Guide Book

DISCOVER the SPIRIT of JAPAN (PDF)

Weather

The temperature in Yokohama during May ranges from 15 to 22 degrees centigrade, and 59 to 72 degrees in Fahrenheit.

Currency

Currency in Japan is the "yen." You can obtain yen at currency exchange desks at major airports around the world, Kansai International Airport and currency exchange shops in Kyoto. Exchange at the airport is recommended for your convenience. Most foreign currencies and travelers' checks can be exchanged at banks and hotels where you stay. However, we highly recommend purchasing travelers' checks or cash in Yen or U.S. dollars before leaving your home countries. A passport may be required for currency exchange services.

Credit Card

Most hotels, major department stores and restaurants accept VISA, Master, JCB, Amex and Diners. However, small shops like station kiosks, convenience stores, vending machines and train tickets for short distances do not accept credit cards. It is advisable to bring a certain amount of cash.

Traveler's Check

Traveler's checks are acceptable at most hotels and banks.

ATM

Many automatic teller machines (ATMs) in Japan do not accept credit, debit and ATM cards, which are issued outside of Japan. The big exception is the ATMs found at the post offices and 7-Eleven convenience stores. These ATMs allow you to withdraw cash by credit and debit cards issued outside of Japan, including Visa, Plus, Mastercard, Maestro, Cirrus, American Express and JCB cards and provide an English user menu. In addition, international ATMs can be found at international airports, in major department stores and in Citibank and Shinsei Bank branches.

Business Hours

Banks	9:00-15:00 Closed on Saturday and Sunday
Money Exchange	6:00-22:00 at Airport, 10:00-19:00 Open 365days
Supermarket	Mostly 9:00-20:00, Depending on stores
Convenience Stores	Mostly open 24 hours
Post Offices	9:00-17:00, Closed on Saturday and Sunday
Department Stores	10:00-19:30 Open 7 days
Restaurants	Some open 24 hours, Some open 9:00-23:00
Bars	18:00-Midnight

Electricity

Voltage in Japan is 100V A.C., 2-flat-pin plug Type-A. It is difficult to find 3-pin compatible sockets, 120V, 200V, and 220V. An adapter is advised for the use of electrical equipment.

Water

Tap water is safe to drink anywhere in Japan unless mentioned otherwise. Also you can buy mineral water at convenience stores, super markets, and kiosks, etc.

Smoking

Smoking is prohibited inside most buildings and stations, except in designated smoking areas.

Visa

Please refer to the website of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan. http://www.mofa.go.jp/j_info/visit/visa/

Tax

Consumption tax currently rate 8%, and prices shown on the price tag include tax.

Tipping

Tipping is not common in Japan, and is not generally done in any situation.

Cellular Phone

NTT DoCoMo, Softbank, au KDDI and E-mobile are major cellular phone carriers in Japan. Please contact your own cellular phone carrier to establish whether you can use your cell phone in Japan.

Secretariat

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