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Japan Country Guide: Regions, Travel Tips, Costs and Useful Information Japan is an island country with four main islands — Hokkaido, Honshu, Shikoku and Kyushu — together with thousands of smaller islands. More than 400 of those islands are inhabited. The country stretches from the snowy landscapes of northern Hokkaido to the subtropical islands of Okinawa, giving travellers an enormous variety of scenery, climates, cultures and experiences to discover. For visitors, Japan is relatively straightforward to explore thanks to its extensive railway, bus and domestic transport networks. However, the country is geographically diverse, so travelling between regions can involve significant differences in weather, landscapes, accommodation and local attractions. Understanding the main regions before planning an itinerary can help you decide where to spend your time. Regions of Japan Chubu Chubu occupies central Honshu and extends from the Sea of Japan coast to the Pacific side of the country. The region contains several of the mountains that make up the Japan Alps and is home to Mount Fuji, Japan’s highest mountain at 3,776 metres. Chubu Highlights Mount Fuji: Japan’s most famous mountain can be climbed during the main summer climbing season. Jigokudani Monkey Park: A well-known destination where visitors can see Japanese macaques around natural hot springs. Shirakawa-go: An historic mountain village recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Kanazawa: A city in Ishikawa Prefecture known for its well-preserved historic character and connections with the Edo period. Chubu includes Fukui, Ishikawa, Toyama, Yamanashi, Nagano, Niigata, Shizuoka, Aichi and Gifu prefectures. Nagoya, the capital of Aichi, is one of Japan’s major cities, while the region is also important for manufacturing, particularly the automobile industry. The region experiences considerable climatic variation. Northern areas and higher elevations can receive heavy winter snowfall, making parts of Niigata and Nagano popular for winter sports. Pacific-facing areas, including Nagoya, generally experience milder winters. Chugoku Chugoku forms the western part of Honshu. The Chugoku Mountains cross the region from east to west, separating the Sea of Japan side from the Seto Inland Sea coast. Hiroshima Peace Memorial and Atomic Bomb Dome: Important sites commemorating the atomic bombing of Hiroshima in 1945. Itsukushima Shrine: Famous for its large red torii gate associated with the sea. Tottori Sand Dunes: A distinctive landscape where visitors can explore the extensive dunes and take part in activities such as camel riding and paragliding. Okunoshima: Often called Rabbit Island because of its large population of wild rabbits. The region consists of Hiroshima, Okayama, Shimane, Tottori and Yamaguchi prefectures. Hiroshima is its largest city. Chugoku is also associated with traditional crafts, including pottery and lacquerware, as well as developing renewable-energy industries. Weather varies across the region. Tottori and Shimane can experience substantial rain and snow from late autumn into early spring, while areas facing the Seto Inland Sea generally have many comparatively sunny days. Hokkaido Hokkaido is Japan’s northernmost main island and is particularly well known for its wide-open landscapes, agriculture, seafood, winter conditions and outdoor activities. Sapporo is the regional capital and one of Japan’s largest cities. Sapporo Snow Festival: A major winter event featuring large snow and ice sculptures. Niseko: An internationally recognised ski destination known for its powder snow. Hakodate: A historic port city with a distinctive position in southern Hokkaido. Shiretoko National Park: A UNESCO World Heritage location at the northeastern end of the island. Hokkaido is a major agricultural and dairy-producing area and is also important for fishing. Its central areas are mountainous, while coastal plains surround much of the island. The island has a cooler climate than much of the rest of Japan. Summers can be warm but are generally less humid, while winters are cold and can bring particularly heavy snowfall to western areas. The region’s landscapes have also appeared in Japanese popular culture, including the television drama Kitanokuni kara. Kansai Kansai lies in western Honshu and contains some of Japan’s best-known historic cities and cultural attractions. The region includes Hyogo, Kyoto, Mie, Nara, Osaka, Shiga and Wakayama prefectures. Todaiji Temple: The Nara temple is famous for its enormous seated Buddha statue. Kiyomizu Temple: One of Kyoto’s best-known temples and a major destination for visitors. Himeji Castle: A remarkably preserved Japanese castle and one of the country’s most recognisable historic structures. Mount Koya: A Buddhist religious centre where visitors can experience temple accommodation. Kansai extends from the Sea of Japan in the north towards the Pacific Ocean in the south. Lake Biwa, Japan’s largest lake, is located in Shiga Prefecture, while Osaka is the region’s largest city. Northern coastal areas can receive heavy snow during winter. Areas around the Seto Inland Sea generally have a milder climate, while the mountainous Kii Peninsula receives considerably more rainfall. Kanto Kanto occupies eastern Honshu and contains Tokyo, Japan’s capital. It is the country’s most heavily urbanised and densely populated region and is also the centre of much of Japan’s government and corporate activity. The region consists of Chiba, Gunma, Ibaraki, Kanagawa, Saitama, Tochigi and Tokyo. Agriculture remains important outside the most heavily urbanised parts, while Tokyo and Kanagawa are dominated by service-sector industries. Shibuya: One of Tokyo’s best-known districts, particularly associated with its youthful atmosphere and busy streets. Nikko: A destination combining historic attractions with mountains and natural scenery. Hakone: A popular hot-spring destination with opportunities for views towards Mount Fuji. Tokyo Disneyland and DisneySea: Major theme-park destinations within the wider Tokyo area. Kanto covers a large plain surrounding Tokyo Bay and extends towards mountainous areas to the north and west. Summers are typically hot and humid and include a rainy season, while winters on the Kanto Plain are often relatively sunny, although mountain areas can receive snow. Kyushu Kyushu is the southernmost of Japan’s four main islands and combines volcanic landscapes, hot springs, historic cities and subtropical areas. Major destinations include Fukuoka, Nagasaki, Kumamoto, Oita, Miyazaki, Kagoshima and Saga. Yakushima: A remote island known for ancient cedar forests and dramatic natural scenery. Beppu: A famous hot-spring destination with numerous distinctive thermal attractions. Nagasaki: A historic port city with an

Banking and Finances in Japan Managing your money in Japan can seem complicated when you first arrive, particularly if you are unfamiliar with the banking system or Japanese financial terminology. Opening a bank account, withdrawing cash, applying for a credit card and sending money overseas all involve procedures that may be different from those in your home country. The good news is that once you understand the basics, everyday banking becomes much easier. This guide explains the main things foreign residents should know about banking and personal finances in Japan, from opening your first account to using ATMs, exchanging currency and transferring money abroad. Opening a Bank Account in Japan Before visiting a Japanese bank to open an account, make sure you have the identification and other documents you may be asked to provide. A passport and residence card are particularly important for foreign residents. Some banks may also ask for a personal seal, known as an inkan or hanko. Although some banks accept a signature instead of an inkan, requirements can vary between financial institutions. If you already have a personal seal, taking it with you can avoid unnecessary problems. Your chosen seal effectively becomes your personal seal for banking purposes unless you later change it. Traditional bank branches in Japan generally operate during weekday daytime hours, so people who work full time may need to arrange time away from work. The exact opening process and waiting time vary between banks and branches, so it is worth allowing plenty of time for your first visit. The Bank Account Opening Process Opening an account is generally a straightforward process, although the amount of Japanese required can depend on the bank and branch. The following steps provide a general idea of what to expect. Step 1: Ask to Open an Account When you reach the counter, you can say 銀行口座を開きたいのですが (Ginkou kouza wo hirakitai no desu ga), which means “I would like to open a bank account.” Step 2: Complete the Application Forms The bank will ask you to provide information such as your name, address and employment details. If the paperwork is entirely in Japanese and you are not confident reading it, having someone who can help you understand the forms can be useful. Step 3: Make an Initial Deposit You may be asked to make a small initial deposit when opening the account. The amount required can vary, but it is generally a relatively small sum. Step 4: Choose Your PIN and Receive Your Bank Book You will normally set a four-digit PIN for your cash or ATM card. Depending on the bank and account, you may also receive a 通帳 (tsuucho), or bank book, which records transactions made through the account. Step 5: Receive Your ATM Card If your ATM or cash card is not issued immediately, it may be sent to your registered address. The card will normally contain information such as your name, branch details and account number. What If You Don’t Have a Permanent Address? Proof of address can be an important part of opening a Japanese bank account. For people who have recently arrived in Japan, this can create a practical problem if they are still living in temporary accommodation. Depending on the bank and your circumstances, temporary accommodation or your current registered address may be accepted. Requirements differ between financial institutions, so check with the bank before relying on a particular address. Once you move into your permanent accommodation, make sure your banking information is updated. Japanese Banks to Consider Japan has a wide range of banks, from major national institutions to regional banks and financial services aimed at international customers. The right choice depends on the services you need and how comfortable you are using Japanese-language banking. Mitsubishi UFJ Bank Mitsubishi UFJ is one of Japan’s major banking groups. Services associated with the account options described in the source include a Visa debit card alongside a standard cash card. Online banking services may be primarily Japanese-language, and English-language support can be limited depending on the service. Mizuho Bank Mizuho is another major Japanese bank. Its services include cash and debit card options, while the source notes that online banking is primarily Japanese-language. English-language assistance is available through customer service channels. Resona Bank Resona offers cash cards with Visa debit functionality. Its banking application has included English and Simplified Chinese language options, although English-language customer support may be limited. Shinsei Bank Shinsei has historically been popular with foreign residents because of its English-language services. The services described in the source include a Visa debit option, English online banking and English-language customer support. SMBC SMBC offers Visa debit cards alongside its standard cash cards. Online banking services may primarily use Japanese, while English-language assistance is available on a more limited basis. Japan Post Bank Japan Post Bank has an extensive branch and ATM network, making it a familiar option for many residents. Its services include standard cash cards, although online banking may primarily be offered in Japanese. Suruga Bank Suruga Bank provides standard banking services and cash cards with Visa debit functionality. As with many Japanese banks, customers who do not speak Japanese should check the current availability of English-language assistance before opening an account. Using ATMs in Japan ATMs are widely available throughout Japan, particularly in convenience stores, shopping centres, railway stations and bank branches. Many machines provide English-language menus, while some also offer additional languages. However, not every ATM has the same language options. Smaller or regional banks may have machines that operate primarily or exclusively in Japanese, so learning a few basic Japanese banking terms can make using them considerably easier. Useful Japanese ATM Terms 引き出し (hikidashi) means withdrawal. Choose this option when you want to take cash from your account. お預入れ (oazukeire) means deposit. This option allows you to put cash into your account, although the precise functions available vary between machines. 残高照会 (zandaka shoukai) means balance inquiry. Select this when you want to check how much money is