The Japan Business Travel Guide provides business travellers with an array of business related resources and useful tools designed to assist them on their trips. The guide contains visa information, facts on Japan, business customs, useful tips and other resources. An understanding of other cultures, languages, customs and etiquette can be of great importance to business travellers and give a real advantage to ensuring a successful business trip.
Japan Guide
Quick Facts on Japan
Japan Travel Advice
Visa Requirements
Business Customs and Etiquette
Travel Advice and Tips
Public Holidays
Japan Map
Japan Weather
Currency Converter & Travel Money Exchange
Japan Hotels & Flights
Travel Insurance
Japan Travel Videos
Quick Facts on Japan
Country: Japan
Capital: Tokyo
Currency: Yen
Population: 127 Million
Area total: 377,835 sq km
Languages: Japanese
Time Zone: GMT +9
Electricity: 100V 50/60Hz
Dialling Code: 81
GDP: USD 5,458.8bn (2010)
Religion: Shintō, Christianity, Buddhism.
Political System: Constitutional Monarchy
Internet Domain: .jp
Japan Travel Advice
The Foreign and Commonwealth Office offers travellers useful advice when travelling to Japan. You can find further information on entry requirements for Japan, advice on local laws and customs, health considerations, tips on safety and security and the address and contact details of the British Embassy in Japan. The information is updated on a regular basis making it a good reference point for both business and leisure travellers looking for the latest travel advice and information on Japan. For more information please see: Japan Travel Advice
Visa Requirements
No visa requirement for UK nationals and most European states, Canada and USA and a number of other counties worldwide as part of visa exemptions arrangements, this applies to short term visits of no longer than 90 days or 3 months in most cases, with 6 months for UK nationals. Visa requirements are subject to change with changes in requirements and rules for further information please see: Japan Visa Requirements
Business Customs and Etiquette
Business dress widely observed and is conservative with dark suit colours the norm. Smart dressing is viewed as extremely important. Punctuality is important for meetings and greetings for business usually consist of either a handshake that is increasing used or a bow, if your hosts bow you should reciprocate the bow. It is usually safe to refer to people using their surnames and to add 'San' to the end for both men and women, should a more informal approach be used would need to wait for hosts to invite its use.
During meetings there may be silences that can be unnerving, silence is used as an important part of Japanese communication, so no need to be unnerved by this. Personal space is deemed as important in Japan and this should be observed. Business cards are very important and may be offered using one or two hands, ensure you have plenty to go around and you need to be careful to offer one is someone offers you one, otherwise it can be deemed as though you are not interested in having a business relationship. Blowing your nose in public should avoided as it is considered improper.
Travel Advice and Tips
Most trips to Japan for both business visitors and tourists are likely to pleasant and incident free. Japan is on the whole a very safe country to visit, with relatively low levels of crime. However you should be aware of pick pockets and thefts of valuables. You should not show valuables in public and ensure that that you are alert and aware of your surroundings and environment at all times.
Travel Checklist: See our Travellers Checklist containing useful tips and reminders to ensure you have everything you will need on your trip.
Travel Vaccinations: It is recommended you check with your GP on whether you require any travel vaccinations up to eight weeks before you travel. For more information and advice on travel vaccinations please see the NHS Fit for Travel website.
Tipping: Tipping is not widely practised in Japan and hotels and restaurants usually add a 10% service charge and consumptions tax to the final bill.
Hours of Business:
For Businesses:
09.00 to 17.00 Monday to Friday (some offices open on Saturdays but the majority do not).
For Shops:
10.00 to 19.00 Monday to Sunday
For Banks:
09.00 to 15.00 Monday to Friday
NOTE: Shops & department stores may close on a weekday, but open on Saturday and Sundays.
Public Holidays
Public Holidays (2012):
January 1: New Year's Day
January 9: Coming of Age Day
February 11: National Foundation Day
March 20: Vernal Equinox Day
April 29: Showa Day
May 3: Constitution Memorial Day
May 4: Greenery Day
May 5: Children's Day
July 18: Marine Day
September 20: Respect-for-the-Aged Day
September 23: Autumnal Equinox Day
October 8: Health & Sports Day
November 3: Culture Day
November 23: Labour Thanksgiving Day
December 23: Emperor's Birthday
Japan Map
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Related Resources
Japan Weather
Disclaimer: The information given in on this website is given in good faith and to the best of our knowledge. If there are any discrepancies in no way do we intend to mislead. Important travel details and arrangements should be confirmed and verified with the relevant authorities.
