Table of Contents Introduction to Tokyo 3 

The Essentials 3 Currency 3 Electricity 5 Water 5 Weather 5 Phone 6 

Language and Useful Phrases 6 Useful phrases 6 

Transportation 9 Getting to/from the airport 9 Traveling in and around Tokyo 11 

Trains and subways 12 Passes and Tickets 12 Buses 13 Taxis 13 Rideshare services 14 Shinkansen 14 Japan Rail Pass 14 

Safety 14 Emergency resources 14 

Medications 15 Drugs in Japan 16 

Tips Ahead of Your Trip 16 City and Event Guides 16 

Sightseeing 18 Traditional 18 Modern 19 Cute and Unusual 21 Cool Neighborhoods 23 

45677891010

131316161717181818

1818

20202121

2222

23232425

TextText

27

Shopping 25 

Dining 26 Eating 26 Drinking 26 Cafes 26 

Nightlife 27 

Day Trips 28 Additional Sightseeing Resources 30 

ADDITIONAL RESOURCES 30 Additional hotel information 30 Everything you could want to know about Japan 31 Tokyo guides 31 Internet and mobile phone service 31 Health and Safety Resources 31 Dining 32 

28

29292929

30

3133

33333334343435

Introduction to Tokyo

Tokyo is home to more people than any other metropolitan area. Today, the larger metropolitan Tokyo area is home to more than 35 million people, with more than 13 million people residing in the city center itself. It is the largest metropolitan area in the world by population. As the city has continued its sprawl over more than 5,200 square miles, it has been subdivided into numerous smaller, often self-governing entities, including 23 “special wards” that form the core of the city, three dozen smaller cities, villages and towns, and a series of often far-flung islands, including Minami-Tori-shima (Marcus Island) and the Okinotorishima atoll, both more than 1,000 miles away from central Tokyo. And though it has earned well-deserved recognition as one of the most densely populated cities in the world, many might be surprised to learn that more than one-third of the larger metro area has actually been designated as natural parkland, under the protection of Japan’s government. 

4

The Essentials Currency 

The Japanese yen (JPY) is Japan’s currency. Although credit cards are accepted at hotels, some train stations, and larger restaurants, cash is the most widely accepted form of payment. 

Currency Exchange (as of 5/31/2019) 

5

In Japan, currency exchange is usually handled by banks, post offices, some larger hotels and a handful of licensed money changers found especially at international airports. 

You can exchange most major currencies at Japanese banks during regular business hours. You can also obtain Japanese yen from ATMs. However, not all ATMs accept foreign bank cards. 

Available ATMs 

SEVEN BANK (7-11): Accepts most foreign bank cards. There is a fee to withdraw yen using a foreign bank account. 

Prestia, Japan Post, and E.Net ATMs are not as ubiquitous as SEVEN BANK ATMs, however they also accept foreign bank cards.  

6

More information on ATMs in Japan 

Electricity 

The voltage in Japan is 100 Volt, which is different from North America (120V), Central Europe (230V) and most other regions of the world. Japanese electrical plugs and outlets resemble North American ones. Plugs come in various versions, but most commonly they are non-polarized and ungrounded with two pins. Grounded pins come either with three pins or with two pins and a ground wire.  

For 120V devices, electrical adapters and converters are not required unless you are using a three-pronged plug.  

(Source: japan-guide.com) 

Water 

Tap water in Japan is safe to drink. 

7

Weather

Tokyo in July is hot and humid with an average outdoor temperature 29C-35C (84F-95F) and humidity levels up to 80%. Although most locations have air-conditioning, indoor temperatures typically range from 24C-28C (75F-82F).  

Tokyo’s rainy season begins in early June and typically lasts until mid-July. Temperatures fluctuate, resulting in warm humid days and cooler, rainy nights. Usually light layers paired with a jacket or sweater for night time works well. 

Summer in Tokyo: What to pack 

8

Phone 

Japan country code: +81 

SIM card and internet options are explained in detail in the appendix. 

9

Language and Useful Phrases The Japanese language consists of three distinct alphabets. Hiragana is the phonetic alphabet used for Japanese words. Katakana is the alphabet used for foreign and loan words. Kanji are the adopted logographic Chinese characters that are used in the Japanese writing system. 

Useful phrases 

Kanji/Hiragana/Katakana  Romaji Meaning 

お早うございます ohayou gozaimasu

Good morning 

こんにちは konnichiwa  Hello/Good afternoon 

こんばんは konbanwa  Good evening 

さようなら sayounara  Good bye (Only used if you are leaving for a long time, such as overseas) 

また明日 mata ashita  See you tomorrow 

ではまた dewa mata  See you 

お休みなさい oyasumi nasai  Good night 

ありがとうございます arigatou gozaimasu 

Thank you very much 

どういたしまして dou itashimashite

You are welcome/Don't mention it 

10

すみません sumimasen  Excuse me (when asking for something) 

すみません sumimasen  I am sorry (for my fault) 

すみません sumimasen  Pardon me (for missing what you said) 

すみません sumimasen  Thank you (for taking the trouble to do... for me) 

ごめんなさい gomen nasai  I am sorry 

失礼ですが shitsurei desu ga  Excuse me, but... (when asking for something) 

どうぞ douzo Here you are. (Used when offering something to someone) 

どうも doumo  Well, thanks 

おめでとうございます omedetou gozaimasu 

Congratulations 

お元気ですか ogenki desu ka How are you? 

元気です genki desu  I’m good 

はい、おかげさまで hai, okagesamade  Yes, due to your kind thought, I am very good 

大丈夫ですか daijoubu desu ka  Are you OK? 

大丈夫です daijoubu desu I am OK 

11

はじめまして hajimemashite  How do you do? (Literally "I am meeting you for the first time". This Japanese phrase is usually used as the first phrase when introducing oneself) 

マイクと申します Mike tou moushimasu 

Sarah tou moushimasu 

My name is Mike. 

My name is Sarah. 

どうぞよろしくお願いします douzo yoroshiku onegaishimasu 

I am pleased to meet you. (Literally "Please make good relation with me" or "Please be kind to me". Usually used at the end of a self-introduction) 

こちらこそよろしくお願いしま

す

kochira koso yoroshiku onegaishimasu 

I am pleased to meet you too. (Literally "Please be kind to me too") 

お名前は o namae wa What is your name? (The "お" in front makes the question more polite) 

お会計ください o kaikay kudasai Please bring me the check 

いただきます itadakimasu You say this to express your gratitude before meals 

ごちそうさまでした gochisousama deshita 

You say this to express your gratitude after meals 

クレジットカードはよろしいですか？

Kurejitto kaado wa yoroshii desu ka? 

Is a credit card okay? 

Overview of Etiquette in Japan 

12

Transportation Getting to/from the airport 

Tokyo has two airports: Narita Airport handles the majority of international flights and only a small number of domestic flights. It is located 60 kilometers outside of central Tokyo. The more centrally located Haneda Airport handles a smaller number of international flights and the majority of domestic flights. 

From Narita airport 

Narita Airport (formerly also known as New Tokyo International Airport) is located in the city of Narita in Chiba Prefecture, about 60 kilometers outside of Tokyo. It consists of three terminal buildings: terminal 1, terminal 2 and terminal 3. Terminal 1 and 2 each have a railway station in their respective basements. Terminal 3 serves low-budget airlines and is connected with terminal 2 by a pedestrian walkway. Free shuttle buses operate between all three terminals. 

By train: 

Narita express: From Narita airport, the Narita Express has regular service to Tokyo station. From there, you can transfer to the Yamanote local train for Shimbashi station. It is a 15 minute walk to the Conrad from Shimbashi station. For the InterContinental Tokyo Bay hotel, take the Yamanote line to Hamamatsucho station. It is a 10 minute walk to the hotel. Alternatively, there is a free shuttle bus to the hotel, which departs from Hamamatsucho station bus terminal, gate 5.  

Keisei Skyliner  

1 transfer, 55 minutes, 2 connections per hour 

Take the Keisei Skyliner from Narita Airport to Nippori Station (about 40 minutes, 2470 yen) and transfer to the JR Yamanote Line to get to Shimbashi station or Hamamatsucho station. There are connections every 20-40 minutes. If purchased in advance online or via a travel agent outside of Japan, foreign tourists can ride the Skyliner for just 2200 yen. 

Keisei Limited Express  

1 transfer, 90 minutes, 3 connections per hour 

13

Take the Keisei Limited Express from Narita Airport to Nippori Station (about 75 minutes, 1030 yen) and transfer to the JR Yamanote Line to get to Shimbashi station or Hamamatsucho station. There are connections every 20 minutes. 

By bus: Airport Limousine buses operate from Narita airport terminals 1, 2 & 3 directly to the Conrad or the InterContinental Tokyo Bay hotel. Tickets cost 3,100 JPY and can be purchased at the ticket counter in the arrivals area of the airport. Buses depart approximately every 30 minutes. Please check the following timetable for up-to-date departure times: https://www.limousinebus.co.jp/en/areas/detail/nrt/shiba_rinkai/dep 

By taxi: Taxis to/from Narita airport cost between 25,000 - 40,000 JPY (~$200-$350 USD). Although taxis within Tokyo are quite reasonable, it is quite expensive to travel to/from Narita via taxi. 

Late night transportation 

Passengers arriving after 9pm have fewer options to travel from Narita airport to central Tokyo. The Narita express stops service at around 9:15 at night. The Keisei Skyliner runs until 22:30 and the Keisei Limited Express runs until 23:00.  

From Haneda airport: 

Haneda Airport (羽田空港, Haneda Kūkō, HND), formally known as Tokyo International Airport, is located less than 30 minutes south of central Tokyo, considerably closer to the city center than Narita Airport. 

Tokyo Monorail 

From Haneda Airport, take the monorail (20 minutes) to Hamamatsucho station. From here, transfer to the Yamanote line to Shimbashi station. From this station, it is a 15 minute walk to the Conrad. If you are going to the InterContinental Tokyo Bay hotel, the hotel is a 10 minute walk or a 5 minute shuttle ride from the Hamamatsucho bus terminal, gate 5.  

By Keikyu Railways 

From Haneda airport, take the Keikyu Airport Line to Shinagawa station. Transfer to the Yamanote line, and take it to Shimbashi station for the Conrad, or Hamamatsucho station for the InterContinental Tokyo Bay hotel. 

14

By limousine bus 

Direct, 40-55 minutes, 1-2 connections per hour 

Limousine buses to Haneda Airport from Haneda airport depart regularly during the day. Depending on the traffic situation, the one way journey usually takes between 40 and 55 minutes. 

Above fees refer to transportation to/from the international terminal. Fees to the domestic terminals may be slightly higher. The fees and schedules are subject to change.  

By taxi 

A taxi ride into central Tokyo typically costs between 5,000 and 11,000 yen depending on the destination and time of the day (there is a surcharge during late night; typically 20% between 10pm and 5am). 

Late night transportation 

The Tokyo Monorail and Keikyu Railways stop operations shortly after midnight. The last services still provide a connection to the JR Yamanote Line at Hamamatsucho Station and Shinagawa Station respectively, from where the Yamanote Line can take you to most of Tokyo's main districts, including Shinjuku, Shibuya, Ikebukuro and Tokyo Station by around 1am. But note that many hotels do not allow late-hour check-ins. 

Detailed hotel information is provided in the appendix. 

15

Traveling in and around Tokyo 

Trains and subways 

Tokyo’s enviable public transportation system provides multiple options for getting around the city. 

Tokyo's subway network is operated by two companies, the Toei Subways with four lines, and Tokyo Metro (formerly known as Eidan Subways) with nine lines. Note, that at their terminal stations, the trains of some subway lines continue to operate on the tracks of different companies on suburban train lines.  

Train and ticketing guide 

16

Passes and Tickets 

A whole variety of day passes is available for the Tokyo area, however, most of them are overpriced and/or not very practical because they do not cover all of Tokyo's train and subway lines. Consequently, single tickets or prepaid cards usually come cheaper, especially if you plan your city sightseeing in a geographically wise way. 

Prepaid IC cards are generally the recommended way to get around Tokyo. Prepaid cards don't give you any discounts over single tickets, but they provide convenience as you can ride virtually any train or bus in Greater Tokyo (and many other major cities in Japan) with just a simple swipe over a card reader. They can also be used to make quick purchases at a constantly increasing number of shops in Tokyo (and across the country). 

Buses 

Buses are also a good option, depending on where you are traveling. You can use prepaid IC cards or cash when riding the public city buses.  

17

Taxis 

Taxis in Tokyo are generally affordable, clean, and have a standard, published pricing system. Taxi drivers in Japan are known to be very trustworthy and will not try to take advantage of their clients. It is rare however that they will speak English, so be prepared to explain in simple terms or perhaps have a map and address to help if your Japanese is limited. 

Taxis are not considered cheap in Tokyo. The flag fall for the first 2km (1.25 miles) is usually 710 yen and increases to 90 yen for every further increment of distance travelled, generally between about 250 and 300 meters. The fare also increases when the taxi is not moving for a prolonged time or the speed drops below 10 km/h (6 mph), such as in heavy traffic, at a rate of 90 yen per 1:45 min. Late in the evening (typically 10pm to 5am), rates usually increase by 20 percent. Any expressway toll fees incurred during the trip are added to the final fare. 

Many taxis in Tokyo accept credit cards or mobile payment, but please keep in mind that some only accept cash.  

http://www.useful-tips-japan.com/sightseeing/taxis-in-tokyo-2/ 

https://www.timeout.com/tokyo/things-to-do/how-to-catch-a-cab-in-tokyo 

Rideshare services 

Rideshare services, such as Uber, operate in Tokyo, albeit on a limited basis. There are a number of reasons for this, however the prevalence and reliability of traditional taxi services allows this provider type to dominate the car-based travel landscape. 

Shinkansen 

Tokaido Shinkansen trains stop at Tokyo and Shinagawa, while bullet trains to the north stop at Tokyo and Ueno. To ride the shinkansen, you must purchase a ticket in advance. IC cards are not used for shinkansens. You can reserve specific seats or, for a slightly reduced fare, you can purchase a non-assigned seat ticket. 

Japan Rail Pass 

For those traveling around Japan via shinkansen, it might make sense to book a Japan Rail Pass, which is only available to foreign visitors. Depending on where you are traveling and 

18

how far you will go, this Japan Rail Pass calculator can help determine whether or not you will save money versus buying individual shinkansen tickets. Japan rail passes must be purchased before arriving in Japan. If you are only coming to Tokyo, then do you do not need a Japan Rail Pass. 

https://www.japan-guide.com/railpass/ 

19

Safety 

Emergency resources 

Police: 110 

Ambulance/Fire:  119 

Japan is known as one of the safest countries in the world. Although crime involving foreign visitors is rare, it does occur. If you lose your belongings or feel unsafe at any time, you can go to the neighborhood koban or “police box” for assistance.  

Koban are often located near stations, banks and busy entertainment areas and are supposed to act as a community policing center: a deterrent to criminal activity as well as providing a rapid post-incident response. 

20

More often koban are used by the public to ask directions, find street addresses (the police have excellent local maps), or to report lost property. Generally speaking, koban police officers do not speak much English, but they will do their best to assist you or help you find someone to resolve your issue. 

Staying safe in Japan 

Staying safe in Roppongi and Kabukicho 

Tokyo’s Red Light District- Shinjuku Kabukicho 

U.S. Embassy warns citizens about drink spiking in Roppongi 

Medications 

It is important to know that certain medications, which include ingredients common in some over-the-counter products, are not allowed in Japan. Please refer to the following information for guidelines on prohibited substances in Japan. 

For example, a common problem is when you encounter prescription medications which are legal elsewhere, but are illegal in Japan. A good example is the prescription medication Adderall which, while available in the US by prescription to treat ADHD, is effectively banned outright in Japan. 

Bringing Your Meds To Japan? Study The Laws A Little 

https://www.mhlw.go.jp/english/policy/health-medical/pharmaceuticals/01.html 

https://jp.usembassy.gov/u-s-citizen-services/doctors/importing-medication/ 

Drugs in Japan 

Japan has some of the strictest drug laws in the world. For example, if you are arrested in Japan, authorities can hold suspects for three weeks without charging them with a crime.  

Why Japan is so strict about drugs 

21

Tips Ahead of Your Trip 

City and Event Guides 

Timeout Tokyo, TOKYO CHEAPO, Tokyo Weekender, and Metropolis Magazine are great English-language resources for events happening in Tokyo: where to eat, festivals, sales and shopping, art and nightlife. 

22

Sightseeing 

Traditional 

(credit saidkarlsson) 

Sensoji Temple in Asakusa 

Meiji Shrine 

Guide for visiting temples and shrines 

23

Modern 

Odaiba 

TeamLab Borderless and Planets exhibits 

24

Akihabara 

Cute and Unusual 

Shibuya Scramble 

25

Takeshita Dori in Harajuku 

Robot Restaurant 

26

Cool Neighborhoods 

Shimokitazawa 

Kichijoji 

Koenji 

Yanaka Ginza 

Kagurazaka 

Three neighborhoods in Tokyo where old meets new 

Festivals and Events 

July 5-9: Shitamachi Tanabata Festival, Asakusa area, Tokyo 

27

Shopping 

If you’re a temporary visitor (i.e. staying for less than six months), not working in Japan, and not a Japanese citizen, you can be exempted from paying the 8% consumption tax when shopping at certain shops around the country. They usually have a sign like this at the entrance 

How to get your tax refund 

Luckily for tourists, the procedures for getting a tax refund in Japan are uncomplicated; there are two ways to go about it. The first—and simpler—method is to show your passport at the store counter (in some cases, there’s a designated counter/lane for those getting a tax exemption) and pay the price minus tax. The other, which is the more common approach at large department stores like Takashimaya, is to pay for the items and tax, and then to present the receipt and your passport at a separate counter to get the refund. Whatever the case, staff will attach a form to your passport, which Customs will collect once you leave Japan. 

Full details on tax-free shopping in Japan 

Souvenir shopping 

10 Budget Friendly Souvenir Shops Near Stations In Tokyo 

Where can I buy Japanese whisky? 

28

Dining 

Eating 

For groups, it is best to make a reservation in advance. Popular or boutique restaurants fill up early, so please call as soon as possible. 

Usually, you can request your check and then bring your bill to the front to pay. Many restaurants will allow you to pay per-person. If you need a receipt, please say receipt or ryo-shu-sho. They will provide a special receipt with your total amount.  

Tipping is not expected as a small charge is automatically included in the bill. Not all restaurants accept credit cards, so it is best to have cash just in case.  

At night, it is common to have a table charge per person. Sometimes you will also receive a small appetizer (otoshi), which is included in exchange for the table charge. 

Drinking 

Shinjuku , Shibuya, Roppongi 

While Roppongi has definitely seen a change for the better over the past years, it is still important to establish caution when deciding to spend a whole night enjoying its exceptional nightlife. After all, and despite its rise as an affluent residential neighborhood and an important business center, there are still many dishonest and downright fraudulent establishments waiting for their next victim. Generally, you should not feel scared to go clubbing or drinking in Roppongi, but exercise the same level of precautions you would at home. 

Tips for staying safe in Roppongi 

Tokyo’s Red Light District- Shinjuku Kabukicho 

U.S. Embassy warns citizens about drink spiking in Roppongi 

Cafes 

Please note that some bars and cafes require that each person purchase at least one drink. 

Daikanyama, Shibuya 

29

Nightlife 

(credit saidkarlsson) 

Guide to nightlife in Tokyo 

Shibuya 

Shinjuku and Golden Gai 

Roppongi 

30

Day Trips 

Mt. Fuji 

● Fuji Five Lakes● Climbing Mt. Fuji (tour and overnight stay recommended)

Kamakura 

31

Nikko 

Top 10 day trips from Tokyo 

Overnight 

Hakone (hot springs) 

32

Additional Sightseeing Resources 

https://www.japanican.com/en/ 

https://www.govoyagin.com/things-to-do/tokyo/tours-and-activities 

ADDITIONAL RESOURCES 

The majority of this guide’s contents were pulled from the following resources. 

Additional hotel information 

Conrad 

105-7337, Tokyo, 1-9-1 Higashi-Shinbashi, Minato-ku, Japan

TEL: +81-3-6388-8000

Maps and directions: https://conradhotels3.hilton.com/en/hotels/japan/conrad-tokyo-TYOCICI/about/directions.html 

InterContinental Tokyo Bay 

1-16-2 Kaigan Minato-Ku Tokyo 105-8576 JAPAN

Tel: +81-3-5404-2222

Maps and directions 

https://www.interconti-tokyo.com/en/access/ 

Everything you could want to know about Japan 

https://www.japan-guide.com/ 

https://www.lonelyplanet.com/japan 

https://matcha-jp.com/en/beginner/ 

33

Tokyo guides 

https://www.japan-guide.com/e/e2164.html 

https://tokyocheapo.com/ 

https://matcha-jp.com/en/list/?region=41&category=all 

https://www.timeout.com/tokyo 

Internet and mobile phone service 

Internet in Japan Part 1 

Internet in Japan Part 2 

Cell phone service in Japan 

SIM cards part 1 

SIM cards part 2 

Renting a wifi router in Japan 

Health and Safety Resources 

Emergency health resources 

Typhoons in Japan 

In case of an earthquake 

List of Embassies in Japan 

Dining 

34

Tabelog Dining Directory 

Traditional 

● 10 Must-Try Traditional Japanese Dishes

Unusual 

● Fishing restaurant Zauo● Gonpachi (Kill Bill restaurant)

Dining etiquette 

● Dining in an Izakaya● Sushi● Ramen

Vegetarian and Vegan in Tokyo 

● https://matcha-jp.com/en/list/?region=all&category=16● https://www.happycow.net/asia/japan/tokyo/● https://tokyocheapo.com/lifestyle/how-to-be-vegan-vegetarian-in-tokyo/

Halal in Tokyo 

Reservation services 

For more information/questions contact: 

Sarah Breen 

sarah.breen@endeavor.org 

35