Banks: Open Monday–Friday 09:00-15:00 Closed weekends & holidays
Post Offices: Open Monday–Friday 09:00-17:00 Closed weekends & holidays. Some main post offices are open seven days a week. 
Department Stores and shops: Open every day 10:00-20:00. Most department stores are closed for two to three weekdays per month.
Museums: Open every day 10:00-17:00. Most museums are closed on Mondays.
Business Offices: Open Monday-Friday 09:00-17:00 Closed on weekends & holidays.

While theft and violent crime are remarkably low in Tokyo, sexual harassment of single foreign females on public transport is not uncommon, especially during the crowded rush hours. Always be alert, and preferably put your bag or something in front or behind your legs. Scream if you feel someone touching you inappropriately as this will cause great embarrassment to the harasser and make him stop. Some trains provide female-only cars for this very reason.

Japanese currency is called Yen (¥). Banknotes come in denominations of ¥1000, ¥2000, ¥5000 and ¥10,000 (¥2000 notes are very rarely seen).

Coins come in denominations of ¥1, ¥5, ¥10, ¥50, ¥100 and ¥500. The ¥1.00 coin is an aluminium lightweight coin, the ¥5.00 and ¥50.00 coins have a punched hole in the middle (the former is coloured bronze and the latter silver). Note that some vending machines do not accept older ¥500 coins.

Currency Exchange / ATMs
Cash or travellers cheques can be exchanged for yen at an 'Authorised Foreign Exchange Bank' or at major post offices and some of the large hotels and stores but few other places. US dollars are preferred. Taiwanese or Korean currency is normally not accepted.

The majority of ATMs do not accept foreign-issued credit cards, although post offices ATMs are an exception. Look out for the Cirrus or Plus logos or check with your card company before departure.

Cash is still king in Japan, although the use of credit cards is pretty widespread in major cities for purchases in department stores and hotels. The Japanese are used to a very low crime rate and often carry wads of cash for the sacred ritual of cash payment. Foreign travellers can safely copy the cash habit, but should still take the usual precautions.

Duty Free Customs allowances include the usual tobacco products plus three 760ml bottles of alcoholic beverages, 57grams of perfume, gifts and souvenirs with a maximum value of ¥200,000 or its equivalent. You must be over the age of 20 to qualify for these allowances.

There are no limits on the importation of foreign or Japanese currency. The export of foreign currency is also unlimited but there is a ¥5,000,000.00 export limit for Japanese currency.

The Japanese greet each other by bowing. Bowing techniques range from a small nod of the head to a long 90 degree bow. If the greeting takes place on a tatami mat floor, people get on their knees in order to bow. It is also common to bow to express thanks or an apology or when making a request or asking somebody for a favour. Since most Japanese do not expect foreigners to know proper bowing rules, a nod of the head is usually sufficient.

Shaking hands is uncommon among the Japanese, but foreigners are sometimes greeted with a hand shake.

When entering temples, you may be required to take off your shoes. Leave your shoes on the shelves at the entrance or take them with you in plastic bags provided at some temples. Wear nice socks. Behave calmly and respectfully. You can also show your respect by throwing a coin into the offering box, followed by a short prayer.

Photography is usually permitted on the temple grounds. It is forbidden indoors at some temples. Watch for signs.

In Japan there are certain things one does not do because they are thought to cause bad luck. A few examples of Japanese superstitions are:

The number 4. Four is considered inauspicious because it is pronounced the same as the word for death (shi). Therefore, one should not make presents that consist of four pieces, etc. Gifts are given and received with both hands.

Sticking chopsticks into the rice is done only at funerals when the rice is offered to the deceased at the alter. Giving food from chopstick to chopstick is also only done at funerals to transfer the bones of the cremated body.

When you enter a restaurant in Japan, you will be greeted with the expression, "Irasshaimase" (please come in), as well as in any Japanese store. Servers are generally trained to be extremely efficient, polite and attentive, and will usually immediately lead you to your table. If they don't, you can assume that it is okay to sit where you like.

While a majority of restaurants in Japan are equipped with Western style tables and chairs, traditional low-lying tables and cushions, are also common. Some restaurants feature both styles side by side. If you go to a traditional Japanese restaurant, you are usually required to take off your shoes before stepping onto the seating area or even at the restaurant's entrance.

In certain venues, such as Izakaya or Chinese restaurants, it is common for all people at one table to order and share various dishes. On the other hand, at restaurants that serve set menus, bowl dishes (e.g. domburi or noodle soups) or Western style dishes, each person usually orders individually and eats one separate dish.

In most restaurants, you are supposed to bring your bill to the cashier near the exit when leaving in order to pay. Some restaurants, especially cheaper ones, have different systems for ordering and paying. At some stores, you may be required to pay right after ordering, while in others, you are supposed to buy meal tickets at a vending machine near the store's entrance and to hand them over to the staff in order to receive a meal.

In restaurants in Japan, it is not common to tip. When leaving, it is polite to say "Gochisosama deshita" ("thank you for the meal").

There is little tipping or bargaining in Japan. If you want to show your gratitude to someone, give them a gift rather than a tip.

Many meals are served sitting on the floor. The formal way of sitting for both genders is kneeling (seiza). People who are not used to sitting in seiza style, may feel uncomfortable after a few minutes, and their legs may get numb. However, foreigners are not usually expected to be able to sit in seiza style for a long time, and an increasing number of Japanese people themselves aren't able to do so due to a more westernized lifestyle.

In casual situations, men usually sit cross-legged, while women sit on their knees laying both legs to one side. The former sitting style is considered exclusively male, while the latter is considered exclusively female.

Do your best to empty your dishes to the last grain of rice.
Do not point with your chopsticks to something or somebody.
Do not blow your nose in public, and especially at the table.
Do not burp.

American, Canadian, and New Zealand tourists can stay in Japan for up to 90 days without requiring a visa. A valid passport is required, with a minimum validity of 6 months.

United Kingdom citizens may stay for 180 days without a visa. Visitors who require visas to stay longer must contact the nearest Japanese immigration bureau. It's a good idea to contact your local Japan consulate or embassy before leaving for Japan to clarify visa requirements. All tourists are required to carry their passport at all times and show them upon checking into hotels. For more information on visas, visit the Japanese Ministry of Foreign Affairs at http://www.mofa.go.jp/j_info/visit/visa/index.html

Those driving in Japan need to possess an international driver's license. These must be obtained before arriving in Japan (contact your local automobile club for information if you're a member).


Tokyo Tourist Information Centre (TIC)
Tenth Floor, Tokyo Kotsu Kaikan Building, 2–10–1 Yurakucho, Chiyoda-ku
Tel: (03) 3201 3331 or 3201 2911 (24-hour recorded information). Fax: (03) 3201 3347.