Visiting Japan
Before you set out on a trip to Japan, it is important to answer a few key questions to help you plan and ensure a worry-free visit.
The risk is not increased: There is no information on safety reasons to advise against travel. The usual caution is advised. Japan is a stable democracy. Civil unrest and violent demonstrations are rare.
Crime rates are low throughout Japan, but stay vigilant and take reasonable precautions. There are certain security restrictions for travelling to certain parts of the country. Caution is advised, as well as further verification and obtaining information from other sources.
There are no compulsory vaccinations for Japan, and malaria tablets are not required.
Hepatitis B
Hepatitis B vaccination is recommended for all travellers who travel or work in areas with a medium or high risk of HBV transmission, especially those who may be exposed to blood and other body fluids, have sex with local people, or who may be infected during medical treatment (e.g. accidents).
Japanese encephalitis
Vaccination is recommended for all people planning to travel to rural farms and during periods when an outbreak of Japanese encephalitis is declared in certain areas.
Rabies
Rabies vaccination is only recommended for travellers who may come into direct contact with bats. This group usually includes professionals who study life in the wild, researchers, veterinarians and adventurers who visit areas where bats are common.
We warn of the risk of volcanic eruptions and advise travellers to follow the advice of local authorities. There is a constant risk of earthquakes and tsunamis in Japan. The National Police Agency of Japan warns of an increase in accidents in the mountains. To avoid dangerous situations, all travellers to Japan are advised to: prepare properly for outdoor excursions, create an itinerary (and inform others of their plan), prepare appropriate equipment in advance, check snow conditions, check avalanche danger before skiing, and follow ski resort rules carefully.
The currency of Japan is the yen (JPY). Bank cards can be used at all major shopping centres, accommodation facilities and train stations, but smaller establishments still accept cash only. The easiest way to access cash is via ATMs. Cash withdrawals at Japanese ATMs with Maestro cards issued outside the Asia-Pacific region, Canada and the Netherlands are currently not possible. Drinks and meals are paid for at the end of your visit to a Japanese bar. They do not know tips and do not tip.
The official language is Japanese. In the larger cities and tourist areas, there is some knowledge of English, but it is advisable to learn a few basic Japanese words or phrases.
Travellers are reminded that Japanese practice in criminal matters differs significantly from that in Slovenia. A traveller facing criminal proceedings in Japan can expect to be treated much differently than in Slovenia (longer and procedurally more complicated individual stages of the proceedings). It is important to carry identification (e.g. passport) at all times.
Be careful not to be tempted by invitations to bars. Most Japanese people are very friendly and hospitable, but they can be quite reserved. You pay for your drinks and meals at the end of your visit to a Japanese bar. They do not know tips and do not tip. Tattoos are historically associated with organised crime in Japan, and while attitudes towards them are becoming more and more acceptable, many public swimming pools, thermal springs, beaches and some gyms do not accept visitors with tattoos. Other establishments may simply require all tattoos to be covered when using the facilities.
Slovenian citizens can apply for consular assistance at the Embassy or Consulate of the Republic of Slovenia.
Embassy or Consulate can offer you the following help:
- issue you with a passport or ID card,
- if it is stolen or lost, issue you with a passport for your return,
- mediate in obtaining the funds for the return to the Republic of Slovenia,
- contact you when you are arrested, with your consent,
- notify family or friends in the event of an accident, hospitalisation or death,
- help to contact lawyers, translators, medical and funeral services (the Government of the Republic of Slovenia, the Ministry of Foreign and European Affairs of the Republic of Slovenia (Vlada Republike Slovenije, Ministrstvo za zunanje in evropske zadeve Republike Slovenije) and the representations of the Republic of Slovenia abroad do not assume any responsibility for the professionalism of the providers of these services),
- assist in administrative matters in the Republic of Slovenia,
- help with matters of succession,
- certify photocopies, certificates, general administrative authorisations and signatures in administrative procedures,
- accept applications for digital certificates (Sigen-CA) for natural and legal persons,
- help you return home in the event of an emergency (e.g. terrorist attacks, political unrest, natural disasters).