guideto2020-blog
guideto2020-blog
Tokyo 2020
7 posts
Here is your all-purpose guide to Tokyo's 2020 olympics.
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guideto2020-blog · 8 years ago
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Where you can stay
Hotels
Booking a hotel for your stay in Tokyo can be quite easy and convenient because it can be done using English as websites such as booking.com, Tribaco, or even the website of a particular hotel in many cases. Even though there are about 1300 hotels Tokyo and Chiba, you should book as early as possible rooms will become more scarce and prices will go up as the Olympic games near. Also, remember to shop around on the internet as prices may vary on different websites for the same room.  
Most hotels have English speaking staff, however, if this is important to you, it is wise to choose a larger hotel or chain hotel as some small hotels may not have English speakers available at all times.  
Standard check-in time in Japan is 2pm while checkout is usually 11am.  Early check-in is often possible for an additional fee.   
All power outlets are 100 volt and two-prong.  This is safe to use with a standard U.S. laptop or phone charger or other devices that have a voltage converter built in.  If your laptop has a three-prong plug, however, you will need a shape converter to make it fit in the two-prong outlets.  Many hotels will have these to lend you but others may not so it’s worth bringing one with you.  
Comic or Internet Café
Comic cafe and internet cafes in Tokyo have small cubicles that can be rented by the hour.  In a pinch, usually after missing the last train, locals often take a rest in these cafes until the trains start again.  The price is generally around 400 yen per half hour and less if you stay more than one hour.  These cafes normally offer showers for an additional fee and an all you can drink non-alcohol drink bar, computers, Be warned, however, that the cafes do not accept reservations so it may be difficult to find space late at night during the Olympics.  Also, the cubicles are quite small so you may not be able to stretch out.  Most cafes will not have English speaking attendants.  
Minpaku (Guest House)
Minpaku have recently become popular in Japan.  At minpaku, you are essentially renting a room in someone’s private residence so prices amenities and rules may vary widely.  In most cases, you will have access to a full kitchen which can save you a lot of money.  Renting a minpaku room may be difficult unless you speak Japanese or have help from a friend who can because you will have to contact the owner directly.  If you want to experience the Japanese lifestyle, minpaku can be a great way to go, however.  English: depend on the owner english skill is different.
Before deciding where to stay, you should think about which events you intend to watch during the Olympics.  The games will be held at many different venues and they are not all particularly close to one another.  Choosing a hotel that is located near where you want to be can make your trip a lot more enjoyable.  For a list of the Olympic venues including which events will be held there and which train stations are nearby, you can check out this link.  
http://www.nippon.com/en/features/h00159/
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guideto2020-blog · 8 years ago
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Wifi and Mobile
Where to Connect to Free Wifi in Japan
-Starbucks
Starbucks Wifi works in Japan much like it does anywhere else in the world, make an account online ahead of time or use a current social media profile  (Facebook, Twitter, Google) to connect and get limited internet access.
-Hotels
Not all hotels in Japan offer free Wifi, be sure to confirm before making a reservation if your travel plans depend on hotel Wifi.
-Narita and Haneda Airport
Narita and Haneda both offer Wifi but service can be spotty in locations, be sure to have printed copies of the information nesassary to make it through customs and immagration.
Connect to FreeWiFi-NARITA or HANEDA-FREE-WIFI
- Inside major stations of JR East: Tokyo Station, Shinjuku Station, Ikebukuro Station, Haneda Airport International Terminal Station, Narita Airport Station, and Haneda Airport Terminal 2 Station and all Stops on the Yamanote Line.
Connect to JR-EAST_FREE_WiFi
- Manga Cafés
Manga kissa rent booths with Tvs, internet connected Computers and free drinks along with a library of Magzines and Manga. Open 24 hours and scattered all around Tokyo Manga Kissa offer a good place to rest between events or crash for the night when you miss the last train.
  How to get cell phone service in Japan
Do you need it?
If you are spending time in Japan and need access to the internet the answer is yes. While Tokyo has made significant strides in free wifi availability, hotspots are still a rarity. Many of Tokyo’s smaller hotels and hostels do not have wifi available so if you are planning on depending on it make sure to check with your hotel before booking.
Where to get it
If you are landing in Narita or Haneda Airport Wifi rentals from vending machines or kiosks with English speaking staff are located inside the airport.
If you are already inside Japan, large electronic retailers such as Yodabashi and BIC camera sell sim cards and wifi units. These retailers have the best deals offering cheap unlimited data but require navigating Tokyo
Requirements
·         Passport
·         6,000-3,500 Yen (major credit cards accepted) The vending machines accept Visa, MasterCard, JCB, American Express and Diners Club.
·         If your phone does not accept sim cards, wifi hotspots are available for rent
·         The phone must be unlocked and operate on GSM bands, Verizon, and other proprietary bands will not work on Japanese phone networks
·         Make sure to check the size of your sim card before hand there are no returns for selecting the wrong size
Details
Prices vary and fluctuate but as a rule convience has a cost. Buying a Sim card in Tokyo is a fraction of the price of buying from a vending machine but if you’re not confident in navigating Tokyo without data or only staying a few days, kiosks and vendingmachines are a good deal.  Due to regulations in Japan getting a sim card with voice without a perment address is impossible, if you need voice the only way is to use an app that uses data to make calls.
Map
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SIM Card Vending Machines
While sim card vending machines are convenient and provide last minute access to cellular data, the plans offered by these machines are comparatively expensive to plans provided by kiosks or in stores.
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 Several machines are scattered throughout the airport, check the map above to see the specific location of each
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Using the machines is straight forward, a touchscreen will walkyou through the process
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A scanner on each machine will scan your passport
SIM Card Vending Machine
Company
Area
Type of SIM Card Sold
NTT Communications
Central Bldg., 1st  Floor
Prepaid SIM for Japan
U-NEXT
Central Bldg., 1st  Floor
U-mobile Prepaid SIM Card
Sony Network Communications Inc./  Telecomsquare
Central Bldg.,  Basement 1
Prepaid LTE SIM  Wi-Ho!®SIM
SIM Card Kiosks
Company
Service Area
Pick Up
Hours
Air's
Central Bldg., 1st  Floor
Air's Counter
7:00 - 21:00
G-CALL
North Wing,4th  Floor  South Wing,4th  Floor
QL Liner
6:30 - 20:00
Global  Advanced  Communications
North Wing,1st  Floor  South Wing,1st  Floor
QL Liner
6:30 - last flight
J&Y Joy 2 Call
North Wing,4th  Floor  South Wing,4th  Floor
QL Liner
7:00 - 21:00
JAL ABC RENTAL  PHONE
North Wing,1st  Floor  South Wing,1st  Floor
JAL ABC.Inc.
7:00 - 21:00
JAL ABC RENTAL  PHONE
North Wing,4th  Floor  South Wing,4th  Floor
JAL ABC.Inc.
7:00 - 22:00
JAPAEMO
North Wing,4th  Floor  South Wing,4th  Floor
QL Liner
7:00 - 21:00
JAPAEMO
North Wing,1st  Floor  South Wing,1st  Floor
QL Liner
6:30 - last flight
KDDI
Central Bldg.,4th  Floor
KDDI Counter
7:00 - 20:00  *Telephones may be  picked up between  7:00-19:30
GENKI MOBILE
North Wing,1st  Floor  South Wing,1st  Floor
QL Liner
6:30 - one hour after last flight arrival
PUPURU
North Wing,4th  Floor  South Wing,4th  Floor
QL Liner
6:30 - 20:00
PUPURU
North Wing,1st  Floor  South Wing,1st  Floor
QL Liner
7:00 - 22:00
Quick Desk
North Wing,4th  Floor  South Wing,4th  Floor
QL Liner
6:30 - 20:00
SKY
North Wing,4th  Floor  South Wing,4th  Floor
J WiFi &  Mobile
7:30 - 20:30
SKY
Central Bldg., 1st  Floor
J WiFi &  Mobile
7:00 - 21:00
GSM Rentafone Pty  Ltd.  (SoftBank Global Rental)
Central Bldg., 1st  Floor
SoftBank Global  Rental Counter
9:00 - 21:00
Telecomsquare
North Wing,4th  Floor  South Wing,4th  Floor
Telecomsquare
7:30 - 21:00
Telecomsquare
Central Bldg., 1st  Floor
Telecomsquare
7:30 - 21:00
Telecomsquare
Central  Bldg.,Basement 1
Mobile Center  (Telecomsquare)
7:30 - 21:00
Trans Fone
North Wing,4th  Floor  South Wing,4th  Floor
QL Liner
6:30 - 20:00
Wi-Ho!
North Wing,4th  Floor  South Wing,4th  Floor
QL Liner
6:30 - 20:00
JAPAN  WiFi  (XCom Global, Inc.)
North Wing,1st  Floor
XCom Global Counter
7:30 - 21:00
JAPAN  WiFi  (XCom Global, Inc.)
North Wing,4th  Floor
XCom Global  Counter
7:30 - 21:00
JAPAN  WiFi  (XCom Global, Inc.)
South Wing,4th  Floor
QL Liner
6:30 - 20:00
Xmobile
North Wing,4th  Floor  South Wing,4th  Floor
QL Liner
6:30 - 20:00
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guideto2020-blog · 8 years ago
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Other Inexpensive Things To See In Tokyo
Shinjuku on the Cheap
 Taisoji Temple
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Near: Gyoemmae Station,
Cost: Free
Open: All Day
Things to do: Visiting a temple without leaving Shinjuku, Seeing the big buddha statue
 Shinjuku Gyoen Park
Near: Yotsuya Sanchome Station
Cost: 200 yen adults 50 children
Good for: Picnic spots
Open: 9:00-16:00
Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building Observatory
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Near: Shinjuku Station
Free
9:30-23:00
Things to do: Observation deck allows great night views of Tokyo
 Odaiba The Man-Made Island
Diver City Tokyo Plaza
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Near: Daiba Station
Open 10:00- 17:00
Cost: Free
Things to do: See the life sized Gundam, Shopping, Amusement and sports park, rooftop skating
Odaiba Seaside Park
Near: Odaiba-Kaihinkoen Station
Open: All Day
Things to do: Good for daytime walks as well as night views. See the Rainbow bridge and miniature statue of liberty
Maidcafe Maiddreamin
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Near: Daiba Station
Open: 10:00- 17:00
Cost: 500 yen per hour + food
Things to do: A good way to experience a maid café if you don’t have a chance in Akihabara.
 Miraikan – National Museum of Emerging Science and Innovation
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Near: Telecom Center Station
Open 10:00- 17:00
Cost: Adults- 620 Yen, 18 and under- 210 Yen
Things to do: See exhibits on Technology, educational shows and interactive learning events for children, See the latest advances in Robots and science.
 Other Places Around Tokyo
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Yebisu Beer Factory
Near: Ebisu Station
Open 11:00- 19:00
Cost 500 yen
Things to do: Beer tasting tour, Ebisu museum discounted beer lounge.
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guideto2020-blog · 8 years ago
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Culture Tips
1. Showing Respect is Essential.
One unique thing about Japanese people is that they like to show respect to other people much more than people usually do in the other countries.
When talking to strangers or new acquaintances, Japanese people tend to bow often and say sorry (Sumimasen) and thank you (Arigatougozaimasu) extensively. That does not mean you have to be able to say these words in Japanese. Just remember to show appreciation to others and not to be too casual to someone that you barely know.
2. Table Manners
When you eat dinner with many people in Japan, you should wait a moment before you take a first sip on your drink. In Japan, people wait for everyone to get their drink and say Kanpai (cheers) before drinking. Also, you will usually be given a wet cloth before you get food.  You should use the cloth to clean your hands before you eat not as a napkin. Making noise while you eat noodles is considered good manners because it shows others you are enjoying your food. Japanese people also say Itadakimasu before they begin eating which  means I humbly receive this food, and Gochisousama after eating which means thank you for the food.
3. Chopsticks
Before visiting Japan, we recommend that if you practice using chopsticks.  In many restaurants, you will find chopsticks are the only option provided at your table. If you really cannot use chopsticks, you may ask the server to bring you a fork or spoon and they usually can.  Chopsticks really aren’t that difficult to master so give it a try.  
4. Tipping
You do not need to give a tip anywhere in Japan.  If you do, Japanese people might not understand what you are doing for a second.
5. Threshold
When you enter Japanese house, you will have to take off your shoes. You might be given a pair of slippers to wear inside the house.  If the floor is covered with of Tatami mats, (often found in Japanese hotels and houses) you should not wear slippers. You should wear only socks or nothing on your feet at all when walking on Tatami mats.  
6. Masks
You will frequently see Japanese people wearing medical type masks in public. This is often done for minor reasons such as feeling a fever or cold coming on or for protection from getting sick.. Japanese women even wear masks to hide their skin when they have a blemish or when they aren’t wearing makeup.  Don’t be concerned when you see Japanese salarymen, office ladies, or children wearing masks on a street.
7. Conformity
Japanese culture is focused more on the group than on the individual. Japanese people value getting along with others and not causing trouble for others.  One’s own needs are normally put on hold in public to avoid becoming a burden to others. That can be good and bad but, keep in mind that talking on a phone or eating on a train is considered quite rude.
8. Speaking English
If you are not Japanese and do not speak Japanese, Japanese people will often try to speak English with you.  Japanese tend to assume that all foreigners can speak English regardless of where they are from. They might try to say to you “hello” or ask you where you are from. It might bother you if you are not an English speaker or want to speak Japanese in Japan, but they are just trying to be friendly or nice.
9.Safety Issues
You might have heard that Japan is completely safe and that you do not have to worry about your belongings being stolen.  Don’t let this lead you into a false sense of security.  Crime does happen in Japan. It is true that the crime rate is low in Japan, but that does not mean you should leave your belongings unattended.  It is better to be safe than sorry.  Take steps to protect yourself and your belongings just as you would at home.  
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guideto2020-blog · 8 years ago
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Getting Around
When visiting Japan, people often worry of the difficult language-barrier and confusing transportation amenities. Well, fear not. Japan has one of the best public transportation systems in the world and getting around in Tokyo can actually be easier than a major city in the US!
Let’s take a look at what Tokyo has to offer:
When arriving in Tokyo, you will either land at Narita International Airport or Haneda International Airport.
Narita Airport is usually thought of as the “gateway to Japan” for all international flights to and from the country and is located about 60km away from the center of Tokyo.
Haneda Airport is the largest airport in Japan and has recently undergone a major renovation making it one of the most hip and tourist-friendly airports in the world. The airport is located just minutes away from the center of Tokyo.
Here are some tips to help you avoid any hassles at the airport:
First, make sure you carefully fill out the immigration form that is given to you on the airplane. You will need it when you present your passport to Japanese immigration officers.
Next, when you come to the immigration lines, if you’re traveling alone, head to the foreign national visitors line. If traveling in a group, make sure you stick together and approach the immigration officer at the same time. Japanese immigration and customs officials are usually very nice and don’t hesitate to ask them questions in English if you’re having any trouble.
Once you pass through Immigration, follow the signs that lead you to the baggage claim carousels. If unsure where to go, as in airports in the US, simply check the monitors located in the baggage claim area and find your flight which will have a corresponding baggage claim carousel number.
Once you have your bags, you’re ready to head to the last step of the debarking process: customs. At this point, you will take your bags and and head to a customs official who will check your passport, the customs form you had filled out in the plane, and may ask you a number of questions about your visit. Be forthcoming and honest with all questions to avoid any problems. After he/she approves your documents, guess what, you are now officially in Japan! Welcome!
Now, let’s get into the bread and butter of Japanese transportation.
Getting from the airport to your hotel.
As previously stated, Japan has one of the best public transportation systems in the world. This is likely due to cleanliness and for always being on-time. You can almost always depend on the transportation in Tokyo to be efficient and on-schedule (unless there is an emergency). Here are your options for getting to your hotel from the airport.
*Check with your hotel to see if they offer a shuttle service. These are often free shuttles and can save you time on locating other means of transportation!
If unable to take a shuttle, here are your other options:
Haneda:
Train:
Keikyu Line: Haneda to Shinagawa Station (14 minutes / 410 yen)
Bus:
Airport Limousine Bus (to Tokyo City Air Terminal: 20-50 minutes / 820 yen)
Airport Limousine Bus (to Tokyo Station: 24-45 minutes / 930 yen)
Airport Limousine Bus (to Shinjuku Station: 35-75 minutes / 1,230 yen)
Airport Limousine Bus (to Kichijoji Station: 45-90 minutes / 1,230 yen)
Keihin-Kyuko Bus (to Tokyo Station: 55 minutes / 930 yen)
Keihin-Kyuko Bus (to Shibuya Station: 49 minutes / 1,030)
Car rental:
Warning: If you are planning to drive while you are here, you need either 1) an international driver’s license, 2) an international driving permit, or 3) a Japanese driver’s license. A US driver’s license is not sufficient.
Metropolitan Expressway Bay Shore route (Central Tokyo)
Metropolitan Expressway Route No. 1 Yokohane Line (Central Tokyo)
Metropolitan Expressway Kanagawa Route No. 1 (Yokohama)
Loop Road No. 8 to Route 357 (Tokyo)
*be mindful that the first three routes require expressway tolls.
Taxi:
Don’t take a taxi from the airport. It will be extremely expensive and not worth your money. We highly recommend you take a train or bus.
Uber:
Use the Uber application on your phone to locate a nearby Uber vehicle that can pick you up. Again, similar to taxis, it is not recommended you take an Uber due to the outrageous costs. Take a train or a bus!
Monorail:
Haneda to Hamamatsu-cho Station (19 minutes / 490 yen)
Narita:
Train:
Haneda Airport to Tokyo City Air Terminal (20-50 minutes / 830 yen)
Haneda Airport to Tokyo Station (25-45 minutes / 930 yen)
Haneda Airport to Shinjuku Station (35-75 minutes / 1,230 yen)
Haneda Airport to Kichijoji Station (45-90 minutes / 1,230 yen)
Bus:
Airport Limousine Bus:
Haneda Airport to Tokyo City Air Terminal (20-50 minutes / 830 yen)
Haneda Airport to Tokyo Station (25-45 minutes / 930 yen)
Haneda Airport to Shinjuku Station (35-75 minutes / 1,230 yen)
Haneda Airport to Kichijoji Station (45-90 minutes / 1,230 yen)
Keikyu Kyuko Bus:
Haneda Airport to Tokyo Station (55 minutes / 930 yen)
Haneda Airport to Shibuya Station (49 minutes  1,030 yen)
Taxi:
Don’t take a taxi from the airport. It will be extremely expensive and not worth your money. We highly recommend you take a train or bus.
Uber:
Use the Uber application on your phone to locate a nearby Uber vehicle that can pick you up. Again, similar to taxis, it is not recommended you take an Uber due to the outrageous costs. Take a train or a bus!
Other airport tips:
Use one of the various baggage delivery services located in the airport lobby. Companies such as JAL and KTC offer affordable services that will deliver your luggage to any location within the Tokyo area, and beyond! Deliveries are next day and you don’t have to worry about lugging your bags around the city after a long flight!
Commuter Passes
If traveling by train or bus, your best bet is to get a Pasmo or SUICA pass. These are similar to commuter passes in the US. You can use these cards on all buses, trains, and monorails in the Tokyo metropolitan area.
Getting a SUICA or Pasmo is as easy as 1-2-3!
First, find a ticket machine labeled “SUICA / Pasmo” located near the gates of any train station. Every machine has an English display menu that can be accessed by pressing the “English” button on the screen. Many machines have other language options such as Chinese and Korean. Follow the instructions on the screen and take your card once you have made your purchase. Congratulations! You can now easily get around Tokyo with the use of one card!
To recharge your card, simply find a machine, press English, and follow the  instructions on the screen. You can also charge your card on the buses or at the ticket gates of any train station (be mindful that during late hours there may not be an attendant at the ticket gates, so make sure you have enough on your card to pay for the train fare when traveling late at night).
Using public transportation
Tokyo is full of different options to travel around. Here is a list of what you can expect to find:
Trains: Tokyo has a variety of train lines to choose from. Depending on where you are staying, check apps such as Hyperdia.com for train schedules and specific routes.
You can also purchase Green Car (business class) tickets from machines on the platforms.
Coupon tickets can be purchased from major stations when traveling from fixed destinations and usually give you 11 tickets for the price of 10.
Children under the age of 11 are half price of adults. Children under the age of 5 can ride the train for free. You can purchase the tickets at the ticket machines or ask an attendant for assistance.
*There are a variety of great applications on your phone for Tokyo metro information.
(Accept SUICA / Pasmo / or cash)
Bullet Train (Shinkansen): Arguably what Japanese transportation is known for is the lightning fast trains that take you from one city to another in record times. Although they can be pricey, the bullet train is a must-do when coming to Japan. We recommend traveling to at least one other city while you are here (Kyoto or Osaka are great places for a first time trip to Japan). You can purchase your tickets at most major train stations in Tokyo. There are also Green Car (business class) and Gran Car (first class) tickets that can be purchased from machines or agents. (Accept cash or credit card, railway pass)
*TIP: Japan Railway Pass. If you are a foreigner coming to Japan, this pass allows you to travel using most trains and Shinkansen lines for a fixed price. Check out http://japanrailpass.net/en/index.html for details.
*TIP: If you are a university student or senior, you may be eligible for fare discounts. Check with the ticket agent at any major or local station to see what’s being offered.
Taxis: Taxis in Tokyo are similar to New York, meaning they are everywhere. You can find them in front of train stations, or simply hail one off of the street. Just wave your hand and an available cab should stop. (Tip: Most cab drivers do not speak English, so if you are not comfortable with your Japanese ability or have none at all, it’s best that you have the address of where you want to go written down on paper or readily available on your phone to show the driver. This will eliminate any confusion or getting lost in translation). (Accept CASH ONLY)
Ubers: Some hotels offer the Uber service and will call one for you at your request. You can also find Ubers on the Uber phone application for iPhone and Android and use it just as you would in the States. (Accept Credit Card)
Buses: Buses are another great way to get around the city. Best to ask your hotel which bus line to take to the area you are trying to get to. (Accept Pasmo / SUICA / cash)
Bicycles: Tokyo is one of most bicycle-friendly cities in the world. You can find bike rental shops near most train stations. (Accept cash or credit card)
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guideto2020-blog · 8 years ago
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Ways to Pay:  Cash, Credit Cards, and IC Cards
While visiting Japan, you will obviously have to pay for things and there are some pitfalls you should know about.  First, credit cards are not universally accepted.  The good news is that your foreign Visa card or Mastercard will work where accepted.  Hotels, supermarkets, convenience stores, and taxis will generally accept them.  But, most restaurants, bars, and small shops will not.  Also, check with your credit card company before you leave home to see if they charge international transaction fees for purchases in Japan.  For small purchases like a drink at a convenience store, these fees can be more than the purchase price as they are often a flat fee per transaction.
        Given that credit cards alone won’t get you through your trip, you will need to know how to get Japanese Yen.  This also can be tricky because most Japanese bank machines will not accept foreign cards.  Look for Seven Bank, Aeon Bank, or Citibank cash machines to use your foreign card.  Seven Bank machines are generally the easiest to find because they are located in all 7-11 convenience stores and many train stations.  7-11 stores are almost literally on every block in Tokyo but in some other parts of Japan they can be difficult to find.  Aeon Bank cash machines can be found in Aeon branded supermarkets and shopping centers.  These stores are fairly common in Tokyo and other parts of Japan but they can be a bit out of your way just to get some cash.  Citibank machines are generally only located in Citibank branches, the airports, and a few upscale shopping malls.  Citibank branches can be found near many of the largest train stations in Tokyo.
        Using the cash machines that will accept foreign cards is easy because you have the option of tapping “English” on the screen before you start.  Fees are also not terribly high and range from a little over 100 Yen to a little over 400 Yen depending on the bank, the amount you withdraw, and even the time of day.   The exchange rate using a machine will be a little better than you will get a currency exchange counter.  Many machines will allow you to take out any amount that is approved by your bank, however, some machines will limit transactions to 50,000 Yen or even as low as 30,000 Yen.
        It’s almost completely necessary to have some Yen before you leave the airport after arriving in Japan.  There are a few Citibank and Seven Bank cash machines in the airports but you likely won’t feel like looking for them after a long flight.  Currency exchange counters are almost impossible to miss after exiting the secured areas of Narita and Haneda airports.   If you aren’t able to get some Yen before leaving home, this may be the most convenient way to get your first Yen in Japan.  To get Yen from a currency counter, you will have to first fill out a form giving your name, address in Japan, and phone number in Japan.  For this reason and others, it is a good idea to have the address and phone number of your hotel in a handy place where you can easily retrieve it.  The forms are available in English and are located on a stand outside the currency counter.  Fill out the form before you get in line to exchange your currency.
        Another alternative to carrying a lot of cash or using a credit card is to get a rechargeable IC card and load cash on it.  We will cover these in the transportation section of this guide as well because they can be swiped to get on any train in Tokyo which is much more convenient than buying a paper ticket for a particular route every time you use the metro.  But, trains are not the only thing you can pay for with an IC card.  They can be swiped at supermarkets, convenience stores, and even vending machines that display their trademarks.  Either the Suica or Pasmo IC card will work fine in Tokyo.  They can be purchased at kiosks in train stations in various amounts up to 10,000 Yen.  Whatever price you select, 500 Yen is deducted as a deposit for the card and the rest is available for you to use.  The card can then be recharged at ticket machines that have the Suica and Pasmo trademarks on them.  You can choose “English” before beginning your transaction on these machines as well.  You will have to provide your identifying information to purchase the card and this will be recorded and connected to your particular card.  This means you can report your card missing or stolen at a ticket window and have a good chance of getting it back.  If you don’t get a lost card back, however, you cannot get a refund of the money that was on it.  When you are finished with your IC card, you can return it for a refund of your deposit as well as any remaining balance.  Keep in mind, that you will still need cash at many businesses so don’t rely completely on an IC card.  
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guideto2020-blog · 8 years ago
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Hey Everyone!
We’ve started this blog here to help any and all Tokyo Olympic go-ers with:
Hotels Etc: The very first thing you need to get set before you come to our fair city is a place to stay! We’ll be comparing safe, cheap hotels/air bnb’s as well as showing you which area’s to stay in based on your interests and Olympic routes!
Transportation: Getting around Tokyo in general, the best and cheapest ways to travel, and where to go exactly, specifically tailored to the 2020 Olympics
Food: You’re in Tokyo, so it’s basically illegal to not try the amazing food while you’re here! We’ll be showing you cheap eats, home-away-from-home style food, traditional Japanese style food and more!
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