Japan (Lonely Planet, 11th Edition) - Chris Rowthorn [637]
Mobile Phones
Japan’s mobile- (cell-) phone networks use 3G (third generation) mobile-phone technology on a variety of frequencies. Thus, non-3G mobile phones cannot be used in Japan. This means that most foreign mobile phones will not work in Japan. Furthermore, SIM cards are not commonly available in Japan. Thus, for most people who want to use a mobile phone while in Japan, the only solution is to rent a mobile phone.
Several telecommunications companies in Japan specialise in short-term mobile-phone rentals, a good option for travellers whose own phones won’t work in Japan, or whose own phones would be prohibitively expensive to use here.
The following companies provide this service:
Mobile Phone Japan (090-8523-2053; www.mobilephonejp.com) This company offers basic mobile-phone rental for as low as ¥2900 per week. Incoming calls, whether international or domestic, are free, and outgoing domestic calls are ¥90 per minute (outgoing domestic calls vary according to country and time of day). Free delivery anywhere in Japan is included and a free prepaid return envelope is also included.
Rentafone Japan (0120-74-6487; www.rentafonejapan.com) This company rents out mobile phones for ¥3900 per week and offers free delivery of the phone to your accommodation. Domestic rates are ¥35 per minute and overseas calls are ¥45 per minute.
Useful Numbers
If you’re staying long term, adjusting to life in Japan can be tough; but there are places to turn to for help. Metropolitan Government Foreign Residents’ Advisory Center (03-5320-7744; 9.30am-noon & 1-4pm Mon-Fri) is a useful service operated by the Tokyo metropolitan government. Otherwise, try the 24-hour Japan Helpline (0120-46-1997).
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TIME
Despite the distance between Japan’s east and west coasts, the country is all on the same time: nine hours ahead of Greenwich Mean Time (GMT). Sydney and Wellington are ahead of Japan (+1 and +3 hours, respectively), and most of the world’s other big cities are behind Japan (New York -14, Los Angeles -17 and London -9). Japan does not have daylight savings time (also known as summer time).
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TOILETS
In Japan you will come across both Western-style toilets and Asian squat toilets. When you are compelled to squat, the correct position is facing the hood, away from the door. Make sure the contents of your pockets don’t spill out! Toilet paper isn’t always provided, so it is best to carry tissues with you. You may be given small packets of tissue on the street in Japan, a common form of advertising.
In many bathrooms in Japan, separate toilet slippers are often provided just inside the toilet door. These are for use in the toilet only, so remember to change out of them when you leave.
It’s quite common to see men urinating in public – the unspoken rule is that it’s acceptable at night time if you happen to be drunk. Public toilets are free in Japan. The katakana script for ‘toilet’ is , and the kanji script is .
You’ll often also see these kanji:
Female
Male
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TOURIST INFORMATION
Japan’s tourist information services are first-rate. You will find information offices in most cities, towns and even some small villages. They are almost always located inside or in front of the main train station in a town or city.
A note on language difficulties: English speakers are usually available at tourist information offices in larger cities. Away from the big cities, you’ll find varying degrees of English-language ability. In rural areas and small towns you may find yourself relying more on one-word communication and hand signals. Nonetheless, with a little patience and a smile you will usually get the information you need from even the smallest local tourist information office.
Japan National