Top Tokyo Facts To Keep Your Travels Safe And Simple

Depending on your reason for visiting Tokyo and the country you come from, you may or may not need to organize a visa for Japan before you get here.

Go to our Tokyo facts Japan visa page to see the requirements whether you are traveling as a tourist or planning on staying longer.

Travel Insurance Policy

Tokyo and Japan are famous for being safe travel locations, however, a travel insurance policy should be part of any vacation planning that you do.

This section of our Tokyo facts guidelines introduces you to our partner, World Nomads, who we think offer a great travel insurance policy deal. We also love that World Nomads let you choose, if you want to, to make a donation to one of their charitable causes. It's just one way to leave a better footprint on this beautiful earth of ours!

Weather and Climate

Tokyo has a temperate climate being located in the middle of Honshu, the largest of the islands that make up Japan. There are four distinct seasons so take a look at our Tokyo climate section and plan your holiday or travel around the likely Tokyo weather conditions.

Wondering what to pack in your suitcase? See our Tokyo packing tips for some essential items you'll need.

Tokyo Money and Prices

Some people say that Tokyo is the most expensive city in the world. Coming from England I have to disagree with that statement. Find out about local Tokyo money and the coins or notes you'll need.

Once you get here, you need to know how you are going to get your hands on your money - the cash form of it. Tokyo is a modern city in many respects, but accessing your cash - whether you want to withdraw from an ATM, use a Tokyo bank, change travelers cheques or use a credit card - is not as simple as it sounds...

In this section you'll also find some commonTokyo prices and products along with a currency convertor to help you plan the budget for your stay.

Tokyo Earthquake

The last major earthquake in Tokyo was the 1923 Great Kanto Earthquake. Earthquakes are, like it or not, one of the regular Tokyo facts of daily life in Tokyo and it's important to be aware of them, especially if you're travelling with kids. Our Tokyo earthquake guide will help you be prepared should this happen during your stay. Also check out our tsunami facts if you're planning on stayin in a coastal area.

Population of Tokyo

This section of Tokyo facts takes a look at the make up of the city today. Find out about the population of Tokyo, as well as how the city can be divided into its different wards.

When I first got here, the size of the city and the number of people blew me away. It seemed impossible that so many people could live here.

One of the most amazing Tokyo facts for me is knowing that 3 million people pass through Shinjuku station everyday! That's just one station! It doesn't sound possible - right? But it's true and it all runs smoothly - much to my amazement being used to the perils of UK public transport : )

After WWII, Tokyo needed rebuilding as it was pretty much destroyed. This provided an opportunity to ensure that the reconstruction incorporated a strong and robust infrastructure to support the growing population. And boy - talk about infrastructure. Need to know how the Tokyo travel system works? No problem.

Cross Culture Tip

You are, and always will be, gaijin - the Japanese word for foreigner. In other words you are an outsider - but don't take this the wrong way.

Japan was closed for a long time to the rest of the world and this perception originates, at least partly, from this time. Japan and Tokyo are still largely homogenous so, as a foreigner, you stand out from the crowd.

I actually quite like being on the outside so to speak, although I know that some people are uncomfortable with this aspect of Japanese society. For me, I get the benefits of living in a safe and wonderful country without having the social responsibilities of a Japanese person.

By the way, that doesn't mean that I don't follow the rules, but if I make mistakes - and I do - I will usually be forgiven and be the gentle butt of humour rather than dealing with the consequences (sometimes serious) as a Japanese person must.

Want to know more Tokyo facts to help you plan your travels? Just follow the links below or try out a different section of the site :)

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Taming Tokyo: The Guidebook

Wouldn't you love to find a guidebook that is just for first-time visitors to Tokyo. Find those all important things that only a local would know like: what to expect at the airport, what Japanese is most useful for a traveler to know, what packing tips are specific for Tokyo, what should you do in an emergency, the basics of using the trains, and much more. Head over to Taming Tokyo today and judge for yourself.