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Welcome to Tokyo!

Tokyo, one of the world's largest cities, offers a uniquely eclectic mix of traditional and contemporary attractions. Please enjoy Tokyo and beyond during your stay for a conference, meeting or business.

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

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