Local Informaiton

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.

Time Zone
Tokyo is GMT + 9hours
All of Japan is in the same time zone. No Daylight Saving Time is practiced in Japan.

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.

Electrical Standard
100 volts, A.C 50 cycles 50 Hertz

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.

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.

Local Attractions:

The area around the Conrad Tokyo is a strategic point of commerce, business and entertainment and is conveniently connected with the Metropolitan Expressway that leads to the Rainbow Bridge, Tokyo International Forum, Tokyo Big Site and Tsukiji Fish Market.

A short walk from the Conrad Tokyo, the Hamarikyu Gardens offer a relaxing and peaceful atmosphere where the Tsukiji Fish Market is a hive of activity.

Hamarikyu Garden
Once the garden of a feudal lord's residence during the Edo Period, Hamarikyu is one of Tokyo's most attractive landscaped gardens, with seawater ponds which change their water level with the tides, former duck hunting grounds, forested areas and a teahouse. The garden is opposite the Conrad Tokyo.

Tsukiji Fish Market
A large wholesale market for fish, fruit and vegetables in central Tokyo, Tsukiji Fish Market is best known as one of the world's largest fish markets, handling over 2,000 tons of marine products each day. The market is closed on Sundays, holidays and certain other days and lies within walking distance of the hotel.

Tokyo Tower
Since its opening in 1958, the 333-metre Tokyo Tower has played an important role as a TV tower and observatory from which visitors can enjoy spectacular views of Tokyo's impressive skyscrapers and, on especially fine days, Mount Fuji.

Imperial Palace
Located on the former site of Edo Castle in the centre of Tokyo, the Imperial Palace includes a tea pavilion, a Japanese garden, moats and stonewalls, and is the residence of Japan's Imperial Family. The Double Bridge at the main gate of the Palace is a popular site for photographs. The Imperial Palace is a 10-minute walk from Tokyo Station.

Asakusa
Asakusa is a central part of downtown, the old town of Tokyo. When approaching the Sensoji, Tokyo's oldest temple, visitors first enter through the Kaminarimon, one of the most popular sights of traditional Tokyo. Typical Japanese souvenirs such as folding fans and various local sweets are sold along a nearby shopping street called Nakamise.

A fascinating choice of live entertainment also lies within walking distance of the Conrad Tokyo. Kabuki-za offers traditional Japanese theatrical art while the Sumo Museum and Sake Plaza offer deeper insights into Japanese culture.

Tokyo Tower, the Imperial Palace, and Asakusa are examples of incomparable Tokyo attractions, all within easy access of the Conrad Tokyo.

Kabuki-za
Located in Ginza, Kabuki-za is home to Japan's most celebrated traditional stage art. Matinee and evening shows lasting between three and five hours and divided into three or four acts are performed on most days of the year. Tickets can be purchased for either a whole show or just a single act, and English earphone guides that provide full translation are available.

Sumo Museum
The Sumo Museum houses a wide range of materials relating to the history of sumo, from woodblock prints and banzuke (official listings of rank) to the ceremonial aprons worn by the great rikishi of the past. These items are displayed in themed exhibitions six times a year. The museum also functions as a research centre, continuously studying and reviewing sumo history as an integral part of Japanese culture.

Sake Plaza
Sake Plaza is the perfect place to learn about the world-famous Japanese sake with around 1,000 varieties on show, five of which are available for tasting.