Tokyo General Information
Facts
Climate and clothing

Average Monthly Temperature and Precipitation
Spring (March-May)
There may be days in March when you need a heavy jacket, but the cold eases considerably in April and by May it can be warm enough for short sleeves during the day. Peak cherry blossom season runs from late March through early April.
Summer (June-August)
The rainy season lasts from late June through around mid-July, with frequent rain and high humidity. After the rains, July and August usher in a steady stream of midsummer heat with temperatures over 30°C, including especially hot and humid days when the temperature rises above 35°C.
Autumn (September-November)
The temperature can rise over 30°C even in September, but both temperature and humidity begin to fall gradually. The peak season for viewing fall foliage starts in mid November. It is recommended to bring a heavy jacket when you come to Tokyo in November.
Winter (December-February)
Constant low temperatures make a jacket and coat indispensable, and it occasionally snows even in the city center.
Japan Meteorological Agency
http://www.jma.go.jp/en/yoho/319.html
Money, tipping
Currency
Japan uses yen (Japanese: 円, symbol: ¥, code: JPY). Coins come in 1, 5, 10, 50, 100, and 500-yen denominations while bills come in 1,000; 2,000; 5,000; and 10,000-yen denominations. As of September 2024, the exchange rate is approx. 140-145 yen to the US dollar and approx. 155-160 yen to the Euro.
Credit cards
International credit cards such as American Express, Visa, Diners Club, and MasterCard can be used at most banks, hotels, inns, and stores. Although not accepted at as many locations as these cards, China UnionPay can also be used. However, some stores do not accept any credit cards, so it is a good idea to have some cash on hand.
Cash advances (ATM)
Roughly 32,000 Japan Post Bank ATMs located throughout Japan, as well as over 26,000 Seven Bank ATMs installed in 7-Eleven convenience stores, offer cash advances for credit cards issued overseas. Most 7-Eleven convenience stores are open 24/7. Logos displayed on or near the ATMs indicate which credit cards can be used.
Tipping
It is not necessary to tip for service in Japan at places such as restaurants, bars, taxis, airports and hotels. However, hotels and some restaurants indicate an additional service charge on their bills or menus, respectively.
Cashless payment
In accordance with government policy, cashless transactions are promoted in large stores, restaurants, and shopping malls and can be used in many independent stores.
Free Wi-Fi
From cafés to train stations to airports, an increasing number of locations in Tokyo offer high-speed Internet connection via free Wi-Fi. Wi-Fi logos are displayed where services are available.
TOKYO FREE Wi-Fi
Free Wi-Fi Guide
http://www.wifi-tokyo.jp/

Electricity
Voltage in Japan is 100 V, while frequency varies by location: 50 Hz in eastern Japan including Tokyo and 60Hz in western Japan. A 2-flat-pin type socket is used.

Smoking
In Tokyo, smoking is prohibited indoors at restaurants, drinking establishments, accommodations and other facilities used by many people, and only permitted in dedicated smoking rooms inside buildings (effective from April 2020). Smoking is also prohibited outdoors – on the streets and in parks in some areas of Tokyo. Please smoke in designated areas only.
Language
Japanese is the official language of Japan and English is widely spoken in Tokyo. Information desks at various facilities are often staffed with people who can speak English.
Visa
Japan has a visa waiver agreement with 71 countries and regions, under which delegates can enter the country for a short-term stay simply with their valid passport.(as of April 8, 2024)
For more information, please visit the website of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan:
https://www.mofa.go.jp/j_info/visit/visa/short/novisa.html
Countries and Regions Exempt from Visas
Asia | Europe |
---|---|
Brunei | Andorra |
Indonesia | Austria |
Malaysia | Belgium |
Republic of Korea | Bulgaria |
Singapore | Croatia |
Thailand | Cyprus |
Hong Kong | Czech Republic |
Macao | Denmark |
Taiwan | Estonia |
North America | Finland |
Canada | North Macedonia |
United States | France |
Latin America and the Caribbean | Germany |
Argentina | Greece |
Bahamas | Hungary |
Barbados | Iceland |
Brazil | Ireland |
Chile | Italy |
Costa Rica | Latvia |
Dominican Republic | Liechtenstein |
El Salvador | Lithuania |
Guatemala | Luxembourg |
Honduras | Malta |
Mexico | Monaco |
Panama | Netherlands |
Surinam | Norway |
Uruguay | Poland |
Oceania | Portugal |
Australia | Romania |
New Zealand | San Marino |
Middle East | Serbia |
Israel | Slovakia |
Qatar | Slovenia |
Turkey | Spain |
United Arab Emirates | Sweden |
Africa | Switzerland |
Lesotho | United Kingdom |
Mauritius | |
Tunisia |