Destination

Language
Japanese is the official language. English is understood at most hotels, major shopping retailers, banks, well established restaurants and at most tourist attractions. However, the majority of the general population do not speak English.

Public Holidays
1 January	New Year’s Day
11 January	Coming of Age Day
11 February	National Foundation Day
21 March	Vernal Equinox Day
29 April	Showa Day
3 May	Constitution Day
4 May	Greenery Day
5 May	Children’s Day
19 July	Marine Day
20 September	Respect for the Aged Day
23 September	Autumnal Equinox Day
11 October	Sports Day
3 November	Culture Day
23 November	Labour Thanksgiving Day
23 December	Emperor’s Birthday

Currency
The Japanese Yen (JPY) is the official currency unit.

The yen comes in denominations of ¥ 1, ¥ 5, ¥ 10, ¥ 50, ¥ 500 in coins, and, ¥ 1,000, ¥ 2,000, ¥ 5,000 and ¥ 10,000 notes.

Taxes
The value-added or sales tax on retail goods is 5%. The value-added tax is only refundable when the retailer participates in the refund programme and your passport details are required by participating retailers to issue the required refund invoices, which can be processed at refund counters in major shopping malls.
The Government tax on hotel accommodation charges is 5% with an additional JPY 200 per person per night occupancy tax.

Customs
Non-residents are allow to bring 400 cigarettes or 100 cigars or 250 g of tobacco; three bottles of spirits at 750 ml, 57 g (20 oz) of perfume; gifts or souvenirs up to a value of JPY200,000. There is no limit on Japanese or other currencies brought into Japan.

Business Hours
Retail shopping hours are generally from 10:00 am to 8:00 pm or 9:00 pm for Monday to Sunday, while luxury brand retailers may have earlier closing hours varying from 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm.

General banking hours are from 9:00 am to 3:00 pm from Monday to Friday.

Electricity
Japan’s electricity voltage is 100V AC; plugs are two flat-sided prongs.

Telephone - Country and Area Codes
The international telephone country code for Japan is 81 and the area code for Tokyo is 03. When calling Tokyo from overseas, dial 81-3.

Mobile / Cellular Phones and SIM Cards
Tokyo is extremely well covered in terms of mobile or cellular phone coverage. All city areas and major tourist attractions have mobile or cellular phone coverage.

There are three major mobile phone networks in Japan – DoCoMo  , Softbank , and Au. The technology used by all three is not compatible with each other nor with phones from overseas.

There are numerous mobile network operators in Japan. Stored-value SIM cards are available at most convenience stores or at mobile network operators’ retails shops.

Public Phones
Public phones can be found in all stations of Tokyo, department stores, and on the street. Green phones accept phone cards and ¥ 10 and ¥ 100 coins; but do not always allow international calls. Grey phones are the same and usually allow international calls. 

Internet Access
Tokyo is one of the most “wired” cities in the world. Most hotels offer Internet access for guests either in guest rooms or in business centres at a charge. Many franchised coffee chain stores provide free Internet access on provided terminals.

Hotspots or wireless Internet access is also common and available in most city business or shopping areas. Once again, wireless Internet access is available at most franchised coffee chain stores.

Shopping and Paying
The Japanese Yen is the predominant currency, for cash payments. While credit cards are widely accepted. Major foreign currencies or travellers cheques may be cashed at banks, currency exchange bureau or at major department stores throughout the city.

Tipping
Tipping is not customary in Tokyo.

Emergency Numbers
The emergency number for Police is 110 and 119 for the Fire Services and Ambulance. These numbers can be dialled free on any land line or mobile phone.