LOCAL CULTURE
CREDIT CARDS
Visa, Mastercard, Amex and Diners Club are widely accepted, but Japan is predominantly a cash economy. Top hotels and restaurants usually accept credit cards, but check first with less exclusive places.
TIPPING
Tipping is not a standard practice in Japan. Expect to pay a service charge (10% to 20%) at more expensive restaurants and hotels.
TOILETS
Public toilets are everywhere but the most comfortable are in the big department stores. They also tend to be high-tech, kitted out with bidet, dryer and rushing water effects.
TOWELETTE
A towelette is served in some restaurants at the beginning of the meal. This is to clean your hands only. Please do not wipe your face or any other parts of the body even if you find someone next to you doing that.
TRADITION: JAPANESE HOUSE
Remove your shoes whenever entering a Japanese house.
DID YOU KNOW ?
Kyoto
There is a shop called Kyoto-Kan in front of Toyo Station. They sell not only Kyoto related souvenirs but also give the customers Kyoto sight-seeing information.
Religion
There are many Japanese people who pray at shrines on New Year's Day, marry in church, and hold funerals at a temple.
Sushi
Before you order sushi in Tokyo, check if the restaurant has a price list. The price of fish changes depending upon the market price. It can occasionally be very, very expensive!
Tonkatsu
In a Tonkatsu (deep fried pork restaurant), you can get unlimited portions of cabbage and miso soup.
WHAT TO PACK
Cash
Not all ATM machines accept foreign issued bank and credit cards. It is better to have some cash with you on arrival.
Medicine
It is not easy to get prescriptions. Please bring enough prescription medicines with you to last your trip.