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 Arriving in Tokyo can be both a thrilling and bewildering experience—especially if it is your first time to visit. To help you transition smoothly into the metropolis, familiarize yourself with the following basic information. Find out how to get around the city with ease with a Travel IC card and the easiest way to connect to the internet. Discover money-saving shopping tips, what to do in an emergency, what to pack in each season, and much more.

Basic Info

 

Essential information

Timezone

Tokyo is nine hours ahead of GMT, with no daylight-saving time. Days can stay light until around 19:30 during the summer, but the nights draw in around 17:00 in the winter.

Wi-Fi & Connectivity

Free Wi-Fi is becoming increasingly available throughout the city. Many major hotels, coffee shops, restaurants and public facilities offer a free Wi-Fi service. However, for guaranteed internet access wherever you roam, rent a pocket- Wi-Fi from one of the kiosks at the airport or pick up a travel sim to fit into your existing phone.

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Power Plug & Electricity

The voltage in Japan is 100V and the frequency is 50-60 Hz. The socket is type A, with two flat holes. Using foreign electric appliances will require a frequency converter and plug adaptor.

Using and Exchanging Money in Japan

As you probably know, Japan's currency is the yen. Here's some useful info for getting and using yen during your time in Tokyo!

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Weather (When to Visit)

The seasonal weather in Tokyo generally follows the same annual patterns—bright and breezy springs, very hot and humid summers, crisp and cool autumns and cold and clear winters.

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Visa & Immigration

Many countries share an ease of access agreement with Japan allowing for relatively simple entry and exit into the country. Make sure you are aware of all necessary visa and immigration procedures.

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Cheap Tickets & IC Cards

Make the most of your time in Tokyo by learning how to move around cost-effectively and efficiently, using cheap tickets and IC cards.

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Luggage & Storage

Take advantage of luggage delivery services and station storage enabling you to travel hands free and stress free.

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Tokyo at a Discount: Your Guide to Free and Cheap Tokyo Fun

From free activities and events to cheap Tokyo accommodation and modes of transportation, we’ve got lots of advice on how to enjoy Japan’s capital without breaking the bank.

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Useful apps

Download a selection of apps to help you navigate Tokyo smoothly

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The best time to visit Tokyo

For those planning their first trip to Tokyo, one of the most important decisions to make can be one of the most simple: when is the best time to come? The answer depends on you!

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Shopping & Restaurants

Tax-Free Shopping

Take advantage of the special measures put in place for tourists from overseas and buy certain products minus the consumption tax. Certain procedures at department stores, home appliance stores, discount stores are necessary.

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Duty-Free Shopping

Visit these shops in Tokyo stocking a host of duty-free products that visitors to Japan's capital can take advantage of.

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Shopping Guide

Tokyo’s distinctive shopping districts offer you everything from high-class department stores to bargain basement electronics. Search the shelves and browse the racks to find that perfect memento for your Tokyo trip.

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Tipping

There is no tipping culture in Tokyo, so the final bill you receive at cafes, bars and restaurants is the final price that you need to pay. In some restaurants, a fixed percentage service charge is added to the bill.

Credit card

Most major credit cards such as American Express, Visa, Mastercard, Diners Club, and JCB are accepted at major stores and facilities. When checking in to a hotel, they serve as identification in lieu of a cash deposit. Note, however, that some facilities do not accept credit cards at all, and others may accept only certain types, so carry some cash at all times.

 

 

Health & Safety

Please check here before visiting Tokyo

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Safe Drinking Water

Tokyo’s tap water is completely safe to drink and conforms to strict quality regulations. Bottled water is also available at convenience stores and out of the seemingly endless number of vending machines.

Useful Number

If you find yourself in need of assistance, dial the following numbers—Police 110 / Police calls in English 03-3501-0110 Fire emergency/ Ambulance 119 Tokyo Metropolitan Medical Institution Information 03-5285-8181 (9:00-20:00) The Japan Helpline (24 hour all round emergency assistance) 0570-000-911

Accessibility

An increasing number of stations are becoming wheelchair accessible and hotels, restaurants, and tourist attractions continue to develop their accessibility for those with disabilities and those traveling with children.

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Emergencies

Tokyo is located in a highly geologically active zone, so you should prepare for earthquakes and related natural disasters in the unlikely event that they occur. Make sure to have all relevant emergency contact numbers—including your embassy in Tokyo—to hand.

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Embassy

Have the contact details of your embassy in Tokyo to hand—it is an important point of contact in emergency situations.

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Illness & Injury

If you feel ill or get in an accident during your stay, make sure you know what to do.

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Customs & Culture

TOKYO OUTLINE

Tokyo has enjoyed a long history of prosperity as Japan’s capital since 1603, when Tokugawa Ieyasu established his shogunate and named the city Edo.

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Language

Standard Japanese is spoken throughout Tokyo and the country as a whole. English is generally understood, especially in the major tourist areas, but don’t expect full fluency everywhere. Even though a language barrier may exist, a combination of clear English and gestures should get you through most situations.

Customs & Manners

As with any country you travel to, understanding and respecting the local culture will ultimately lead to a more fulfilling trip. Learn how to blend in and act like the locals do.

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Local Laws

To avoid any vacation-spoiling incidents and frustrating misunderstandings, follow the local laws to the letter.

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Japanese Public Holidays in 2023

Japan currently has 16 public holidays each year. As you plan your travel itinerary, it is useful to know when these days fall and what exactly they celebrate.

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Enjoy Diverse Culinary Culture in Tokyo

Vegetarian, Vegan, Muslim Cuisine, etc.

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Tourist Information Centers

Tourist Information Centers

The Tokyo Metropolitan Government operates the Tokyo Tourist Information Center at five locations in the metropolitan area to provide tourist information to visitors to Tokyo from other areas of Japan as well as overseas. Please feel free to stop by for your travel inquiries.

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Japanese Prefectural Tourism Promotion Corner

Be more informed about events and tourism in Japan's prefectures nationwide.

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Tokyo Tourist Information Center - Online Tourist Guide

This service allows you to receive tourist information in a variety of languages from wherever you like such as at home or your destination, and it is provided free-of-charge to all travelers visiting Tokyo from other parts of Japan or abroad.

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Tokyo Volunteer Guides

Not sure where to start? Talk to one of the Tokyo community tourist information service volunteers. These experienced guides provide directions, local information, and tours of some of Tokyo’s most popular areas.

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