Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
earthquake in recorded history, it unleashed a
tsunami
of prodigious force; the combined effect
killed almost 16,000 people, and caused a meltdown
at the nuclear power plant in Fukushima, where the
effects will be felt for decades. Do note, however,
that since the 1980s buildings have been designed
to withstand even the most powerful 'quakes. Tokyo
is equipped with some of the world's most
sophis-
ticated sensors
, and architects employ mind-
boggling techniques to try to ensure the city's new
high-rises remain upright.
If you do have the misfortune to experience more
than a minor rumble, follow the
safety procedures
listed below:
•
Extinguish any fires and turn off electrical
appliances.
•
Open any doors leading out of the room, as they
often get jammed shut, blocking your exit later.
•
Stay away from windows because of splintering
glass. If you have time, draw the curtains to contain
the glass.
•
Don't rush outside (many people are injured by
falling masonry), but get under something solid,
such as a ground-floor doorway, or a desk.
•
If you are outside when the quake hits, beware of
falling objects and head for the nearest park or
other open space.
•
If the earthquake occurs at night, make sure
you've got a torch (all hotels and ryokan provide
flashlights in the rooms).
•
When the tremors have died down, go to the
nearest park, playing field or open space, taking
your documents and other valuables with you.
If available, take a cushion or pillow to protect
your head against falling glass.
•
Eventually, make your way to the designated
neighbourhood emergency centre for informa-
tion, food and shelter.
•
Ultimately, get in touch with your embassy.
earthquake, it may be impossible to contact friends
and relatives for a while, since the phone lines
are likely to be down or reserved for emergency
services, while internet servers may be hit by
power cuts.
Electricity
Mains
electricity
in Tokyo is 100V, 50Hz AC.
Japanese plugs have two flat pins or, less
commonly, three pins (two flat and one rounded,
earth pin). If you are arriving from North America
or Canada, the voltage difference should cause
no problems with computers, digital cameras, cell
phones and the like. Appliances such as hair dryers,
curling irons and travel kettles should also work,
but not quite as e
ciently, in which case you may
need a converter. Large hotels can often provide
voltage converters and adaptors.
Entry requirements
All visitors to Japan must have a passport valid
for the duration of their stay. Citizens of Ireland,
the UK and certain other European countries can
stay in Japan for up to ninety days without a visa
provided they are visiting for tourism or business
purposes. This stay can be
extended
for another
three months (see below). Citizens of Australia,
Canada, New Zealand and the US can also stay
for up to ninety days without a visa, though this
is not extendable and you are required to be in
possession of a return air ticket. Anyone from these
countries wishing to stay longer will have to leave
Japan and then re-enter.
Citizens of certain other countries must apply for
a
visa
in advance in their own country. Visas are
usually free, though in certain circumstances you
may be charged a fee of around ¥3000 for a single-
entry visa. The rules on visas do change from time
to time, so check first with the nearest Japanese
embassy or consulate, or on the Japanese Ministry
of Foreign Affairs website
W
www.mofa.go.jp.
To get a
visa extension
you'll need to fill in two
copies of an “Application for Extension of Stay”,
available from the
Tokyo Regional Immigration
Beware of aftershocks, which may go on for a
long time and can topple structures that are
already weakened, and note that most casualties
are caused by fire and tra
c accidents, rather than
collapsing buildings. In the aftermath of a major
AVERAGE MONTHLY TEMPERATURES AND RAINFALL
Jan
Feb
March
April
May
June
July
Aug
Sept
Oct
Nov
Dec
Max/min (ºC)
10/1
10/1
13/4
18/10
23/15
25/18
29/22
31/24
27/20
21/14
17/8
12/3
Max/min (ºF)
49/33
50/34
55/40
65/50
73/58
78/65
84/72
87/75
80/68
70/57
62/47
58/38
Rainfall (mm)
110
155
228
254
244
305
254
203
279
228
162
96
