General Information

Time Differences

There is no time difference in Japan.
The time differences between Japan and major cities in Asia are as follows.

Seoul	0hour
Beijing	-1hour
Hong Kong	-1hour
Kuala Lumpur	-1hour
Manila	-1hour
Singapore	-1hour
Taipei	-1hour
Bangkok	-2hours
Ho Chi Minh	-2hours
Jakarta	-2hours
Delhi	-3.5hours

Electricity

The electrical current is 100 volts AC, 50 cycles in Tokyo and eastern Japan and 60 cycles in western Japan including Kobe.
Two flat parallel prong plugs are commonly used in Japan.

Common Japanese plug and outlet

Currency

Japanese yen(JPY) is used throughout the country. Foreign currencies are generally not accepted outside of the major international airports.
You can exchange foreign currency to Japanese yen at the airports, most major banks and authorized money exchangers.

Credit Cards

Most credit cards, such as American Express, Visa, Mastercard and Diners Club, are accepted at all major hotels, restaurants, department stores and supermarkets in big cities. However, we would recommend you carry some cash in JPY during your stay because only cash is accepted at smaller restaurants, shops and tourist facilities especially in small cities and towns.

Tipping

Tipping is not customary in Japan. At hotels and major restaurants a 10-15% service charge will be added.