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Tokyo
Orientation
Tokyo, the capital city of Japan, is the melting
pot of Japanese hi-tech industry, neon lights, colours, culture,
bustle, and stunning scenery. These qualities make Tokyo a great
business and tourism centre.
City Facts
- Tokyo's Population: 28,025,000 (Source: UN Population
Division 2000 estimate)
- Japan's Population: 126,428,000 (Source: UN
Population Division 2000 estimate)
- Currency: Yen (JPY)
- Time Zone: GMT+9, Eastern Standard Time +14,
Pacific Standard time +17
- Language: Japanese
Weather
Weather Forecast
Climate
There are four clearly different seasons in Tokyo:
the famous peach, plum and cherry blossoms appear in spring (during
April and May); summer (June to August) is hot, humid and rainy;
typhoon affects Tokyo mostly in autumn (September to early-November)
and winter (late-November to March) is mild.
Travel Tips
Local Customs
Sake is the traditional drink that is integral to
Japanese social and cultural life. Typically served in ceramic flasks
and drunk from small cups, you should always pour for your acquaintances
but never yourself. They will in turn pour for you.
Dining
There are over 80,000 restaurants in Tokyo, ensuring
that all tastes and budgets are catered for. In Japanese cuisine,
preparation and presentation are very important, and dishes are
often arranged in such a way that they are easier to eat with chopsticks.
Seafood lovers will fall in love with Japan, as the nations long
coastlines ensure a constant supply of the freshest seafood.
Tipping Advice
Japanese people do not give or expect tips as it
is considered rude. They often insist on paying for their foreign
friends, and it is deemed polite to refuse three times before letting
them pay and promising to pay next time. Guests are expected to
wait to be seated by the host.
Transportation
The Tokyo International Airport at Narita is easily
connected to the city and various hotel locations by the airport
limousine buses, shuttle buses and underground trains.
Arriving by Air
The Tokyo Narita Airport is the main airport in
Japans capital city.
Getting Around Tokyo
Subways are quick, reasonably priced and easy to
use. Traveling on buses is problematic unless you know the right
bus number and your destination. Taxis are the most convenient means
of getting around, but it is pricey during the day due to slow-moving
traffic.
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