Trains are the easiest way to move about the city; trains depart almost always on time and fares and traveling times are reasonable. For example, getting from Shibuya to Shinjuku on the JR Yamanote Line is only ¥150, or from Shibuya to Ginza on the Metro Ginza Line ¥190.

Altogether, the Tokyo subway system is comprised of 13 lines, while the 16 JR train lines run mostly above ground. If you can make full use of all of them you’d be a master of the city.

[Initial fares]
JR Yamanote Line ¥120, Tokyo Metro ¥160, Toei Subway ¥170,
Metropolitan Buses ¥200, Tokyu Buses ¥210

*Most trains in Tokyo have “women’s only” cars that are in effect during certain hours of the day (notably during weekday rush hours:7am to 9am). Only women, children and handicapped persons are allowed to utilize these cars during the times noted.

Almost every taxi in Tokyo charges an initial fare of ¥710 (which covers 2km) and ¥90 for every subsequent 288 meters traveled. Between 11pm and 5am, a small surcharge also applies. There is never any need to tip your taxi driver. You can hail a taxi not only at hotels, but as they approach on any road just by waving your hand. Contrary to expectations, a vacant taxi will have a red sign in the front window, an occupied taxi will have a green sign. Fares can also be paid with a credit card, however some privately owned cars do not yet have machines installed. It’s best to ask if you can use a credit card before getting in. You can also pay by Suica if there is a Suica sticker on the window. Be aware that the rear left hand side doors open and close automatically.

To call your country of origin: 010 + country code + area code (remove the first 0) + phone number

Calling from a public phone: grey phones often have the words “International & Domestic Card/Coin Telephone” printed on them, green phones are uniformly domestic-only.

From hotels: although a fee is usually levied, calls can be made from most hotels.

Hotels: luxury and business hotels typically have rooms with internet service, be it via LAN cable or Wi-Fi, but it is best to enquire about internet services before booking.
Within the city: Wi-Fi is sometimes available in cafes and some subway train stations, but free Wi-Fi is not as common in Japan.

However, there are a few places that provide free Wi-Fi access. For example, chano-ma, found in the Tokyo Style Guide in the Daikanyama section, or WIRED CAFÉ 360°in Harajuku. Some places may ask for ID so it’s best to check with a waiter.

Please refer to these numbers in case of an emergency.
You can make calls free of charge from any pay phone in Japan.

Police: 110
Police (English): 03-3501-0110
Ambulance & Fire: 119
Medical emergencies that may not necessarily require an ambulance: #7119

Exemption from Japan’s 5% consumption tax is possible on purchases above ¥10,000 for certain items. Duty Free shopping is available only at Japan’s international airports, but authorized tax-free shops in urban shopping districts cater to tourists with English-speaking staff. You will need your passport to shop tax free.

Although Japan has a reputation for being cash-based and not very credit card-friendly, there have been major in-roads in the past 4 or 5 years that have greatly expanded credit card usage. However, you may find that many shops and restaurants don’t display the logos of international cards like Visa or MasterCard. This is especially true of merchants who pay great attention to the ambience and atmosphere of the store. While you have to be careful, you will find that you can pay with a credit card at a great many places, including places without international card logos, from department stores, boutiques and restaurants to supermarkets, airport ticket counters and, if you’re within Tokyo, in most taxis too. Recently even big hospitals have implemented systems that can take credit cards. Unfortunately, you cannot use one to pay for short train fares on JR or private train lines.

At establishments that are often frequented by Chinese tourists, many will display only the “Unionpay” logo, but here Visa and other big global cards are also accepted.

Goods and services in Japan are subject to a 5% consumption tax. For example, a ¥1,000 lunch will cost ¥1,050. Paying exclusively in cash will inevitably weigh your wallet down with heavy coins, so it’s convenient to use a credit card for various purchases. In addition, your credit card will serve as an accepted form of I.D. at your hotel, so it’s a good idea to have a credit card on you at all times!

To withdraw cash with your credit, debit or prepaid card, we recommend Seven Bank and Japan Post Bank ATMs. Seven Bank ATMs can be found at 7-Eleven convenience stores, at the airport and other popular travel destinations, totaling over 15,000 ATMs nationwide. What’s more, they operate 24 hours a day 7 days a week. Japan Post Bank ATMs can be found at all post offices in Japan, though be aware that some ATMs are only in operation during post office hours.

ATMs at banks like Citibank, Shinsei Bank and HSBC accept international transactions, but these are scarce and they are usually located inside branches. It’s important to note that no banks in Japan, except for those noted above, accept international transactions. You might see a Visa logo on some Japanese bank ATMs, but look closely and you’ll find a “For Japan Issued Cards Only” message, meaning foreign-issued cards are not applicable.

Want to know the best souvenirs to get in Tokyo? Just follow these Tokyo Style Guide-approved tips:

Shibuya
Go straight for the domestic gyaru brand summer clothing and accessories at 109 or PARCO because the trends are pitch-perfect and the prices are too. Give them to female friends as they’re sure to appreciate your sense of style.
Harajuku
Here get your hands on cute character goods or second-hand/vintage clothing. Also check out the unisex bags from street-wear brand PORTER Yoshida that have long been popular with locals and travelers alike.
Roppongi
The gift boutiques inside The National Art Center and the Mori Art Museum are one-stop shops with some of the best selections of contemporary art-related goods and modern gifts to be found. Also see some with splashes of traditional Japanese design in the mix.
Ginza
The first thing you’ll want to get are cutely packaged sweets because Ginza boasts scores of exquisite Japanese cake and snack shops. Also be sure to check out Ginza Natsuno, a chopsticks and related-goods specialty store, and the charming stationery at renowned paper boutiques Kyukyodo and Ito-ya.

The power supply in Japan is 100V/50Hz in Eastern Japan and 100V/60Hz in Western Japan, but you should have no problems using most electronics. The power outlets are identical to 2-pin North American outlets.