|
Tokyo Weather
|
Tokyo's climate is generally mild with some extremes. Summers are usually warm and winters with snow.
Tokyo summers are hot and humid. Winters are dry, cold and many times temperature drops below zero.
Usually, Spring and Autumn are the best seasons to visit Tokyo.
|
|
Clothes & Shoes tips for Tokyo
|
If visiting in winter, bring a good jacket as it can get cold.
Bring a good pair of walking shoes as you will be walking a lot and taking many stairs and escalators in Tokyo.
Clothes and shoes are Asian size (0-9) for women and (s-m) for men.
Finding clothing/ shoes may be difficult in Tokyo if your size is outside these parameters.
|
|
Attractions Closed day in Tokyo
|
Many Tokyo tourist attractions are closed on Monday, so plan accordingly.
|
|
Local transportation in Tokyo
|
Tourist attractions are connected well either by Tokyo Subway/ JR trains network and/or bus system.
The Tokyo Subway system and public buses are inexpensive, organized, efficient, and the fastest way for local commute in Tokyo.
Tokyo's Taxi cabs are affordable; make sure have destination address written in Japanese in case your driver doesn't speak English.
|
|
Tokyo Mass Transit
(Tokyo JR Train/Subway/Metro)
|
Tokyo Train, Subway & Metro Lines:
The Tokyo JR train, Metro & subway trains are frequent, travels to most attractions, organized and fairly inexpensive.
For your convenience get a PASMO (IC Card) or Suica Card in Tokyo.
PASMO cards are available at all Tokyo Metro or Subway station or private railway or bus depots at ticket vending machines.
Suica card can be purchased through ticket machines at any JR station in Tokyo.
PASMO (IC Card) or Suica Card saves the time of purchasing new tickets every time you go on the train/subway or bus.
PASMO (IC Card) or Suica Card can be reloaded as needed at a station kiosk.
PASMO (IC Card) or Suica Card can be used on all public transportation - including bus & trains, convenience stores, and/or vending machines in Tokyo.
A SUICA must be returned to a JR East station, and a PASMO must be returned to a subway or private rail station in Tokyo.
At return, You will receive a refund of your 500 Yen deposit, and remaining balance on the card less a 220 Yen handling fee.
|
|
Eating in Tokyo
|
Japanese love good food- simply prepared but always elegantly presented.
In Tokyo many local restaurants serve Yakitori, various Soba noodles, Taokoki, and very fresh Sashimi/ Sushi at reasonable prices.
Most local restaurants have English menus and usually located in alleys along the main streets.
Lines at restaurants can be long during peak hours so be patient- most are worth the wait.
Many local restaurants in Tokyo are tiny so try to eat earlier or later, especially if you have a large group/family.
Another affordable option for meals are Bento boxes in Tokyo.
Bento box are sold in trains stations and in the food section of large department stores in Tokyo.
In Tokyo some restaurants have ticketing machines for meals.
Simply select and pay for your meal choice, and go into the restaurant with your meal ticket/token.
After a few minutes your food will be served!
Tokyo,Japan has many bakery shops. Eat at a bakery in Tokyo.
Get a tray and sample any of the delicious, fresh, and affordable breads and sweets for a nice snack or breakfast!
|
|
Cash Payments required in Tokyo
|
Japan is still a cash society.
Many places including small shops and restaurants in Tokyo, Japan requires payment in Cash only.
Please keep cash (local currency) on hand all times in Japan.
|
|
Restaurant & Hotel Tipping in Tokyo
|
Tip is not expected and will be refused if you offer in most places in Japan.
In most local restaurants after finishing a meal go straight to the counter and place your money on the money tray next to the front entry door to pay your bill.
|
|
Safety in Tokyo
|
People are friendly and always ready to help strangers.
Although Tokyo is safe, it is a big city and you should consider these safety tips:
Be aware of your purse or backpack, especially when on crowded subways or buses.
Don't walk around by yourself late at night. Always know where you are going and how to get there before you leave.
|
|
Electronic Japanese Toilets
|
You will encounter toilets with electronic features all over Japan.
The multiple buttons can be confusing initally, however are easy to use.
They are basically automated bidets. Hotel have toilet paper in the bathroom as well.
|
|
Language in Tokyo
|
English, Korean, and Chinese are spoken by most hotel front-line staff, mall shops, big restaurant, and tourist places.
However, languages other than Japanese are not widely spoke.
Japanese is the most commonly spoken language in Tokyo.
Remember to carry your hotel card and/or a map in case you need to ask directions.
Many big hotels have maps of Japanese attractions in English, Korean, and Chinese to make visitors life easy.
Downloading a language translator on your smartphone can be helpful in communicating with others in Japanese.
|
|
Electricity (Power)
|
If visiting from outside, 100 Volts (as compare to U.S./Canada are 110-120 Volts) power supply.
|
|
Miscellaneous tips for Tokyo
|
Rule for Queues (Line): Don't try to cut a line (queue), especially for the subway/ train or Bus.
Japan is a very orderly and polite society and taking your turn is a big rule to keep.
Shopping malls and shops are everywhere in Tokyo.
Many items can be purchased abroad so buy things made locally that are unavailable in your country or very expensive outside of Tokyo. For example: Wood block prints
If you plan to travel to many cities in Japan for 7 days or more then buy a JR Pass in your country before coming to Japan.
You can not purchase these special JR passe in Japan.
JR rail passes are worth purchasing if you plan to travel to many cities in Japan.
If you plan on going only to one or two cities then just buy Roundtrip tickets for the Shinkansen (bullet) train.
Make sure to get reserved seats if possible for any train. Japanese trains are fast, roomy, clean, comfortable, and efficient.
Money/ credit cards are never directly given from hand to hand. This is considered impolite in Japan.
Put your cash or credit card on the money tray provided and pick up any change/ receipt from the tray.
|
