VISA & Passport Information
 

 

Plugs & Electricity
Japan uses two flat parallel prong plugs.  For guaranteed charging of your electrical necessities, purchace a plug adeabter beforehand. The voltage used throughout Japan is uniformly 100 volts, A.C. There are two kinds of frequencies in use;—50 Hertz in eastern Japan and 60 Hertz in western Japan (including Nagoya, Kyoto and Osaka). A convertible type of electrical appliance such as a hair dryer, travel iron and shaver should work wherever you are in Japan. However, in other cases, a step-down transformer is required to convert the voltage.

 

In urban areas, it is relatively easy to find devices such as conversion plugs and transformers. They are sold in electronics quarters such as Tokyo’s Akihabara and Osaka’s Nipponbashi, or major home appliance mass retailers.

 

If you need to charge your electrical appliances on the go, new shinkansen models have outlets next to the window seats. If you would like such a seat, please ask the staff when you purchase your ticket. In recent years, some hamburger chains and family restaurants have outlets available.

Tipping
Tipping is not practived in Japan.  In fact, it can cause discomfort and confusion if you do.  A service charge is generally added to the final bill in restaurants.  

 

If you are from a country where tipping is routinely practiced, it may come as a surprise that there is no such culture in Japan. This might be especially shocking as the standard of customer service in Japan is often regarded as the best in the world. If you are visiting bars, cafés, or restaurants, taking taxis or staying in hotels, there is simply no need to tip.

There is one case, however, when tipping might be appropriate. If you have a private guide, or interpreter—someone who is used to western practices—then they may accept a tip from you (although it is certainly not expected). If you do decide to tip, make sure to put any bills in an envelope. You can buy these at convenience stores or 100 yen shops.

Credit Cards
Even though Japan is a cash-centric country, credit cards are usually accepted in most shops, restaurants and taxis in major cities.  Credit, debit and prepaid cards of international brands are generally accepted throughout the country. There will be instances where stores may not display the symbols of the cards they accept, so ask the salesperson if you can use your card. You can use cards to pay for Narita Express (JR) and shinkansen (JR) fares, however, you can’t always use them for short distance train/subway fares. You can withdraw cash nationwide at ATMs in Japan Post Bank and in Seven Bank. Research into using credits cards in Japan is recommended.

 

If you should lose your credit card contact the issuers directly to arrange for replacements. We recommend that you keep a list of toll free numbers for the issuer, and separate them from your cards.

If you are uncomfortable carrying a large amount of cash with you, another option is to purchase a Suica card  or Pasmo card. These cards aren’t simply for using the trains—you can use them on many other forms of public transport, as well as at convenience stores, and an increasing number of shops and restaurants. While they can’t be used everywhere, they can be a useful alternative to carrying cash.