Essential Travel Planning for Business Travel to Japan

Travel Planning Tips for Japan. A few helpful suggestions and hints while planning a business trip to Tokyo. The majority of information applies to general travel to Japan, so if you are only visiting Osaka, or Kyoto, our advice is still applicable.

Travel Advisories in Japan

In general, there are no travel advisories for Japan. Japan has long been noted for its low crime and safe streets.Crimes against foreign citizens in Japan are rare and usually only involve personal disputes, theft, or vandalism. Crime is at levels well below the U.S. national average. Violent crime is rare, but does exist. Incidents of pick pocketing of foreigners in crowded shopping areas, on trains and at airports have been a sporadic concern.

Reference Material: Doing Business in Japan BUYUSA.GOV U.S. Commercial Services

Temporary Entry of Materials and Personal Items into Japan

There is no restriction for temporary entry of laptop computers and software for personal use. Regarding materials for exhibits, Japan is a member of the International Convention to Facilitate the Importation of Commercial Samples and Advertising Materials under the ATA carnet System (www.atacarnet.com/). Use of a carnet allows goods such as commercial and exhibition samples, professional equipment, musical instruments and television cameras to be carried or sent temporarily into a foreign country without paying duties or posting bonds. These goods cannot be sold. A carnet should be arranged for in advance and you should consult this web site for more details: www.atacarnet.com

Reference Material: Doing Business in Japan BUYUSA.GOV U.S. Commercial Services

Health Issues and Concerns in Japan

Japan poses no medical health risks to the business traveler. While medical care in Japan is good, English-speaking physicians and medical facilities that cater to Foreigner's expectations are expensive and not very widespread. Japan has a national health insurance system, which is only available to foreigners with long-term visas for Japan. National health insurance does not pay for medical evacuation or medical care outside of Japan. Medical caregivers in Japan require payment in full at the time of treatment or concrete proof of ability to pay before treating a foreigner who is not a member of the national health insurance plan. Most major credit cards are accepted.

Reference Material: Doing Business in Japan BUYUSA.GOV U.S. Commercial Services

Transportation Infrastructure in Japan

Japan has excellent, modern highways and roads linking all parts of country. Traffic conditions on expressways and in cities are often very congested, however. Most major intercity highways operate on a toll basis, and tolls are extremely expensive, making passenger railroad service very competitive, especially for the foreign visitor. Japan boasts the world’s densest and most modern passenger railroad system, with fast, frequent services to all parts of the country. Japan’s famous shinkansen highspeed rails lines link Tokyo with Japan’s major business centers at speeds of up to 185 mph. All of Japan’s large cities have highly developed subway and commuter train service. Taxi service is available everywhere.

Reference Material: Doing Business in Japan BUYUSA.GOV U.S. Commercial Services