• Languages Spoken – Japanese
• GMT - UTC + 9
• Visas - Citizens from most of the Western nations can stay in Japan for about 90 days without a visa, while some European nationalities and Mexicans can extend up to 180 days. All other nationalities must get a visa appropriate for the purpose of their visit.
• International Dialling Code - +81 (country code)
• Electricity - 100V/50-60Hz. Similar to US plugs are used.
• Health - Japan is a very hygienic country, with their potable tap water and very high standards in food preparation. However, being a highly populated city, it is still recommended to wash hands with soap and water before eating meals or when travelling publicly.
• Money - Japanese Yen (JPY)
• Best time to visit - Right now is the best time to visit Japan, where autumn temperature and humidity are more tolerable and the fall colors are exquisite. Spring is another good time to visit with Japan's famous sakura (cherry blossoms) viewing.

Highlights of Japan

• Nara - site of one of the world's largest Buddha statues. The sculpture has a huge wooden beam with a hole in it,  and anyone who can successful crawl through it is said to reach enlightenment faster. Nara is Japan's first capital, and is filled with many historical buildings and Buddhist shrines.
• Akihabara – known as the "electric town", where discount electronic appliances are on sale, Akiba is now the center of otaku (pop culture fandom) culture in Japan. Almost every building is filled with figurines, costumes, video games, animation and comic books, from classic sci-fi movies to the latest animated series.
• Tokyo Tower - symbolizing Tokyo's economic recovery in the 60's, the tower is the best observation platform in the capital. During clear days, visitors may spot the far-off Mount Fuji, but the best view comes at night, when the neon-clad metropolis is on full display.
• Koka Ninja Village – tucked away in a lush forest, this former home to the famous ninja clan now exhibits the secret world of Japanese assassins. Shrines, monuments, museum displays, training halls and other facilities will delight any ninja enthusiasts.
• Spring Sakura Viewing - Japan has plenty of cherry trees (sakura) whose blossoming every April is a national symbol, representing the fleetingness of beauty and life. This weeks-long event is celebrated with festivals, while locals update themselves with the daily status of the blossoms.
• Harajuku - the center of Japan's youth fashion, where punk, gothic lolita, and everything in between are mixed and matched by Tokyo teens. Visit Harajuku Bridge every Sunday, as costume players hang out, dressed in the favorite anime or video game characters.
• Kyoto - the best place to experience Japan's past. This former Japanese capital still maintains many traditional buildings and shops, and geishas are a common sight along its streets.