Shinjuku in Tokyo ranks among the most urban districts in Japan. One of 23 wards in Tokyo, it is a major business and administrative district, as well as a recreational, entertainment and shopping enclave. Located on the western part of Tokyo, it occupies an area of 18.23 sq km and is home to the highest number of registered foreign nationals, including people from Britain, China, France, Korea, the Philippines and the US.
The history of Tokyo dates back some 400 years, when it was a sleepy fishing village called Edo. The city, which was constructed in 1457 with the erection of Edo Castle, began to flourish only from 1590 under the rule of Tokugawa Ieyasu, who established the Tokugawa Shogunate in 1603. When the shogunate ended in 1867, Emperor Meiji took over the city and named it Tokyo, meaning Eastern Capital. It became the permanent home of the imperial dynasty in Japan.
World War II devastated much of Japan, and it was only between 1950 and 1960 that Japan began to experience a rapid industrial boom. By 1980, Tokyo had become one of the most developed cities and advanced financial centers in the world.
Weather
Tokyo lies in the temperate zone, with mild and comfortable winters.
- Winter – from December to February, with the temperatures dipping to a low of between 5°C (41°F) and 10°C(50°F) at night; daytime temperatures hover between 12°C(53.6°F) and 20°C(68°F). It snows once or twice a year in Tokyo.
- Spring – from March to May, the weather is pleasant with temperatures in the early to mid-20°C(68°F). This is a great time to visit as flowers are in full bloom.
- Summer – from June to August, Tokyo tends to be hot and humid, with heavy rainstorms and typhoons; temperatures are 30°C(86°F) and above.
- Autumn – from September to November, daytime temperatures can rise to 30°C (86°F)and above.
Language
Japanese. English is used at major corporations and key places of interest
Time Difference
GMT +9
Visa exemptions
As of April 2006, a total of 62 countries and regions have visa exemption arrangements with Japan. The list is available at Japan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs website at www.mofa.go.jp/j_info/visit/visa/index.html.
Do check the status of your country’s arrangement with Japan closer to your departure date to get the latest update as there may be a change in the status of this arrangement. For example, in November 2007, Japan had temporarily suspended this arrangement with a few countries.
No visa-on-arrival
There is no visa-on-arrival service in Japan, so you must obtain your visa before arriving at the country.
Re-entry permit
Foreigners who have already acquired the status of residence for a long-term stay, such as for work, and wish to leave Japan temporarily during the period of permitted stay, must obtain the re-entry permit before departing Japan. This re-entry permit enables you to re-enter Japan without having to obtain a new visa. The permit, which comprises a stamp in the passport, can be applied for at the immigration authority under the jurisdiction of the Ministry of Justice.
To find out more about the rules governing visa applications and residential status of foreigners, do visit your nearest consulate or embassy, or refer to the website of Japan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs at http://www.mofa.go.jp/.
Currency
Japan uses the Japanese Yen. Credit cards are widely accepted at most major establishments in the city.
Shopping
Shinjuku and its vicinity offer exciting shopping options. Major department stores like Takashimaya, Isetan, Odakyu and Keio offer multiple floors of retail and culinary delights with the widest range of items. Consider what the shopping enthusiast can get from these malls – Odakyu (16 floors), Keio (11 floors), Takashimaya (15 floors), Flags (10 floors), Mylord (seven floors of shopping, three floors of restaurants)…then there are the shopping streets such as Mosaic Dori, a narrow pedestrian street between Keio and Odakyu, where small shops provide a very different kind of retail experience.
Japan has made a name for itself for its electronics equipment and gadgets. Technophiles flock to perennial favourites like Yodobashi Camera, Bic Camera and Sakuraya malls, the three largest discounts electronics retailers in the country to get the best values in camera paraphernalia and other electronics ware.
Gratuity
Tipping is not customary in Japan. A 10% service charge is a common practice at most restaurants and hotels in the city.
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Eating Out
Eating out is a joy in Tokyo as the options are limitless. From the freshest sashimi to international cuisine spanning fiery curries from India, pho (noodles) from Vietnam, oo-la-la treats from Italy, juiciest steaks from the US and barbecues from Down Under, there are at least five great restaurants specialising in your favourite cuisine in the vicinity of Fraser Place howff Shinjuku, Tokyo.
Not to be missed is the elaborate Japanese tea ceremony that has made such a name for itself at home and abroad. Often regarded as a spiritual discipline which can be applied to everyday life, the ceremony is an appreciation of social graces such as timing, patience and consideration for others.
Telephone Network
There are 3 major service-providers in the Japan cellphone market, which are Docomo, au and Softbank.
Health
Medical services and hospital facilities are highly regarded for their professionalism and sophistication. But healthcare can be expensive, so a good healthcare insurance programme is a must.
More information may be obtained from the Tokyo Metropolitan Health and Medical Information Centre, which operates from 9.00am to 8.00pm daily (tel: 03-5285 8181). The organisation provides information on the various medical institutions all over the city that has staff who can provide details of the Japanese medical and health insurance systems.
Another institution that provides help regarding any medical or health issues over the telephone is Health Telephone Consultation (tel: 0120-03 1199), which offers a toll-free, 24-hour telephone service.
Emergency Translation Services (Tel: 03-5285 8185) are operated on weekdays from 5.00pm to 8.00pm, and weekends and holidays from 9.00am to 8.00pm.
Electricity
100V AC
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