General Information
Weather
The temperature in Chiba during July ranges from 22 to 30 degrees Celsius, and 72 to 86 degrees in Fahrenheit.
Currency
Currency in Japan is the "yen." You can obtain yen at currency exchange desks at major airports around the world, also at Narita International Airport, Haneda airport, and currency exchange shops. 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.
Credit Card
Most hotels, major department stores and restaurants accept VISA, Master, JCB, Amex and Diners. However, small shops like station kiosks, convenience stores, vending machines and train tickets for short distances do not accept credit cards. It is advisable to bring a certain amount of cash.
Traveler's Check
Traveler's checks are acceptable at most hotels and banks.
ATM
Many automatic teller machines (ATMs) in Japan do not accept credit, debit and ATM cards, which are issued outside of Japan. The big exception is the ATMs found at the post offices and 7-Eleven convenience stores. These ATMs allow you to withdraw cash by credit and debit cards issued outside of Japan, including Visa, Plus, Mastercard, Maestro, Cirrus, American Express and JCB cards and provide an English user menu. In addition, international ATMs can be found at international airports, in major department stores and in Citibank and Shinsei Bank branches.
Business Hours
Banks | 9:00-15:00 Closed on Saturday and Sunday |
---|---|
Money Exchange | Open 24 hours at Haneda Airport 6:30-23:00* at Narita International Airport *Depends on each counter Open 365days Chiba bank (in a building next to Makuhari messe) 9:00-15:00 Closed on Saturday and Sunday |
Supermarket | Mostly 9:00-20:00, Depending on stores |
Convenience Stores | Mostly open 24 hours |
Post Offices | 9:00-17:00, Closed on Saturday and Sunday |
Department Stores | Mostly open 10:00-20:00, Depending on stores Open 7days |
Restaurants | Some open 24 hours, Some open 10:00- 21:00, Depending on Stores |
Bars | 18:00-Midnight |
Electricity
Voltage in Japan is 100V A.C., 2-flat-pin plug Type-A. It is difficult to find 3-pin compatible sockets, 120V, 200V, and 220V. An adapter is advised for the use of electrical equipment.
Water
Tap water is safe to drink anywhere in Japan unless mentioned otherwise. Also you can buy mineral water at convenience stores, super markets, and kiosks, etc.
Smoking
Smoking is prohibited inside most buildings and stations, except in designated smoking areas. In addition, around Kaihin-Makuhari station, smoking on a street is also prohibited.
Visa
Please refer to the website of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan.
http://www.mofa.go.jp/j_info/visit/visa/
For more information, please go to "Registration" page. (Registration will start in December.)
Tax
Consumption tax currently rate 8%, and mostly prices shown on the price tag include tax (Depending on stores).
Tipping
Tipping is not common in Japan, and is not generally done in any situation.
Cellular Phone
NTT DoCoMo, Softbank, au KDDI and E-mobile are major cellular phone carriers in Japan. Please contact your own cellular phone carrier to establish whether you can use your cell phone in Japan.
Japan Rail Pass
The JAPAN RAIL PASS is offered by the six companies that make up the Japan Railways Group (JR Group*). The JAPAN RAIL PASS is the most economical way to travel throughout Japan by JR Group lines. Please be aware, however, that some restrictions apply.
Please refer to the Japan Rail Pass official website http://www.japanrailpass.net/en/index.html
*JR Group has 6 different groups divided by areas from North to South part of Japan. Tokyo and Chiba areas are in JR-EAST.