GENERAL INFORMATION
Currency Exchange
Only Japanese Yen is acceptable at regular stores and restaurants. Certain foreign currencies and credit cards may be accepted at a limited number of hotels, restaurants and souvenir shops. You can buy Yen at foreign exchange banks (open hour; 9:00-15:00, Monday-Friday) and other authorized money exchangers on presentation of your passport.
Traveler's Checks and Credit Cards
Traveler's checks are accepted only by leading banks and major hotels in principal cities, and the use of traveler's checks in Japan is not as popular as in some other countries. Master Card, Diners Club, Visa and American Express are widely accepted at hotels, department stores, shops, restaurants and nightclubs. Other international credit cards have not been introduced to Japan as yet.
Tipping
There is no custom of individual tipping in Japan. Tips are usually included in the bill as a service charge, if needed.
Electrical Appliances
Japan operates on 100-110 volts for electrical appliances. The frequency is 50Hz in eastern Japan including Tokyo and Yokohama, and 60Hz in western Japan including Kyoto.
Shopping
The business hours of most department stores is from 10:00 to 19:00. They are open on Sundays and national holidays, but closed on either Monday, Wednesday or Thursday. Business hours for retail shops differ from each other, most operate from 10:00 to 20:00, and open on Sundays and national holidays.
