Page 160 - (DK Eyewitness) Travel Guide - Tokyo

158  SUR VIV AL GUIDE

Public Conveniences
Toilets in Japan range from
basic to highly sophisticated.
Japanese-style toilets are simple
troughs over which one squats,
facing the end with the hood.
Many public places, including
trains, have both traditional and
western-style facilities. Toilet
paper and hand towels may
not be provided, so it is wise
to carry some tissues with you.
Modern toilets may have a
panel that, when pressed, plays
a tune or produces a flushing
sound to discreetly mask natural Visitors strolling through a tree-lined path in Yoyogi Park
noises. They may also have
heated seats, automatic seat services and nurseries, while at a discount with their regular
covers, bidets, and hot-air- traditional inns, a maid may be student identity cards, or
drying facilities. For protocol willing to babysit. simply with a verbal claim
on toilet slippers, see page 161. Many theme parks and to being a student.
At many train stations, it is museums are great fun for kids, The general safety of the
not possible to use the toilets but some temples and galleries country makes Japan a popular
unless you have first paid for may have age restrictions. At choice among senior travelers.
your ticket and passed through most attractions, children get People aged 60 and above
the ticket barrier. For those in reduced rates, which are typically often receive discounts on
need, public toilet facilities half the adult price. Children admission fees. However, not
can usually be found in major under 6 can ride for free on buses many facilities are adapted to
stores, fast-food outlets, and and trains; those aged 6 to 11, pay support the needs of those
in quieter neighborhoods’ half-fare. It is unwise to travel on with mobility issues (see also
convenience stores. rush-hour trains with small Travelers with Disabilities).
children. Care should be taken
with little ones in hot onsen pools.
Travelers with If your children are curious Gay and Lesbian
Disabilities about their forthcoming trip Travelers
Facilities for the disabled in to Japan, Kids Web Japan is full Same-sex couples traveling
Tokyo are of mixed quality: of child-friendly informa tion around Japan are unlikely to
the visually impaired are well about the country. encounter many problems.
provided for, but people in Open displays of affection
wheelchairs may face problems Student and Senior may be frowned upon by
with subway and train stations some Japanese, but attitudes
and pedestrian overpasses, Travelers are broader in Tokyo, which
which often have no escalators Upon presentation of an has an active gay scene and
or elevators. However, barrier- International Student Identity a small but lively gay quarter
free access and universal Card or ISIC (www.isic.org), (see p153), though even this
design are slowly becoming students can enjoy reductions only really comes out at night.
implemented, so the situation of up to 50 percent at a number Magnet Tours is a gay-owned
is improving. Most modern of locations in Tokyo, including tour operator specializing in
buildings have excellent toilet major museums, a couple of gay vacations. For more
facilities. For detailed informa- hotels and ferries, and some information on the local gay
tion on disabled facilities, eateries, such as the Hard Rock and lesbian scene, visit the
contact Accessible Tokyo. Café. At several other places Utopia Asia website.
that do not formally recognize
the ISIC, students may receive
Travelers with Children Time and the Calendar
Children are welcome in most Tokyo is 9 hours ahead of
places, including restaurants, Greenwich Mean Time and
and parents need have few 14 hours ahead of US Eastern
worries about their offspring’s Standard Time. There is no
safety. Discreet breastfeeding in daylight-saving time: when
public is accepted, and baby countries that use daylight-
food, formula, and disposable saving time switch to summer
diapers are easily obtainable. Top International Student Identity Card (ISIC), time, the time difference is
hotels usually offer babysitting great for discounts an hour less.

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