JAPAN

Japan is full of culture and contrasts. It is a country where tradition and progress stand side by side to form a fascinating mosaic. Contemporary high rise buildings, trendy shopping districts and buzzing nightlife contrast with an abundance of serene temples and shrines.

Total Area: 377,944 km²

Capital: Tokyo

Country Code: +81

Country Population: 126,434,964

Credit Cards: All major credit cards are accepted.

Currency: Yen (JPY)

Departure Tax: Departure taxes are included with your airline ticket.

Drives: Left

Electricity: 100V AC (50 Hz in Tokyo and East Japan, 60 Hz in Osaka and West Japan)

Ethnic Groups: Japanese 99%, others 1% (Korean 511,262, Chinese 244,241, Brazilian 182,232, Filipino 89,851, other 237,914)

Location: Eastern Asia, island chain between the North Pacific Ocean and the Sea of Japan, east of the Korean Peninsula.

Official Language(s): Japanese.

Religion: Observe both Shinto and Buddhist 84%, other 16% (including Christian 0.7%)

Time Zone: 14 hours ahead of Toronto and New York and 17 hours ahead of Vancouver and Los Angeles

Tipping: Tipping is not common practice in Japan. If you do want to show your gratitude to someone, them a small