usually require a fee. You will also be able to access sightseeing
recommendations from these partner bodies.
Personal Hotspots
Personal hotspots (also called MiFi, portable hotspot, personal Wi-Fi, pocket Wi-Fi,
etc.) are small, battery-powered devices that use the cellular phone network to
create a local wireless network. They are easy to set up, provide reasonably fast
Internet, work anywhere there is cell phone service, allow multiple devices to
connect at once and are relatively inexpensive. Personal hotspots are available to
rent at major Japanese airports or via the Internet for delivery to your home or
hotel. More information can be found here.
Using Your Phone in Japan
Japan has recently rolled out 4G and most smartphones seem to work ok, but it is
worth checking with your mobile provider whether it will work in Japan as they must
be compatible with a Japanese mobile phone network. Also check the roaming
prices on your contract as they can be very expensive. It is sometimes be easier to
explore one of the following options:
Renting a smartphone
Several companies offer smartphones for rental that include unlimited data and Wi-
Fi tethering, effectively turning them into personal hotspots. This can be good value
as the devices serve as both a rental phone and as a means for connecting to the
Internet on the go. Both iPhone and android models are available to rent at major
Japanese airports or online for delivery to your home, hotel or pick up on arrival at
the airport.
Pre-paid SIM
Some companies are now offering pre-paid SIMs for visitors to Japan for data only
including the Wi-Ho card from Telecom Square Inc., EconnectJapan, B-mobile or
NTT, which does a 7-day or 14-day option. These can be picked up at airports and
offer a great alternative to taking a chance on your own mobile roaming charges.
Check on the websites to make sure your phone is compatible.

Working On-The-Go
Since the pandemic, there has been a rapid rise in remote working or ‘telework’.
There are now quite a number of co-working spaces. A selection of drop-in co-
working spaces can be found here (last updated 2017). Many offer comfortable café-
like surroundings, and some offer options for hiring office space for meetings, such
as WeWork.
There has also been a big rise in the number of cafés in the Tokyo area with free Wi-
Fi. This list is a good starting point, but by no means comprehensive – there are
many more free WI-FI spots since last updated.
Money
Although Japan has a reputation of having a cash culture, credit cards are
increasingly accepted, particularly in Tokyo. However, some less touristy restaurants
and small shops don’t accept credit cards so it always wise to have access to cash.
ATMs
Some ATMS do not accept foreign credit card cash withdrawals and not all stay
open 24/7 so check ahead if you need to withdraw money whilst in Japan. You can
withdraw cash using international credit cards at Seven Bank ATMS situated in 7-11
convenience stores 24 hours a day 365 days of the year. They also have a useful
Japan ATM Navigation app on their website, which allows you to search for ATMs.
You can also use your credit card to withdraw from Japan Post Bank ATMS - most
of which are in either post offices, train stations or supermarkets, although only the
major offices are likely to offer 24 hour services. Citibank and AEON also have
branches in most airports and cities although their coverage of ATMS is much more
limited. The Mastercard website has a useful list of ATMs in Japan where its card
can be used, which also links through to the 4 banks named above. As always,
check with your credit card provider on the fees involved when using them abroad.
Business Etiquette
Although Japan is a very fascinating country with friendly people, it does have a
reputation of having a mysterious, impenetrable culture built around etiquette dating
back to the days of the Shogun. Although the Japanese place a lot of importance on
etiquette and doing things the “correct” way, as a foreigner, you are not expected to
follow all the intricate rules and speak their language fluently. However, it is worth
finding out about etiquette if considering doing business with Japan, as it will help
build up respect and trust and will foster a better understanding and less frustration.
Introductions
The Japanese place great importance on initial meetings and greetings where they
exchange business cards and bow to each other, observing many hierarchical rules.
When dealing with non-Japanese, they may offer to shake hands but still expect to
have lots of business cards on hand, preferably of a good quality and with your name
and title translated into Japanese.
Japanese people normally address each other by their surnames plus the suffix
“san” in a business setting. However, it is becoming more common for them to use
their first names with non-Japanese people. There are some set Japanese phrases
commonly used when meeting people - it is appreciated if you tried to use them but
it is by no means a necessity. See the “Useful Phrases” section at the end of the
report.
Business Card Etiquette
Business cards, known as meishi, are a vital element of initiating business
relations so make sure to bring plenty with you when coming to Japan. It is usually
expected that you provide business cards for every member of the Japanese team.
It is useful to have a double-sided business card – one side in English and the other
in Japanese, but English only cards are fine. If including Japanese, it is important to
make a good first impression so make sure that translations are accurate and the
design matches the English version.
Hold the bottom of the business card with two hands when giving and receiving,
showing respect as you do so. Line them up on the table in front of you during the
meeting and put them away in your wallet/ purse, bag or card case before you leave.
Avoid writing on the business cards or putting them in your pocket. A business card
is considered a symbol or extension of the person and their business so the way you
present and treat your own and those of others is very important. Mistreatment of a
business card can cause offence.
Attire and Body Language
Dress code for business meetings is formal, although this may be a bit more relaxed
during the summer months when “Cool Biz” season starts and business casual dress
is acceptable. Good sense and good manners go a long way.
Seating
There is often a seating plan so wait to be seated. It is useful to be aware that
seating is usually arranged according to seniority and an important status is granted
to guests. Hierarchy generally plays an important role in Japanese business culture
so it’s worth bearing this in mind when meeting Japanese teams.
Meetings and Decision-making
Hierarchy and etiquette have an influence on meetings with the Japanese, from
where to sit to who introduces themselves first. Some companies use nemawashi - a
form of group consensus based decision-making, normally done prior to a meeting
and involves all stakeholders.
When it making a pitch, allow plenty of time for questions of clarification, and try not
to be frustrated if these can seem bafflingly detailed or process-orientated. It’s rarely
effective to press hard for an on the spot call at a meeting even if the most
appropriate/senior person is present.
Japanese firms often need time to build an internal consensus and often don’t react
well to perceived external pressure. A “no” may be softened to a “maybe” or
sometimes a “yes” to avoid causing the other person to lose face and polite smiles
do not always mean things are going well.

Useful tips
• If you are doing a PowerPoint presentation, consider getting it translated
beforehand (see section on Translators) and send it over in advance so
the Japanese side know what to expect.

• Use visuals and figures to aid the communication process.

• Speak clearly, at a slower pace than usual and avoid colloquial speech.

• Give time for breaks and allow your hosts to discuss points in Japanese.

• Be prompt and on time for meetings - allow enough time to navigate

your journey.