Capital of Japan, and with more than 12 million residents, Tokyo is one of the most populous cities in the world. As well as being the political and economical hub of Japan, this incredibly modern and dynamic metropolis is also a major international centre for technology, fashion, culture and economics.
Visas
Visitors 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.
View visa details from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan
Currency
The 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:
|
Exchange Rates
|
Currency
|
|
0.01
|
Australian Dollar
(AUD)
|
|
0.01
|
Canadian Dollar
(CAD)
|
|
0.01
|
Swiss Franc
(CHF)
|
|
0.01
|
Euro
(EUR)
|
|
0.01
|
British Pound
(GBP)
|
|
0.08
|
Hong Kong Dollar
(HKD)
|
|
0.55
|
Indian Rupee
(INR)
|
|
11.11
|
South Korean Won
(KRW)
|
|
0.06
|
Chinese Yuan Renminbi
(RMB)
|
|
0.01
|
Singapore Dollar
(SGD)
|
|
0.30
|
Thai Baht
(THB)
|
|
0.01
|
US Dollar
(USD)
|
Taxes
A value-added tax (VAT) of 5% is added to all purchase amounts. The VAT is refundable for tourists only at participating outlets.
Tipping
A service charge of 10% is usually added automatically to all hotel restaurant bills in Japan.
Tipping is not encouraged.
Business Hours
Bank Hours
9am - 3pm, Monday through Friday
Office Hours
9am - 5pm, Monday through Friday
Shopping Hours
8am - 9pm or later, Monday through Sunday (General stores)
10am - 8pm, Monday through Sunday (Department stores)
Public Health
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.
Dress
Japan has hot summers and cold winters, so plan your wardrobe accordingly.
A smart suit is essential for business meetings. It is not advisable to go to a first-class hotel, a theatre or a restaurant wearing casual clothing.
Weather
During the summer Tokyo is hot, humid, and is often hit by typhoons.
During winter, expect long dry spells of cold but fine weather.
The rainy season lasts from late June until mid-July. During this period, it rains almost every day, and humidity levels are high.
Today
Showers
Cloudy with a couple of showers
|
High:
|
23°C /
73°F
|
|
Low:
|
15°C /
59°F
|
Tomorrow
Mostly Cloudy
Some brightening; breezy in the p.m.
|
High:
|
24°C /
75°F
|
|
Low:
|
17°C /
62°F
|
|
Tuesday:
|
|
Mostly Cloudy
|
High:
23°C /
73°F
|
Low:
17°C /
62°F
|
|
Wednesday:
|
|
Rain
|
High:
22°C /
71°F
|
Low:
21°C /
69°F
|