Formal Name: Tokyo Metropolis

Region: Kanto

Island: Honshu

Country: Japan

Language: Japanese

Visas: Most visitors will require a passport valid for a further 6 months from travel, as well as a return ticket. A tourist visa is generally not necessary. Note that unless you leave from Narita Airport, a departure tax of 2040 JPY will be required.

Outlets: Two flat blades

Voltage: 100 V, 50 Hz

Size: 2,187.08 square km

Population: 12,790,000 people

Population Density: 5,840 people per square km

Currency: Japanese Yen

Banking: ATMs are widely available in Tokyo, and many of them accept major foreign bank cards. Please keep in mind that some people find it difficult to find a machine that will accept their cards, so when you find one you may want to stock up on cash. However, major banks are happy to change foreign currency and traveler's checks. U.S. Dollars are the easiest to change.

Time Zone: UTC/GMT+9 (no daylight saving time)

Country Phone Code: +81

City Phone Code: 03

Airport: Narita International Airport is the main airport in Tokyo for international flights. The airport is well-connected with trains, subways, buses, taxis and limos providing transport into the city. Haneda Airport is the domestic airport linking Tokyo with other cities in Japan.

Transportation: The Shinkansen is the famous Japanese bullet train that connects Tokyo with the major cities throughout Japan. Tickets are expensive compared to other train travel, but the speed and comfort of the journey are comparable to air travel, and generally cheaper. The JR train lines and the metro are also very well linked in Tokyo, with metro stations located throughout the city. You can buy your tickets individually at each station's automatic ticket counters, or you can purchase day passes. It is worth noting that while the process of finding your route is very simple, the stations themselves can be rather confusing. The city also has a great bus system that can be comparable to the metro, but can also be more difficult for tourists. Taxis are readily available, but more expensive.

Tipping: Tipping is not the norm in Japan, with the exception of luggage porters in transportation services. Carry several 100 Yen coins to give a few per bag to each porter.

Police: In an emergency, dial 110.

Hospital: In an emergency that requires an ambulance, dial 119.

Tourist Information: For English speaking assistance, dial (03) 3201-3331.

Embassy: Most foreign embassies are located within Tokyo.