Wi-Fi PASSPORT(Soft Bank)

This is another free public Wi-Fi which you can use, it is provided by a main phone and internet service provider, SoftBank. There is no need to download an application; you only have to call the number to obtain the log-in password.

For the Wi-Fi hotspots, please see here.

There are a few things you need to be aware of before choosing this Wi-Fi service:

• ＊ You must have a Global Roaming contract in order to use this service.
• ＊ The service may not be available depending on your network provider in your home country.
• ＊ Your mobile device will have to be able to support W-CDMA.
• ＊ Depending on your phone contracts, it may not be available to use; for example, pre-paid contracts.

For details of this Wi-Fi service, please refer to here.

Voltage, Water

The voltage in Japan is 100v. Plug type is type A (looking like the picture). You will need an adapter if your country uses a different type of plug. For voltage, most electronics such as mobile phone / smartphone, computer, tablet, camera; all the common electronics’ charger are useable for all type of voltages, just double check before you travel, it will be written on the charger.

source: Kelly Marken / Shutterstock.com

Japan’s tap water is safe to drink, and the water is low of calcium content. If you are okay with it, you won’t have to spend money to buy water while you travel in Japan.

Exchange Rate

The exchange rates of 2017/03/09 (This rate is NOT real time) are as following:

Currency (Unit = 1)
EX) 1 USD = 114 JPY

If you want to know real time rating please check here.  Japan has an image of being expensive. But if you are not too picky with hotels or restaurants, you will be able to travel with a lower price.

Bank

The three major banks in Japan are Mitsubishi UFJ (MUFJ), Mizuho, and Sumitomo Mitsui. The banks operate from 9:00 to 15:00, Monday to Friday. Some banks will have exchange machines as well which would be operating from 9:00 to 17:00 from Monday to Friday.

Post Office

Most post offices would be able to do money exchange as well. It is open from Monday to Friday and operates between 9:00 to 16:00.

Travelex

Travelex stores have several locations throughout Japan, including the airports; it usually gives a better rate than the banks. Every location has a different operating hour; please check the website for the details. (Please click the address and check the working hours on Google map.)

Exchange machine

There are various exchange machines located at hotels, airports, department stores, and much more. It may be the most convenient way for you to exchange money.

For people who are planning to stay in Japan for a longer period of time

For people who are planning to stay in Japan for the long term or students coming for a few months, the most inexpensive way to transfer money would be using TransferWise. The commission for transferring money is much cheaper comparing to the banks. The more amount you transfer the more money you will be saving, that is why it is a good option for people who are going to be staying in Japan for a longer period of time; especially when you are going to open a Japanese bank account.

Credit Card, ATM

Japan, comparing to other western countries, has ess places that accept credit cards. It is quite a rare case for such a developed country, but it is how it works. Make sure to bring enough cash with you or bring a card that can withdraw money from a foreign ATM.

There are many ATMs located in Japan; such as at post offices, at the stations, and at the department stores. There are also ATMs in most of the convenience stores where you can withdraw money. We would recommend you using the ATMs at the convenience stores because their ATMs usually accept the most types of cards. For withdrawing with a foreign credit card we will recommend 7-Eleven or Lawson.

Business Hour

Bank

It varies between the branches, but the business hours for the banks would usually be Monday to Friday, from 9:00 to 15:00. For money exchanges, the windows are usually open only until 15:00. The ATMs at the banks would be open for a longer period of time.
For ATMs, the ones located at the convenience stores are available 24 hours.

Food and Beverage

There are a lot of restaurants in Tokyo that are open 24 hours so you do not have to worry about not having places to eat late at night or early in the morning.

Shopping

The shops and department stores are usually open from 10:00 to 21:00. It all varies between the stores so it is best to double check before you visit a place. The ones that would open later will be till 23:00, which are usually drug stores. On the other hand, convenience stores are open 24 hours and it has a wide variety of products for you to choose from. For food and toiletries, you can always find them at the convenience stores.

Leisure

Most leisure facilities are open from 8:00 to 23:00, but karaoke and bowling facilities in Tokyo are open until early morning. But it is always best to double check the websites before visiting, there may be a sudden day off at the places you are planning to visit.

Holiday

There are three main vacations in Japan which includes Golden week in May, Silver week in September, and the end and begging of year breaks. Depending on the business, some of them may have a smaller vacation in August for the summer. The main vacations, depending on how the dates lay out, may range from 5 to 10 days. During that time a lot of the business may not open or there may be more tourists everywhere because a lot of Japanese people are on holidays as well. When you are planning the trip, it is best to double check online so you can avoid the crowds and shops’ closure. During the vacations, including the end of year and beginning of year holidays, the public transportations and the convenience stores will operate as usual, but it would not be the best time to visit Japan because most places including restaurants would be closed as well.

Is Japan Safe?

Overall, Japan is quite a safe place for visiting and living, but you never know what may happen, so here are some emergency numbers that would be good to know when traveling in Japan.

110 = Police
119 = Fire department + ambulance
118 = Japan coast guard (for accidents on the sea)

Calling any of the numbers is free and calling for ambulances are free as well.

If your things got stolen or you got picked pocketed, go to the closest police station and report it to them. There are a lot of police stations located in Japan and often times they will be located close to the train / subway station.

When Entering Japan

For most countries, there is no need to get a visa prior to entering Japan. But for some countries including China, Russia, and Philippines; don’t forget to apply for the tourist visa before coming to Japan.
For more details, please see here.

When entering Japan, there are two forms you will have to fill out to give to the customs. One is the landing card; the other is the customs declaration. The forms are straight forward and simple to fill out. Ask your flight attendants for help instead of waiting till the airport otherwise you will be at the end of the long line for customs.

Updated: 2017/03/09