They exist everywhere. Currently, a 3% consumption tax is added to most items, including meals in restaurants and hotel rooms. Travelers from outside Japan are entitled to a refund of this tax on items taken out of the country; however, only the larger department stores and tourist shops seem equipped to deal with refunds of the taxes (and sometimes only if $100 or more is … [Read more...] about Taxes
Trip Planning
Public Transportation In Tokyo
Modes of Transportation Buses Buses are complicated for tourists who don't speak Japanese. The buses operate as they do in any other city of the world, however, you must be extra-cognizant of where you are heading because the drivers don't speak English. Cars The absolute worst choice for tourists. Streets are maze-like and parking is all but … [Read more...] about Public Transportation In Tokyo
Postal Service
Letters and postcards can be mailed from you hotel or from the bright red mailboxes located around town. The Central Post Office is located at 2-7-2 Marunouchi, Chiyoda-ku, 81-3-3284-9527. … [Read more...] about Postal Service
Medical Care
In non-emergency situations, contact your local embassy for recommendations. The International Clinic, 1-5-9 Azabudai, Minato-ku, 81-3-3582-2646 accepts walk-in patients. Drugstores, or kusuri-ya are located throughout the city. One, The American Pharmacy at the Hibiya Park Building, 1-8-1 Yurakucho, Chiyoda-ku, 81-3-3271-4034, stocks products from the United States and fills … [Read more...] about Medical Care
Embassies/Consulates
American Embassy and Consulate -- 1-10-5 Akasaka, Minato-ku, 81-3-3224-5000 British Embassy and Consulate -- 1 Ichibancho, Chiyoda-ku, 81-3-3265-5511 Canadian Embassy -- 7-3-38 Akasaka, Minato-ku, 81-3-3408-2101 Australian Embassy -- 2-1-14 Mita, Minato-ku, 81-3-5232-411 Contact the your embassy for hours. … [Read more...] about Embassies/Consulates