Local Insights
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Tokyo passes as an ultra-modern city, but the Japanese capital also has strong ties with tradition. In fact, these two factors combined make it an amazing and unique metropolis.
Getting there
Tokyo's international airport, Narita (http://www.narita-airport.jp/en/index.html), makes life easy for travellers, as most airlines, including almost all of the world's major carriers, are grouped together according to an alliance. Star Alliance and OneWorld both operate out of Terminal Two and Skyteam is based in Terminal One. Haneda Airport (http://www.tokyo-airport-bldg.co.jp/fl/english/), Tokyo's other air hub, is almost entirely limited to domestic traffic.
Weather
Spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November) are the best times to visit Japan as the weather is balmy. June is the "tsuyu" or rainy season and summer is especially hot and humid, with temperatures in the high 30s.
Important Number
| Ambulance | 119 |
| Fire | 119 |
| Police | 110 |
Transportation/Getting Around
| Taxi |
Metro |
Train |
Car Hire | |
| Hotlines | Taxis are expensive, and as liable to traffic jams as any other vehicle. Carry your destination written in Japanese as Tokyo taxi drivers don't speak much English. 81 04 7634 8755 |
13 metro lines run through Tokyo, and the subway system is great for getting to areas inside the Yamanote line. 81 03 3941 2004 www.tokyometro.jp |
The most foreigner-friendly mode of transportation in the city, whether it is JR, private inner-city subway lines or private suburban lines. 81 03 3423 0111 |
Although Nippon Rent-a-Car is the largest dealer, the best place to rent from is Hertz (81 01 2048 9882), as they have English speakers on hand. www.hertz.com |
| Fare range/ destinations |
Rates start at JPY710 per 2 km, but after 11.00 pm the cost is per 1.5 km. |
Fares begin at JPY160. |
Fares start at JPY130. Frequent travellers would do well to buy an Orange Card for JPY1,000 or JPY3,000. |
Fares for small cars typically start from JPY9,000 a day. |
| Operating hours | 24 hours |
5.30 am - 1.00 am |
5.00 am - midnight |
9.00 am - 6.00 or 7.00 pm |
| Bus |
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| Hotlines | There is an extensive and efficient bus network in Tokyo, but signage is in Japanese so it can be confusing for foreigners. www.jrbuskanto.co.jp/mn/ceindex.cfm |
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| Fare range/ destinations |
Flat rate of JPY200. Passengers usually pay on entry. |
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| Operating hours | 6.00 am – 9.00 pm |
Note: The local currency is the Japanese Yen.
Local Language
Learn more about local language from below.
| English | Local language |
| Hello | Konnichiwa |
| Good morning | Ohayou-gozaimasu |
| How do you do? | Hajimemashite? |
| I'm glad to see you | Oai-deki-te ureshii-desu |
| Thank you | Arigatou-gozaimasu |
| You're welcome | Dou-itashimashite |
| Excuse me | Gomen-nasai |
| Never mind | Ki-ni shinaide |
| What do you do? | O-shigoto wan nan-desu-ka? |
| Do you speak English? | Eigo wa hanashi-masu-ka? |
| I'm from... | Watashi wa... shussin desu |
| May I ask your name? | O-namae wo kite-mo iidesu-ka? |
| My name is... | Watashi no namae wa... desu |
| Goodbye | Sayounara |
| Please | Dozo |
| Yes | Hai |
| No | Iie |
| I don't understand | Wakarimasen |
| Where is the toilet? | Toire wa doko desu-ka? |
| Help! | Tasukete! |
| I can't speak Japanese well | Nihongo hanasemasen |
Business and Finance
Japan's industrialised, free-market economy is still one of the world's largest. Recent cost-cutting by Japanese exporters has led to a rise in business profits, and the threat of deflation has lessened considerably. Most importantly, Japan's banks have largely rid themselves of bad loans, and Japan Post, the country's biggest bank, is in the throes of privatisation, while the Nikkei stock index continues to perform positively.
The above information is for reference only. They may be provided to HSBC by other persons or compiled by HSBC from information and materials provided by other persons. HSBC does not warrant the truth, reliability, accuracy or adequacy of the above information and HSBC assumes no liability for any reliance on them by you or any other persons. Please contact the relevant merchant, company or organisation for further details
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