Tokyo Travel Tips
In our Tokyo travel tips section, we're pulling together the pages that are a must read when you're planning your trip to the big T. Find out about banks you can use, the cash you'll need, what to pack in your bags, and more. Scroll down to see what's on the list. If you know something that should be on here that isn't, or if you have a question you'd like to ask, drop us a line via our contact us page.
Telephone Facts
- Country and Area Codes - The country code for Japan is +81. The area code for Tokyo is 03. If you are making a call to someone in Tokyo you need to dial +81-3 and then add your number. In other words, take away the 0 when it's an international call.
- Codes for Mobile or Cell Phones - If you're calling a cell or mobile phone, the domestic code is usually 090 or 080. Again take away the first 0 in the domestic code. In other words you dial +81-90 and your number or +81-80 and your number.
- Using Mobile or Cell Phones - Not such a positive item on our Tokyo travel tips list. If you want to use your normal cell phone or mobile phone in Tokyo you are going to have some problems. The Japan network uses a different system to the majority of the rest of the world. For reasons why, see this Diji-Joho page for details. Check with your provider before leaving home so you can plan ahead.
- Best Rental Options - Need to find a phone that will work in Japan without parting with lots of cash? We recommend Softbank as being one of the cheapest providers with good options for temporary stays in Tokyo. Most of the major providers have counters in Tokyo International Airport, (also known as Narita International Airport), terminals. You can organize your connection as soon as you land.
Tokyo Travel Tips - Must Know Info
TokyoTopia recommends the following pages of essential Tokyo travel tips to help you plan your Tokyo vacation. We want you to be able to just get on with enjoying yourself once you arrive. Any questions, just let us know : )
- Tokyo Packing Tips - What you need to pack and things to consider bringing with you. Remember heavy bags need to be carried. Not much fun when you're hauling them up and down train station stairs.
- Tokyo Banks - Which ones can you use, where can you use your credit cards and what about travelers cheques? Be warned - many banks are not international customer friendly. You need to know where to go and travel with some cash in your pocket.
- Tokyo Prices - Get some idea of how much things cost so you can budget effectively for your stay. Want to know how much something costs? Ask us.
- Japanese Calendar - If you want to avoid paying too much, try not to travel when it's a major national holiday. Many Japanese return home during these events and travel prices rise accordingly. Also see the Japanese Festivals page to find out about special events that might be happening during your stay.
Time in Tokyo
Tokyo time zone is UTC/GMT +9 hours. As of 2008, there are no daylight saving hours. Why? It would be very hard to implement this effectively. Japan is a long country with sunrise and sunset times varying significantly from the North to the South. Simpler to keep it all at one time espeically as, unlike the UK, there are no really short days here.
What time is it in Tokyo now? Look at the top of the page to your right. There's a clock showing the current time and date.
Have a great Tokyo vacation!
