Preparing for your trip to Japan

Do I need to bring anything special? Not usually - just a valid passport. See the entry below regarding visas for more information. Overall, though, Japan is a heavily industrialized country and should have almost anything you need in case you forget something. Scroll down for information about prescription medication.

What is Japan's weather, currency, etc.? Please see our Japan Info page.

Where should I visit in Japan? Here are two official tourism pages: the JNTO and their Official Travel Website. Another great website is Japan-Guide, but we're not affiliated with them in any way.

Is Japan a safe country? Yes, Japan's crime rate is well below the U.S. national average. The Department of State has more information.

Do Japanese people speak English? Most Japanese people study English at some point in their lives, but even a small attempt at Japanese by foreigners is always appreciated. Click here for a few simple words. Especially in the larger cities, you will also find that English signs are quite common.

What should I do if I need help or get lost? In Japan, the equivalent of "911" is "119" - calling that number from any phone will connect you to fire and emergency medical services. To call the police, there is a separate number: 110. Another useful tip is kōban, or "police boxes" - these are small neighborhood police stations found all over Japan. It's very common in Japan to stop at a kōban to ask for directions. Finally, here is information on contacting the U.S. Embassy in Tokyo.

How can people call me while I'm in Japan? To call Japan from the U.S., dial: 011 81, followed by the area code and phone number. For Japanese cell phones, the area code is 80 or 90. Other common codes are 3 for Tokyo, 78 for Kobe, 75 for Kyoto, 6 for Osaka, and 82 for Hiroshima. If you're given a number that starts with a 0, remove it and dial the rest. I.e., if it starts with 080 just dial 80. One of the easiest and cheapest ways to call Japan is through a VoIP service such as Skype.

How is Japan's public transportation system / How can I buy a "JR Rail Pass"? Excellent! Japan has an extremely modern subway system, as well as the famous shinkansen bullet trains, and a large network of busses and trains. Japan-Guide has an excellent guide to transportation in Japan, including information on the numerous tickets and passes available. The Japan Rail Pass is one of the most popular options if you'll be traveling long distances by train, for example between Tokyo and Kyoto. Japan Guide has more information about it as well. Finally, check our Japan Info page for links to some of our favorite trip/route planners.

Do I need a visa to travel to Japan?

If you are a US citizen, you do not need a visa to travel to Japan for up to 90 days with a roundtrip ticket. The purpose of your visit must be tourism, visiting relatives/acquaintances, attending a conference, etc.

As of April 2010, Japan has made agreements to waive visa requirements for tourism with 61 countries and regions. Click here for the list of countries with visa exemptions.

If you need to obtain a visa for your travels, please contact your nearest Consular General of Japan, or call the Visa Section of the Embassy at (202) 238-6800.

Click here for more information about visa requirements and application procedures.

How can I study abroad in Japan?

Click here if you are a high school student looking for a study abroad program.

If you are currently enrolled in a university, or are looking to study abroad in Japan through a university program, please follow this link for a comprehensive guide. It details how to attend college in Japan (for the full 4 years) as well.

Here is another extremely detailed site for studying abroad.

Some scholarship information can be found from the following links (please check with your home university/institution and program for scholarship opportunities as well): JASSO, University of Alabama.

How do I apply for the Monbukagakusho (Monbusho) Scholarship?

We are delighted that you are interested in applying to the Monbukagakusho Scholarship offered by the Government of Japan!

Please click here for general information on the scholarship, as well as application information and eligibility requirements.

You will be submitting your application to your local Consulate General of Japan. Please refer to this page to see which Consulate General serves your area. If you reside in Virginia, you will fall under the jurisdiction of the Consulate General of Japan in Atlanta and if you reside in DC or MD, you need to contact the Consulate General of Japan in New York. The Embassy of Japan does not accept applications.

I want to teach English in Japan - what can I do?

We are delighted that you are interested in teaching English in Japan!

There are many opportunities to teach English in Japan. One can do so through a government sponsored program, known as JET, or through private English schools.

The Japan Exchange in Teaching Program (JET) is a government-run program that sends those with college degrees to various parts of Japan as Assistant Language Teachers or Coordinators for International Relations. For information about the JET program, please click here.

Many private English schools will also sponsor American citizens to come and teach English in Japan. For a list of schools/organizations, please visit this page.

Where can I find information about doing business in/with Japan?

Please start by contacting the Japan External Trade Organization to obtain some general information.

JETRO is a government affiliated organization that assists foreigners with doing business in/with Japan. JETRO can provide market analysis, potential contacts and much more.

How can I find/contact someone in Japan? (lost relatives, old pen pals, etc.)

Unfortunately, the Embassy of Japan does not have the resources to help you contact an individual in Japan, nor can we send emails and mail on your behalf.

Japanese citizens living in Japan may be located through their family register (koseki) which contains civil records held at the city, ward or town office where the family has its permanent address. The family register can be released only to the family member or a lawyer practicing in Japan. The Embassy cannot obtain these documents on your behalf. For more information, please click here.

Where can I find Japan-related jobs in the United States?

• National Association of Japan America Societies
• Career Forum
• JapaneseJobs.com

I want to work at the JICC! What employment or internship opportunities are available?

Thank you for your interest! Check this page to see our available jobs and internships. Please understand that we can only accept applications for positions listed on that page.

Could you translate this into Japanese?

Unfortunately, the Embassy of Japan is not able to translate documents for you. We do, however, have a list of translators/interpreters located in the DC area that may be helpful.

How do you say/write X in Japanese?

While we cannot act as translators, here are several common requests we receive:

Japan	Nihon (NEE-HOHN)
Hello	Konnichiwa (KOHN-NEE-CHEE-WAH)
Welcome	Youkoso (YOH-KO-SO)
Thank you	Arigatou Gozaimasu (AH-REE-GAH-TOH-GO-ZA-EE-MAH-SU)

I'm studying Japan for a school project. Can you send me some information?

Yes, we can send you some basic information about Japan. Search for your state on our Consulate-General Guide to find out the email or mailing address you should send your request to.

Can you tell me anything about an artifact or work of art that some relatives brought back from Japan many years ago?

Unfortunately, no. The Embassy doesn't have any experts on these types of artifacts, but we do maintain a list of appraisers in the greater DC area. Please check our Washington D.C. Area Japan Directory.

May I visit the Embassy of Japan?

Unfortunately, the Embassy of Japan is closed to the public and we do not allow school groups to take tours of the building.

However, the Japan Information and Culture Center of the Embassy of Japan is open to the public on weekdays from 9am to 5pm. Visitors are welcome to come look at JICC exhibits and attend JICC events. Click here for our location.

The JICC also conducts school programs for local schools and organizations. This complimentary program showcases Japanese culture through a power point presentation, videos, games and much more! If you are interested in scheduling a school program, please visit the school program page.

Can I take a Japanese language class at the Embassy of Japan?

Unfortunately, the Embassy does not offer any Japanese classes. However, there are many organizations in the DC area that do. Please refer to this page.

Although we are not affiliated with them in any way, we've heard good things about the Japan-America Society's program.

Where can I find more information about Ambassador Fujisaki?

Please click here to view the Embassy's page on Ambassador Ichiro Fujisaki.