Tokyo is the capital of Japan, and with more than 12 million residents is one of the most populous cities in the world. As well as being the political and economical centre of Japan, this incredibly modern and dynamic metropolis is also a major international centre for technology, fashion, culture and economics.
Plug TypeLanguageJapanesePopulation12.75 millionTime ZoneGMT + 9 hoursMeasuresMetric SystemVoltage100 voltsMobile PhonesWCDMA/GSM 800Visitors from most countries are issued 90-day entry permits on arrival upon presentation of a valid passport and a ticket for a return or onward journey. Entry permits cannot be extended while you are in Japan. It is advisable to check with a Japan embassy or consulate in your country before departure.
Ministry of Foreign Affairs of JapanThe unit of currency is the Japanese Yen (JPY). Credit cards are accepted in major hotels as well as at most shops and restaurants.Here are the most recent exchange rates for some common currencies.JPY 1.00 equals:
.01
US Dollar (USD)
.01
Canadian Dollar (CAD)
.01
Australian Dollar (AUD)
.01
Euro (EUR)
.01
Swiss Franc (CHF)
.01
British Pound (GBP)
.10
Hong Kong Dollar (HKD)
.02
Singapore Dollar (SGD)
.40
Thai Baht (THB)
.64
Indian Rupee (INR)
.08
Chinese Yuan Renminbi (RMB)
14.42
South Korean Won (KRW)
A value-added tax (VAT) of five percent is added to all purchase amounts. The VAT is refundable for tourists, but only through participating outlets.A service charge of ten percent is usually added automatically to all hotel and restaurant bills in Japan. Tipping is not encouraged.
Bank HoursMost banking hours are 9am to 3pm, Monday through Friday.Office HoursMost office hours are 9am to 5pm, Monday through Friday.Shop HoursGeneral shopping hours are from 8am to 9pm or later throughout the week. Department stores are open from 10am to 8pm every day.Tap water in Japan is safe for consumption. Complimentary drinking water is provided daily by Shangri-La Hotel, Tokyo for the convenience of our guests.Japan has hot summers and cold winters, so plan your wardrobe accordingly. A smart suit is essential for business meetings, and it is not advisable to go to a first-class hotel, a theatre or a restaurant wearing casual clothing.
During the summer Tokyo is hot, humid, and is often hit by typhoons, while long dry spells of cold but fine weather can be expected during the winter. The rainy season lasts from late June until mid-July. During this season, it rains almost every day, and the humidity is high.