Page 158 - (DK Eyewitness) Travel Guide - Tokyo
P. 158
156 SUR VIV AL GUIDE
PRACTICAL INFORMATION
Tokyo is much easier for foreign visitors transportation, accommodations,
to negotiate than is generally believed. sightseeing) is highly developed. Where
Being unable to speak or read Japanese is problems can arise for visitors is in the
rarely a serious problem in the city, since surprising clashes in Tokyo’s unique East–
many everyday signs at tourist attractions West culture – for instance, the contrast
and in major suburbs are displayed in between the ease with which even tourists
Roman script as well as in Japanese can get around on the efficient rail network
characters. English-speaking locals are compared with the difficulty everyone,
generally quick to offer assistance, and including the Japanese, has with locating
the infrastructure for tourism (public an address in the city (see p171).
When to Go
The best times to visit Tokyo
are spring (April–May) and fall
(October–November). July and
August tend to be hot and humid.
The rainy season runs from early
June to midJuly, while typhoon
season, which may bring heavy
rainfall and strong winds, peaks
in August and September.
Tokyo hosts many festivals
throughout the year (see pp30–33).
Cherryblossom season (usually
late March to early April) draws
large crowds to the parks. Peak
vacation periods for the Japanese
are New Year (December 29–
January 3/4), Golden Week (April Picnics in Tokyo’s Ueno Park at cherry-blossom time
29–May 5), the period around
Obon (the Buddhist Festival of Items may be expensive, but Visitors with only a valid passport;
the Dead; midAugust), and Silver ¥100 stores, found in the larger no visa is needed. US journalists
Week (midSeptember, approxi neighbor hoods, sell a vast range are an exception and must always
mately every six years). At these of goods. Note that clothes and obtain a visa before traveling to
times, flights and accommoda shoes may be available only in Tokyo on business. Temporary
tions fill up fast. However, the smaller sizes. Visitors are not allowed to
only big shutdown of tourist undertake paid employment.
attractions occurs at New Year. Citizens of some countries,
Visas and Passports
including the UK, may extend
Citizens of most Western countries their Temporary Visitor by up to
What to Bring
may enter Tokyo for short visits a further 90 days at the Tokyo
Keep luggage to a minimum. (up to 90 days) as Temporary Regional Immigration Bureau
Train stations often have many at least 10 days before the
steps and no porters. original expiration date.
Modern buildings tend to be If you wish to under take paid
overheated in winter and over or voluntary work or longterm
cooled in summer, so take clothes study in Tokyo, you must obtain
that you can layer. Casual clothing a visa from a Japanese embassy
is acceptable everywhere, even before traveling. Foreigners who
in smart restaurants. Footwear stay in Tokyo for more than 90
often has to be removed when days must also apply for a Zairyu
entering tourist attractions, so (Resident) Card at the regional
wear shoes that can be easily immigration office within
slipped on and off. 90 days of arrival in Japan.
During rainy and typhoon This card, or your passport, must
seasons an umbrella is a must; be carried at all times – not doing
they are available at convenience so can occasionally lead to arrest.
stores (konbini). Almost anything A colorful display of practical and souvenir Visa holders who want to leave
you need can be bought in Tokyo. fans for sale the country and return within the
A bullet train speeding past Mt. Fuji
156-157_EW_Tokyo.indd 156 12/09/16 11:28 am
