Money

You will get the best exchange rate for your money if you purchase yen upon arrival into Japan using your American ATM card at a Citibank ATM in Japan. We also recommend Citibank, because you will have no problem using a foreign ATM card at Citibank. And, unlike other ATM's in Japan (those run by Japanese Banks), which usually close at 6 p.m. weekdays, 2 p.m. weekends, Citibank ATM's are open 24 hours. Citibank operates ATM machines at Narita airport, Haneda airport, Nagoya, Fukuoka, and Chitose (Sapporo) Airports, as well as at numerous locations around Tokyo and in other parts of Japan. For more information: www.citibank.co.jp (Click on "English”)

Getting from Narita or Kansai Airport to downtown

If you have a Japan Rail Pass, your pass covers the cost of the Narita and Kansai Express trains. Simply go directly to the JR station located at the airport, validate your pass, and proceed to your destination.

If you do not have a Japan Rail Pass, convenient limousine buses are available for less than $30 one way. These motor coaches will transport you and your luggage directly to most hotels in Tokyo from Narita Airport or Osaka from Kansai Airport. Buses are also available from Kansai to the main railway station in Kyoto. You can then take a short ride taxi from Kyoto station to your Kyoto hotel. The limousine bus kiosks are easily identifiable with English signage on the arrival floors of Narita Airport Terminals 1 & 2 and Kansai Airport.

WE do not recommend taking a taxi from Narita Airport to downtown Tokyo. This is a two-hour ride and can easily cost more than $200 USA.

Tipping

You don’t need to tip cab drivers, porters, or waiters. In more upscale establishments, a service charge will be added to your bill. You can, however, tip your the Head Maid at a Ryokan (Japanese-style inn), especially if special requests are made. Present the Head Maid with an envelope containing approximately 5,000 yen in cash at the beginning of your stay.

Taking off your shoes

Shoes are considered dirty in Japan, and you will take them off when you enter most private inside spaces. Whenever there is a step up, especially on "tatami" (straw mats), take off your shoes. Many restaurants and temples will provide a shoe cupboard for you to place your shoes into. When using the toilet in a place where you have already taken off your shoes, there will be special restroom slippers for you to put on inside the facility area only. These slippers are to be left in the toilet when you are finished. Do not wear these slippers out of the restroom into the common area.

Blowing Your Nose

Blowing your nose in public places such as restaurants, theatres and on a group tour is considered rude. So try to sniffle until you get to a restroom.

Bath

There are many rules to remember when taking a bath. Most importantly, go into the bath without your clothes on (no swimsuit!) and always wash yourself first thoroughly before going to the hot-tub bath “ofuro”. There are separate facilities for men and women. Do not swim in “ofuro” even it’s big as swimming pool.