Essential information about Japan

Electricity

In Japan 2-flat-pin plugs are used instead of columnar-shaped plugs or 3-pin plugs. It is therefore advised to purchase a plug adapter beforehand.
The voltage used throughout Japan is uniformly 100 volts, A.C. There are two kinds of frequencies in use; 60 Hertz in western Japan (including Nagoya, Kyoto and Osaka) and 50 Hertz in eastern Japan. A convertible type of electrical appliance such as a travel iron, hair dryer, and shaver will therefore be handy. Otherwise, a step-down transformer is required to convert the voltage.

Emergencies

Emergency numbers can be dialed from a public telephone without paying for the call by pressing the red button that is located on the front of the phone. There are two different phone numbers to dial in an emergency - 110 to call the police or 119 to report a fire or to call an ambulance.

Medical Services

If you need a doctor or first-aid, contact your hotel front desk or ask someone around you. For hospital information, call (03) 5285-8181 in Tokyo. Japanese medical services and facilities enjoy a high international reputation.

Police

Japan's crime rate is exceptionally low compared to that of many other countries. You will notice that there are usually police boxes located by main street crossings in Japan. This allows police to keep an eye on people on the street and assist them to find their way to their destination.

Lost and Found

Taxi drivers often bring the belongings back to your hotel. Therefore, if you left something in a taxi go to your hotel's reception desk. If you left your bag or package in a railway station or other public area, then go to the stationmaster's office or the nearest police box and ask for English-language assistance.

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