Tourist Information
Practical Information
Climate and Clothing:
Autumn weather in Tokyo is cool and dry. The average temperatures in October are low 59°F (15°C) and high 72°F (22°C). The weather is usually nice with sunshine. Typical dress for this time of year: light jackets, light sweaters and other similar kinds of clothing.
Time:
Japan Standard Time is 9 hours ahead of G.M.T. (decrease by 1 hour during Daylight Savings Time period): Asia/Oceania: Bangkok: -2 hours; Beijing: -1 hour; Jakarta: -2 hours; Seoul: 0 (same); Singapore -1 hour; U.S.A.: New York/ Washington: -14 hours; Chicago: -15 hours; Los Angeles/San Francisco: -17 hours. Europe: Frankfurt: -8 hours; Geneva: -8 hours; London: -9 hours; Paris: -8 hours.
Currency and Credit Cards:
Currency in Japan is the Yen (￥/JPY). Notes are available in denominations of 10,000, 5,000, 2,000 and 1,000 yen. Coins are minted in denominations of 500, 100, 50, 10, 5, and 1 yen. Exchange at the airport is recommended for your convenience. Most foreign currencies and travelers' checks can be exchanged at banks and hotels where you stay. However, we highly recommend purchasing travelers' checks or cash in Yen or U.S. dollars before leaving your home countries. A passport may be required for currency exchange services. Major credit cards (American Express, Diners Club, Visa and MasterCard) are widely accepted at hotels, department stores, shops and restaurants.
Banks:
Banks are open from Monday to Friday, 9:00-15:00 (Closed on Saturdays, Sundays and national holidays). Automatic teller machines (ATMs) are commonly available throughout Japan. Please note that not all ATMs accept foreign debit or credit cards. We recommend that you check with your card company for applicable ATM locations in Tokyo. ATMs will be available in TIF and Imperial Hotel throughout the Annual Meetings. These ATMs accept Visa, Plus, MasterCard, Maestro, Cirrus, American Express, Diners Club, JCB, UnionPay and Discover cards. Most foreign debit/credit cards may be used at ATMs in Japan Post post offices.
Electricity:
Japan’s electricity voltage is 100V A.C. with a frequency of 50Hz in the Tokyo area. Please note that plugs in Japan are a 2 flat-prong type (similar to U.S. plugs), so a plug adapter for personal appliances may be necessary if you require a 3-prong or round plug.
Telephone and Cellular Phones:
Public telephones are available for local, long distance and international calls. They are dark gray or green in color and accept coins or pre-paid telephone cards. If you wish to use your cellular phone in Japan, please check with your carrier prior to your departure to verify whether your phone will operate in Japan. Alternatively, many airlines and travel companies offer overseas cellular phone rental services. Please check with your travel agent or airline. Cellular phones may be rented after arrival in Japan at Narita, Haneda, Kansai (Osaka) and Central Japan (Nagoya) airports. Cellular phones are widely used in Japan, however please note that it is common etiquette to refrain from using a cellular phone in restaurants, on public transportation and inside museums, historic buildings, etc.
Insurance:
Neither the host government nor IMF/WB can accept responsibility for accidents or damage to the private property of participants. Please make your own arrangements for health insurance and any other necessary insurance.
Restaurants:
Restaurant serving times are generally: breakfast: 7:00 - 9:00 a.m.; lunch: 12:00 p.m. - 2:00 p.m.; dinner: 6:00 p.m. - 10:00 p.m.
Shopping:
General hours are from 10:00 a.m. to between 7:00 p.m. and 8:00 p.m. Most department stores are open 7 days a week. Also, most convenience stores are available 24 hours a day.
Tax:
Consumption tax is 5% of the price of commodities and services you are buying. It is already included in the indicated price.
Tipping:
Tipping is not customary in Japan.