A few practical things that make travelling Japan easier: converting prices in your head, the time difference, customs, and the power coming out of the socket.
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Convert money in your head 円
Rule of thumb: divide the yen price by 100 for a rough euro upper bound – so 500 yen is at most about 5 €. It helps to imagine every price is quoted in cents.
Because the yen is comparatively weak in 2026, you actually pay less – roughly two thirds of that, so 500 yen is closer to 3 €. This is only a rule of thumb: best check the current rate shortly before you travel.
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Time zone 時差
Japan is 7 hours ahead of Germany (during Central European Summer Time, which covers the travel dates). Messages home land best from the Japanese afternoon onwards – in the morning, Germany is still asleep.
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Customs – entering Japan 入国
Per person, you may import duty-free:
- 3 bottles of alcoholic beverages
- 400 cigarettes, 100 cigars or 500 g of tobacco
- 60 g of perfume
- gifts worth up to 200,000 yen
No sausage or meat products; quarantine rules apply to plants and animals.
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Customs – returning to the EU 出国
On return, goods up to 430 € are duty-free. Further allowances per person:
- 200 cigarettes or 100 cigarillos or 50 cigars or 250 g of tobacco
- 1 l of spirits and 2 l of wine
- 50 ml of perfume and 0.25 l of eau de toilette
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Sockets & power 電源
Japan runs on 100 volts and the flat plug types A and B (as in the USA). German devices need a simple travel adapter; many chargers and travel gadgets accept 100–240 V and work fine.
Tip: for 230-V-only devices (some hair dryers, curling irons) check the rating plate – on Japanese power they may run weakly or not at all.
As of 2026 · Customs figures and exchange rates can change – do a quick check before you travel.