Tokyo Tips
When it comes to Tokyo, we've been there, done that, now serving 5 tips in 1 categories ranging from Public Service site: Tokyo (Tips) to Public Service site: Tokyo (Tips).
Buy an English Version of the Tokyo Train and Subway Systems
The Tokyo train and subway systems are the most convenient way to get around Tokyo, but they can be very confusing for the first time visitor. Many times, the maps that you receive will be written in Japanese only. Before you go to Tokyo, you should buy an English map of the Tokyo train and subway systems. This will ensure that you can always figure out how to get where you are going. You can also plan ahead of time, as there is usually a large crowd near the ticket gates and you may feel awkward about blocking people as you try to plan your route.
Keep Your Small Tissue Packs
Wherever you go in Japan, you are likely to find people handing you small tissue packs with advertisements on them. Though it may seem an annoyance, you should always accept these and keep them on hand. Many public toilets in Japan do not have toilet paper and you will be happy that you have the tissue packs with you should you encounter such a toilet.
Save on Japanese Souvenirs
Many people will want you to bring them a Japanese souvenir. If you buy them in the traditional tourist areas, you'll quickly deplete your spending money. 100 yen stores (similar to a Dollar Store) offer a great alternative for buying your Japanese souvenirs. There, you'll find many of the things that people traditionally associate with Japan—fancy chopsticks, fans, even Hello Kitty goods—all for only 100 yen. You can buy many Japanese souvenirs there and nobody has to know how much they cost.
Learning Just Three Japanese Words Can Improve Communication
While many people in Tokyo speak at least a little bit of English, learning just three Japanese words will greatly improve communication and your stay in Japan. These words are sumimasen (sue-me-mah-sen), arigato (ah-ree-gah-toh), and doko (doh-koh).
Sumimasen means “excuse me” and can be used to get the attention of workers in stores, restaurants, or anywhere else you plan to go. Arigato means “thank you”. Doko means “where?”.
If you want to get directions, simply ask “(place you want to go) doko?” The person you are asking will probably respond in Japanese, but will point you in the direction that you want to go.
Japanese people don't expect foreigners to speak Japanese, so they are very impressed when they see that you are trying and the quality of service that you receive will improve.
If you wish to improve communication even more, buy a small English-Japanese phrasebook that you can easily carry with you. This will have many other useful phrases that you can use in Japan. In addition, it will have the Japanese printed on the pages as well so that if the person you are speaking to cannot understand your Japanese, you can let them read it in Japanese.
Getting the Best Exchange Rate
Airports and currency exchange stores often offer low exchange rates for changing your money into a foreign currency. To get the best exchange rate, you should use your ATM card to withdraw money while in Japan.
Not all ATMs in Japan accept foreign ATM cards. However, it is easy to find a Citibank ATM or a post office ATM. Both of these will accept foreign ATM cards and offer services in English. The symbol for the post office in Japan is a red T with an extra line on top.
As your bank will probably charge a small fee for the use of a foreign ATM machine, you should withdraw the maximum amount.
