Japan (Lonely Planet, 11th Edition) - Chris Rowthorn [627]
All Japanese hotels have maps indicating emergency exits, and local wards have emergency evacuation areas (fires frequently follow major earthquakes). In the event of a major earthquake, try to stay calm and follow the locals, who should be heading for a designated safe area.
For more information on what to do in the event of an earthquake in the Tokyo area, Click here.
Fire
Although modern hotels must comply with certain safety standards, traditional Japanese buildings – with their wooden construction and tightly packed surroundings – can be real firetraps. Fortunately, most old buildings are low-rise, but it’s still wise to check fire exits and escape routes.
Noise
In Japanese cities the assault on the auditory senses can be overwhelming: you’ll hear announcements on buses, escalators, elevators, on footpaths, in shopping malls, even at popular beaches and ski resorts. Earplugs can help, particularly when you’re trying to sleep.
Size
Even medium-sized foreigners need to mind their heads in Japanese dwellings. The Western frame may make it hard to fit into some seats and those with long legs will often find themselves wedged tight. Toilets in cramped accommodation necessitate contortions and careful aim (be warned!). Bathtubs are also sometimes on the small side and require flexibility on the part of the bather.
Theft
The low incidence of theft and crime in general in Japan is frequently commented on. Of course, theft does exist and its rarity is no reason for carelessness. It’s sensible to take the normal precautions in airports and on the crowded Tokyo rail network, but there’s definitely no need for paranoia.
Lost-and-found services do seem to work; if you leave something behind on a train or other mode of transport, it’s always worth enquiring if it has been turned in. The Japanese word for a lost item is wasure-mono, and lost-and-found offices usually go by the same name. In train stations, you can also enquire at the station master’s (eki-chō) office.
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DISCOUNT CARDS
Hostel Cards
Click here about obtaining a youth hostel membership card.
Museum Discount Card
The Grutt Pass (www.museum.or.jp/grutto/about-e.html) is a useful ticket that allows free or discounted admission to almost 50 museums in the Tokyo area. For more information, Click here.
Senior Cards
Japan is an excellent place for senior travellers, with discounts available on entry fees to many temples, museums and cinemas. To qualify for widely available senior discounts, you have to be aged over 60 or 65, depending upon the place/company. In almost all cases a passport will be sufficient proof of age, so senior cards are rarely worth bringing.
Japanese domestic airlines (JAS, JAL and ANA) offer senior discounts of about 25% on some flights (for airline contact details, Click here). Japan Rail (JR) offers a variety of discounts and special passes, including the Full Moon Green Pass (http://www.japanrail.com/JR_discounttickets.html), which is good for travel in Green Car (1st-class) carriages on shinkansen (bullet trains), regular JR trains and sleeper trains. The pass is available to couples whose combined age exceeds 88 years (passports can prove this). The pass costs ¥80,500/99,900/124,400 per couple for five/seven/12 consecutive days of travel. They are available at major JR stations within Japan from 1 September to 31 May, and they are valid for travel between 1 October and 30 June (with the exception of 28 December to 6 January, 21 March to 5 April and 27 April to 6 May). Note that these dates may change slightly from year to year. See the Full Moon Green Pass website for details.
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