Tokyo is GMT + 9hours
All of Japan is in the same time zone. No Daylight Saving Time is practiced in Japan.
Tokyo is a culture like no other with a unique appearance, a particular etiquette and a written language that is difficult for many visitors to master. This makes it all the more fascinating and to ease your way through that discovery our concierge is always there to help. Meanwhile here are some facts and information that will be useful to you on your visit.
Language
There is only one official language spoken in Japan, which is of course Japanese. However many Japanese understand a certain level of English.
Currency
The Japanese Currency is the yen. It appears in the following denominations:
1, 5, 10, 50, 100, 500, 1,000, 2,000, 5,000, 10,000
Travellers’ cheques are only exchanged at places displaying Authorised Foreign Exchange, predominantly banks, hotels and a few major department stores. A passport is required for all transactions. Travelers cheques are not accepted in other stores and it may be difficult to exchange in rural areas.
Mobile Phones
Japan adopts a different communications network system from the rest of the world, and unless you have a 3G phone, your own mobile will not work during your stay. Please check your mobile carrier’s roaming service in Japan in advance.
Should you require an accessible mobile phone during your stay we would be delighted to arrange one for you on arrival at the hotel. However as there is limited availability, prior request would be greatly appreciated. If you would also like a facsimile or a printer in your room please advise us at the same time. For bookings, please contact motyo-bc@mohg.com.
Electrical Standard
100 volts, A.C 50 cycles 50 Hertz
Multi-adaptor and transformers are available from Housekeeping.
Shopping Hours
Normal shopping hours are as follows.
- Monday to Friday: 10:00 - 19:30
- Saturday: 10:00 - 19:30
- Sunday: Most shops are closed except for major department stores.
- Department stores are open 10am to approximately 19:30 every day, although they do close for 2 or 3 days a month.
Banking Hours including Post Offices
Major banks are open from 9:00 to 15:00 Monday to Friday and closed Saturday and Sunday.
Local Facilities
City Centre Nihonbashi, home to the Tokyo Stock Exchange and The Bank of Japan are in the immediate vicinity of the hotel.
Shopping
Mitsukoshi department store is right next door to the hotel, otherwise there are numerous shops in the surrounding Nihonbashi area. Ginza, the high class fashion area is a 20 minute walk or 5 minute subway ride.
Hospital, 24hrs Clinic
Tokyo Medical and Dental University Hospital Faculty of Dentistry is a large hospital with advanced facilities. Approximately 3km, 10-15 minutes by taxi.
St. Luke’s International Hospital provides English speaking doctors and is the nearest facility, approximately 2km, 10 minutes by taxi.
Banking
There is an ATM machine within the Post Office right in the Mitsui building, the location of our hotel. Foreign credit cards can be used at ATMs in Post Offices but not in other ATMs, including most banks.
Many Post offices provide an ATM service; where it is available they display stickers indicating which cards are accepted. Otherwise, Citibank offers 7day/24h ATM service, accepts foreign cards and for Citibank (or associate) card holders is free. However they are not as numerous as post offices.
Service hours for ATMs at post offices vary depending on the location, but in general they can be used: Monday to Friday: 07:00 to 23:00 Saturday, Sunday and national holidays: 09:00 to 17:00. They are closed: January 1-3.
The nearest facility is the Post Office in Mitsui Building
Monday – Friday: 9:00 – 18:00
Saturday: 9:00 – 12:30
Sunday and holidays: closed
Citi Bank Ohtemachi Branch
Staffed Hours: 09:00 - 15:00
ATM 24 hours
Approximately 1.5km
Citi Bank Ginza Branch
Staffed Hours: 09:00 - 15:00
ATM 24 hours
Approximately 2.5km
Tips on Tipping
It is not necessary to tip staff, even in restaurants as a service charge is always included in the final bill. This is usually 10% of the total.
Public Holidays
| Public Holidays | Date |
|---|---|
| New Year’s Day | 1 January 2008 |
| Coming of Age Day | 14 January 2008 |
| National Foundation Day | 11 February 2008 |
| Vernal Equinox Day | 20 March 2008 |
| Showa Day | 29 April 2008 |
| Constitution Memorial Day | 3 May 2008 |
| Greenery Day | 4 May 2008 |
| Children Day | 5 May 2008 |
| National Holiday | 6 May 2008 |
| Marine Day | 21 July 2008 |
| Respect for the Aged Day | 15 September 2008 |
| Autumnal Equinox Day | 23 September 2008 |
| Health and Sports Day | 13 October 2008 |
| National Cultural Day | 3 November 2008 |
| Labor Thanksgiving Day | 23 November 2008 |
| National Holiday | 24 November 2008 |
| Emperor's Birthday | 23 November 2008 |