DUTY-FREE SHOPPING
Overview
According to naturegnosis, the following articles may be imported into Japan duty-free (people aged 20+):
400 cigarettes or 100 cigars or 500 g tobacco / or 500 g mixed tobacco products;
3 bottles (approx. 0.76 l each) of spirits;
59 ml of perfume;
Gifts up to a value of ¥ 300,000.
Items for personal use such as clothing, toiletries and, if applicable, portable professional equipment.
Note: The stated quantities for tobacco products are for non-Japanese residents.
Import restrictions
Medicines in a travel pharmacy: Internal use: 2-month supply; external use: 24 pieces; Cosmetic articles: 24 pieces.
Prohibited imports
Articles that violate patent or copyright rights, counterfeit or paper money, weapons, drugs and narcotics, special drugs (including allergy drugs, certain painkillers), stimulants (i.e. also nasal sprays and inhalation sprays for colds), ammunition, obscene media, plants with Earth, most fresh fruits, plants and vegetables. The import of raw meat is prohibited from Austria and Switzerland, among others, and permitted from Germany, among others. Processed meat can be imported from Germany, Austria and Switzerland, among others. The responsible diplomatic missions can provide further information (see contact addresses).
SHOP
Overview
In the big department stores you can find a combination of Far Eastern and European goods. Typical souvenirs are kimonos, mingei (handicrafts such as dragons and traditional toys), silk from Kyoto, fans, screens, dolls, religious objects from Shinto and Buddhism, paper lanterns, hi-fi devices, cameras, televisions and other electronic devices Equipment. The tax is waived upon presentation of the passport.
Shop opening times: Mon-Sun 10 am-7pm / 8pm and on public holidays.
ACCOMMODATION
Hotels
Are furnished either in the »western« or in the traditional style, occasionally you can find a mixture of both. Western style means European or American furnishings. The western-style business hotels offer inexpensive overnight accommodation for business travelers. You are i. General in the city center, the rooms are mostly single. Japanese-style hotels offer a high level of comfort. In some hotels z. B. the Japanese tea ceremony is performed. A variety of extra services is offered. 10-20% service will be added to the bill.
Spending the night in a ryokan is a special treat, a traditional Japanese hotel. Breakfast and dinner – mostly Japanese dishes – are often included in the room rate. You don’t wear street shoes, but the slippers provided. Rice straw mats and sliding doors made of wood and paper, Japanese baths and the view of one of the wonderful Japanese mini gardens create a special atmosphere. Typical of the ryokanare the attractive baths, some of which are even filled with hot spring water or sometimes resemble entire bathing landscapes. However, it is essential to ensure that you wash yourself in the wash tub that is provided, remove all soap, hair shampoo or shower gel from your body and only then step into the actual bathroom. This is solely for relaxation and physical well-being, and the service is excellent. Depending on the category, an overnight stay in the ryokan costs between the equivalent of € 35 and € 300. Two meals a day are included in the price in the upscale accommodations. The ryokans can be booked at http://www.itcj.or.jp/ and http://www.jpinn.com/ andhttp://www.japaneseguesthouses.com/. Further information is available from the Japan Ryokan Association (Internet: www.ryokan.or.jp).
Capsule hotels are available in all major cities near the train stations, where you can stay inexpensive in tiny cabins. The Welcome Inn reservation system founded by the Japan Tourist Organization books low – priced accommodations. More information from the tourist office (see addresses).
Categories: There are no categories.
For more information from the Japan Hotel Association,Shin Otemachi Building, 2-2-1 Otemachi, Chiyoda-ku, JP-Tokyo 100-0004. (Tel: (03) 32 79 27 06. Internet: www.j-hotel.or.jp).
Information can also be obtained from JHN (Japan Hotel Network) Travel Ltd., Hokujo 2937-275, Hakuba Mura, Kita Azumi Gun, Nagano Pref, JP-399-9301. Tel: (0261) 75 53 60. Internet: www.japanhotel.net.
For information on hotels specifically in Tokyo, the following organization is available: Tokyu Hotel Chain Co Ltd, 10-3 Nagata-Cho, 2-Chome, Chiyoda-Ku, JP-Tokyo 100-0014. (Tel: (03) 34 62 01 09. Fax: (03) 37 80 34 39. Internet: www.tokyuhotelsjapan.com).
Other accommodation options
There are about 400 youth hostels in Japan. For more information, please contact: Japan Youth Hostels Inc., 2-20-7 Misaki-cho, Chiyoda-ku, JP-Tokyo 101-0061. (Tel: (03) 32 88 14 17. Internet: www.jyh.or.jp).
Pensions
Western-style pensions are found especially in recreational areas. Minshuku are inexpensive family guest houses, mostly located in recreational areas. One or two meals are included, room facilities are simpler than ryokans or western style hotels.
Note:
As of April 2005, check-in at hotels and other accommodations in Japan has been required by law for security reasons:
– the “nationality”, “passport no.” as well as “Name”, “Address” and “Profession” of the visitor to be filled in in the appropriate places on the registration form,
– to provide the passport for a copy. (The owners of the accommodations are obliged to keep these copies.)