Money in Japan
Currency exchange
- The official currency used in Japan is Japanese Yen (¥). To avoid long lines for exchanging cash at the airport, we suggest exchanging cash in your home country first, and carrying surplus cash in your home currency in case you need to exchange more of it in Japan.
Checklist
- Can your card be used in Japan? Inform your bank of your trip abroad in advance to avoid having your credit card being declined and blocked due to ‘abnormal’ international transactions.
- Find out in advance about currency exchange rates, fees and your card limit.
- Memorize your 4-digit PIN.
Credit card vs cash
- In Japan, cash is still king, however, during your trip you may find that conbini (convenience stores in Japanese), brand-name stores and restaurants accept payment by international credit/ debit cards. Nevertheless, we do recommend carrying ample cash with you, especially if you are venturing into the more countryside areas of Japan.
Where and how to withdraw cash
- You can withdraw cash using your bank card/credit card at ATMs located at Japan Post, Aeon Bank, 24-hour conbini (Seven Eleven, Lawson, FamilyMart) and standalone Seven Eleven ATMs, where the services are available in English.
Insurance & Emergency
Insurance
- Having travel insurance is highly recommended as it protects you in case of situations such as delayed/lost baggage, accidents and emergencies, which includes your medical care and, if necessary, your return transportation.
Emergency
- 119 (Fire department) Emergency call and fire
- 110 (Police) Car accident, crime
Natural disasters
- Japan is a safe country to travel to, but earthquakes, typhoons or volcanic eruptions may occur. For more information on how to behave in case of emergency, please see the respective links.
Doctor’s visit & medicine
- Everything useful for visiting a doctor in Japan and many helpful tips (clinic search etc.) can be found here.
- In case you require medication, we advise getting it in advance, in your home country. Medicine in Japan is often different in dosages and composition and may not work effectively for you. For more information see this medicine guide.
Police
- There are small police booths labeled koban (交番) in many corners of Japan. Police officers are present and always happy to help in all situations, from needing directions to looking for lost items or even needing to borrow emergency money.
The Weather
- January/February Cold and snowy, especially in Shirakawago and Takayama, where heavy snowfall creates beautiful winter landscapes. Kanazawa, while coastal, also experiences snow but with occasional clear days.
- March Early signs of spring in Kanazawa, but Takayama and Shirakawago remain cold with lingering snow. Cherry blossoms in Kanazawa typically start late March, while higher-altitude areas see them later.
- April Cherry blossoms reach full bloom in Kanazawa in early April, making it a peak tourist season. In Shirakawago and Takayama, cherry blossoms bloom later in the month due to colder temperatures.
- May Peak travel season due to Golden Week (combination of 4 public holidays spread over 1.5 weeks). Pleasant weather with lush greenery replacing snow in Shirakawago and Takayama.
- June June marks the beginning of Japan’s rainy season
- July The rainy season ends and the hot, humid summer rolls in. Takayama and Shirakawago remain slightly cooler due to their altitude but can still be warm during the day.
- August Hot and humid, with occasional thunderstorms in the mountains. Kanazawa experiences high humidity, while Takayama and Shirakawago offer slightly cooler evenings. The Obon festival makes mid-August a busy travel period.
- September Still warm, but temperatures gradually cool. A good time for hiking in the Japanese Alps, as the heat subsides and the first hints of autumn appear in the mountains.
- October Comfortable temperatures with the start of autumn foliage season in Takayama and Shirakawago by mid-October. Kanazawa also sees pleasant weather, making it a great time for sightseeing.
- November Peak autumn foliage season, with stunning red and gold leaves in Kanazawa, Takayama, and Shirakawago. Cool and dry weather makes it a perfect time to explore the outdoors.
- December Temperatures drop, and the first snowfalls begin in Takayama and Shirakawago, turning them into winter wonderlands. Kanazawa also cools down, with occasional snow but not as heavy as in the mountains.
Food & Restaurants
How to behave in restaurants
- After being seated and before ordering your food, you are served with complimentary water or tea, along with a towel to clean your hands. In some restaurants water is self-service. In this case, there will be a water station, where you can pick up a glass and fill it yourself.
- Sumimasen, which means “Excuse me”, is the word you use, when you want to get the server’s attention. Alternatively, some restaurants have a button at the table, which you can press to get the waiter/waitress’ attention.
- Payment is often done at the cash register on the way out: your bill will either be placed on your table or you can request it from your server.
- Important: Do not tip! Although the intention is good, tipping is not customary in Japan. This action is considered impolite.
- Some useful phrases when leaving the restaurant: Gochisou-sama deshita = “Thank you for the meal” or Arigato gozaimasu = “Thank you”
Table manners
- Chopsticks must never be placed upright in your bowl of rice nor should you pass food around with them (this action mirrors rituals performed at funerals).
- Blowing your nose at the table is also considered rude. Slurping your soup, on the other hand, is polite as it shows you are enjoying the meal.
- If you purchase food at a food stall, avoid eating while walking. Food is seen as something, which should be enjoyed to the fullest and walking while eating gives the impression that you are wolfing it down.
Restaurant recommendations for Kanazawa
- Here are some restaurants which our team has tried themselves or places that have been recommended by trusted foodies:
How to get around Kanazawa
- While Kanazawa is a walkable city, there are also some other transportation options Please note that the buses mainly accept cash for payment. IC cards like Suice, Pasmo or Icoca are only valid on selected routes. More details on how to use the buses can be found here.
- If you would like to explore Kanazawa on foot: map of the city centre.
- Taxis are available too. You may hail them on the roadside, ask the hotel receptionist to call one for you or book a ride through the GO App.
Luggage Storage and Transfer
Coin lockers
- Kanazawa Station is equipped with lockers of various sizes. The largest locker normally has the following dimensions: 1030 x 340 x 570 cm (HxWxD). The daily fee for such a locker is around 600 ¥ and is valid until the last train of the day (note: not 24 hours from the start of payment!). If the rental period is exceeded, another 600 ¥ need to be paid for the next day. Payment is made either at a coin slot directly at the locker or via a central electronic payment terminal.
- Please note that the number of lockers is limited and eventually all lockers could be occupied.
Drop off luggage before check-in
- In most accommodations in Japan you can leave your luggage before check-in, for no extra charge.
Sending your luggage to the next hotel
- Many accommodations offer their help with shipping luggage to the next hotel. For this purpose, the suitcases to be shipped must usually be handed in at the reception the day before, so that they can be picked up on time.
- The luggage ideally arrives on the next day, but depending on weather conditions and location of the hotels, this can take up to two days.
- The payment is always made in cash at the reception, if the hotel takes care of the organization. For this, you should have the address of the next hotel ready, as well as your arrival and departure dates.
- The price varies depending on size and weight – expect a starting price of about 2,000 ¥ per suitcase.
- Apart from hotel receptions you can also use the Yamato Delivery Office at Kanazawa Station to send your luggage to the next destination or even the departure airport.
Onsen Culture
- Tattoos are forbidden in most hot springs, as these are associated with the yakuza (Japanese mafia). Therefore, tattoos should be covered ahead of time with band aids. Here is a link to a few tattoo-friendly onsen.
- Onsen should not be visited if you have consumed alcohol, since alcohol consumption, combined with soaking in high temperatures, can be dangerous.
- Taking photos is prohibited in both the changing room and bath areas.
- Jewelry should be taken off in advance, as many natural onsen can lead to the discoloration of metals.
- After bathing, drink lots of water to protect yourself from dehydration. Japanese people love to drink cold milk after a relaxing onsen visit. There are vending machines located within onsen that sell these beverages.
Smoking in Japan
- Smoking in public is strictly prohibited in Japan, but there are designated smoking areas. These are usually located in larger places such as the Shibuya intersection in Tokyo, in front of conbinis (24-hour stores) and at major train stations, and can be found via the app „Public Ashtray Finder“ (for IOS and Android) or via Google Maps, using search terms such as „smoking area“ or „smoking spot“. In Japan, it is also frowned upon to drop a cigarette butt or ash on the ground. Portable ashtrays are used instead. Smoking outside designated areas is punishable with a fine. The amount varies depending on the city.
- With a few exceptions, such as the Tokaido or Sanyo Shinkansen, smoking is strictly prohibited on all public transportation.
However, at many stations you will find designated smoking rooms or areas. - From April 2020, a new smoking law came into force that bans smoking indoors. Some private residences, hotel rooms, cigar bars and some small restaurants and bars opened before April 2020 are exempt, but this is not the norm.
Many hotels offer non-smoking and smoking rooms, but the number of completely smoke-free accommodations is increasing. - Useful terms
喫煙所 kitsuenjo – Smoking area
喫煙室 kitsuenshitsu – Smoking room
喫煙可 kitsuenka – Smoking allowed
Additional Information
- Time difference
When traveling to Japan, you will most likely find yourself in a different time zone from your home country. Make sure to calculate the time difference ahead of your travels. - Shopping
When trying on clothes, shoes must be taken off and, if you are wearing makeup, a face cover must be used. There are vending machines everywhere for affordable drinks, both hot and cold (cold drinks will have a blue label button while hot drinks will have a red label button).) - Ryokan
Shoes should be taken off before entering a ryokan (traditional Japanese inn). You will find an area for shoes behind the entrance door.
Tatami rooms (traditional straw mat flooring) should only be entered wearing socks.
Bathrooms will usually have slippers placed in them – only wear these in the bathroom! - Supply voltage
Plug sockets are type A (as in most of North America). The voltage in Japan is 100 V, which can cause problems if your own country has a different voltage, e.g. less power or damage to the device.
The frequency in Japan is 50 or 60 hz, depending on the region, so make sure that your equipment can handle both frequencies.
USB plugs for cell phones etc. are recommended. They can be purchased locally in any convenience store or electronics store.