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THINGS TO KNOW

Population: 124,460,480

Capital: Tokyo

Flag: Solid white with large red dot in the center.

Shop Hours: Most shops are open 8am to 4:30pm Tuesday through Sunday.

Bank Hours: Banks are open weekdays, 9am to 3pm.

Holidays:
January 1 - New Year's Day
January 15 - Coming of Age Day
February 11 - National Foundation Day
March 21 - Vernal Equinox
April 29 - Green Day
May 3 - Constitution Memorial Day
May 5 - Children's Day
September 15 - Respect for the Aged Day
September 23 - Autumnal Equinox Day
October 10 - Health/Sports Day
November 3 - Culture Day
November 23 - Labor Thanksgiving Day
December 23 - Emperor's Day

Time: Japan is 14 hours ahead of Eastern Standard Time, 11 hours ahead of Pacific Standard Time and 9 hours ahead of Greenwich Mean Time.

Tipping: Tipping is not recommended, unless for a special service.

USEFUL PHRASES

Good Morning - Ohayo gozai-masu
Good Evening - Komban-wa
Goodbye - Sayo-nara
How Do You Do? - Hajime-mashite
Thank You - Arigato
You're Welcome - Do-itashi-mashite
Excuse Me - Sumi-masen
Please (when offering something) - Do-zo
Please (when requesting something) - Kudasai
Do You Understand? - Wakari-masu-ka?
What Is This? - Kore-wa nan-desu-ka?
Help! - Ta-su-ke-te!

GEOGRAPHY

Square Miles: 149,898 square miles (374,744 sq.km)
Borders: none
Coastline: 17,850 miles (29,751km)

Terrain: Japan is made up of four main islands: Honshu, Hokkaido, Kyushu and Shikoku. The terrain is mostly rugged and mountainous. Japan has several active, as well as many dormant. volcanoes.