Tokyo Facts
Our essential Tokyo facts includes information about the currency you will need in Tokyo and how to get your hands on it. Check the weather forecast and find out what the Tokyo climate is like at different times of year. Learn what to do in case of an earthquake and bookmark our emergency list...just in case. Want to know the population of Tokyo? That's here too.
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 climate section and plan your holiday or travel around the likely weather conditions.
Wondering what to pack in your suitcase? Check out 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 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, a regular feature of daily life in Tokyo and it's important to be aware of them, especially if you are travelling with kids. Our Tokyo earthquake guide will help you be prepared should this happen during your stay.
Emergencies
Emergencies. Who to contact and where to go if things do go wrong. Bookmark this info just in case. If you do - and I sincerely hope you don't - but if you do need help, the last thing you want is to be scrabbling around in the dark trying to figure out what to do next.
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. Did you know 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.
