Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Dos & Don'ts
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Relax. Japan is famous for its hair-splitting etiquette rules, but foreign tourists are given a
pass for just about everything.
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Pack light. Tokyo hotel rooms tend to be tiny, leaving little room for a big suitcase.
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Dress smart if you want to blend in, although for all but the fanciest restaurants, casual
clothes are fine.
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Wear shoes you can slip on and off easily, as many ryokan and restaurants still ask you to
leave your shoes at the door.
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Refrain from eating on the subway or while walking down the street - it's considered im-
polite.
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Get in line. The Japanese are famous for forming neat, orderly lines for everything.
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Stand to the left on the escalator.
Tourist Information
Top Tip
Tourist information centres at both terminals at Narita Airport and at
the international terminal at Haneda Airport have English-speaking staff
who can help you get orientated.
mon, Taitō-ku;
9am-8pm;
Ginza Line to Asakusa, exit 2)
English speaking staff, plus
maps and brochures.
Shin-Tokyo Bldg, 3-3-1 Marunouchi, Chiyoda-ku; 9am-5pm; JR Yamanote Line to Yūrakuchō,
Tokyo International Forum exit)
Run by the Japan National Tourism Organisation
(JNTO), with knowledgeable, English-speaking staff and brochures.
dex.html
; 1st fl, Tokyo Metropolitan Government Bldg 1, 2-8-1 Nishi-Shinjuku, Shinjuku-ku;
9.30am-6.30pm; Ōedo Line to Tochōmae, exit A4)
Run by the municipal government, with
lots of English language maps and brochures. There's also a branch at the en-
trance to Keisei Ueno Station.
