Telephone, voltage, drinking water

Telephone

Some hotels and Ryokan(Japanese style)s do not have telephones in the rooms. Often times the phone charges will be included in the bill for the room charges.

When calling Japan from overseas:

• First dial the number of the international telephone service provider you are using, then the international prefix number. Then you dial the country code for Japan, and the phone number (without the "0" which is the first digit of the area code or the cell phone number you are dialing). The number of the international telephone service provider and the international prefix number will depend on the country you are calling from and the service provider you are using. You should inquire about them before making a call.

When calling overseas from Japan

• When making an overseas phone call from a hotel or an Ryokan(Japanese style) in Japan, you will have to inquire with the front desk because each place has its own method of connecting you.
• You cannot make an overseas call from most pay phones.

Voltage

The voltage might differ depending on the country. It is best to take safety precautions even when using such small electrical appliances such as hair driers and electric shavers because accidents do occur. Sometimes a transformer will work, but it might be helpful to purchase appliances already equipped with a voltage transformation function.

Some Pointers

• The voltage in Japan is 100V. Since voltage in other countries ranges from 110 - 240V, electrical appliances from countries with high voltage might not work well in Japan.
• You should also be aware of the fact that the shape of plugs and electrical outlets might be different in Japan.

Diagram of an electrical outlet and plug in Japan

Drinking Water

A high standard of safety is maintained for water in Japan, even on a global level. There is an abundance of water in Kyoto, and there are many places here that have wells and spring water. But please be advised that not all of that water is potable.

Some Pointers

• Although some well and springs have an abundance of water, most of them don't. Since filing up a plastic bottle, flask or another such container with water can cause the area to be congested, it is generally against the rules.
• Some places charge for water in an effort to conserve it. You should be sure to ask about this at whatever facility you are using.