Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Tipping
›
Tipping is not standard practice in Japan; however, a service charge (10%) will
be added to the bill at upper-end restaurants.
Money-Saving Tips
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Many of Tokyo's more expensive restaurants are comparatively reasonable at lunch;
you'll get better value if you splurge at midday.
›
Stock up on sundries (and even food and souvenirs) at ¥100 stores. Look for colour-
ful signs proclaiming '¥100'.
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After 5pm, grocery stores, bakeries and even department store food halls slash
prices on
bentō
(a boxed lunch, usually of rice with a main dish and pickles or salad),
baked goods and sushi - an inexpensive dinner-to-go made easy.
Public Holidays
Top Tip
When a public holiday falls on a Sunday, the following Monday is
taken as a holiday. If a business remains open on a holiday - often the case
with museums - then it will usually close the next day.
New Year's Day
1 January
Coming-of-Age Day
Second Monday in January
National Foundation Day
11 February
Spring Equinox
21 March
Shōwa Emperor's Day
29 April
Constitution Day
3 May
Green Day
4 May
Children's Day
5 May
Marine Day
Third Monday in July
