Tips
Visa
Not required for U.S.
citizens for stay up to 90 days.
Currency
The Japanese
Yen (¥). Notes - ¥500, 1000, 2000, 5000, 10000. Coins - ¥1, 5, 10, 50, 100, 500.
The yen exchange rate varies daily. The rate for each day is posted at the hotel
cashier or money exchange. It is generally safe to carry cash in Japan. Small
amounts of cash are needed for most forms of transportation, for dining spots
that do not accept credit cards or traveler's checks and for other small
purchases.
Credit Cards
Hotels
accept credit cards as a form of payment. Some shops and restaurants also accept
credit cards. Most small restaurants and souvenir shops do not accept credit
cards.
Banking
Banks are
open 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. weekdays. Closed Saturdays, Sundays and National Holidays.
Electricity
100
volts, 50 cycles, A.C. 15/30 amps. This means that your electrical appliances
from the U.S. such as hair dryers will work, but they will run a little slow.
Tipping
Tipping is
not customary except for special services. Restaurants and hotels add a 10%-20%
service charge to their bills, and their staff including porters and hair
dressers, require no tipping. Taxi drivers are tipped only for special services,
such as helping with luggage.
Taxi
Taxis are
plentiful in big cities such as Tokyo, Osaka and Kyoto. Taxi fares in Tokyo are
very expensive; less costly in other cities. In big cities, most taxis have
automatic doors. Please stand clear of taxi doors.
Water
Tap water is
safe to drink.
Medical
It is strongly advised that you have adequate medical and travel insurance, to protect you against the unexpected. English speaking medical care is obtainable in the larger cities; however, payment in full must be made in cash, at time of service. Please be aware that many over-the-counter drugs require a prescription and are slightly different in formula. You may want to bring a supply with you. If you take prescription drugs, please bring them in their original bottle (or packaging). Please note that many prescription drugs easily obtainable in the US are not available (with or without a doctor’ prescription) in Japan. You may want to ask your doctor for an extra supply.
If you would like to purchase insurance or have any insurance or medical question, feel free to contact us.
Climate
Japan has
four distinct seasons: winter, spring, summer and autumn. The country's four
main islands stretch through 25 degrees of longitude and as a result the climate
varies from sub-tropical in the south to sub-arctic in the north. Tokyo is hot
in the summer (average 80°F) with cool winters (average 41°F). The period of the
highest precipitation in most areas is during the rainy season, from mid-June to
mid-July.
Clothing
Jackets and
sweaters for spring and autumn. Light clothing, short sleeves for summer.
Topcoats, wool suits and extra-warm jackets and sweaters for winter. Clean socks
are needed, since shoes are customarily removed at certain Japanese restaurants,
temples & shrines and private homes.
Note
Carry
handkerchiefs or small packs of paper tissues; many restaurants do not provide
napkins, only the 'oshibori' hand towel. Public restrooms do not always provide
toilet paper or paper towels.
Lost & Found
If you left your bag or package in a train station or other public area, go to the station master's office or the nearest police box and ask for English-language assistance. If left in a taxi, go to your hotel's reception desk. Taxi drivers often bring the belonging back to your hotel.
Copyright @ Japan Event Services
Japan Event Services
12425 105th Place NE, Kirkland WA 98034