A blend of Oriental goods and Western sales techniques confronts the shopper, particularly at the big department stores, which are more like exhibitions than shops. Playgrounds for children are available. Special purchases include
kimonos,
mingei (local crafts including kites and folk toys);
Kyoto silks, fans, screens, dolls; religious articles such as Shinto and Buddhist artifacts; paper lanterns; lacquerware; hi-fi equipment, cameras, televisions and other electronic equipment. Bargaining is not usual.
Tax exemptions: These are available in authorized tax-free stores.
Certain items costing more than ¥10,000 are exempt from tax.
Shopping hours 1000-1900/2000 every day of the week and on public holidays.
Currency Information:CurrencyJapanese Yen (JPY; symbol ¥). Notes are in denominations of ¥10,000, 5,000, 2,000 and 1,000. Coins are in denominations of ¥500, 100, 50, 10, 5 and 1.
Note: Japan has a strong cash culture, and it is usual to see people carrying large amounts of cash with them because of the low crime rate. It is only recently that credit cards have begun to become more popular. However, travelers may still encounter difficulties with foreign credit cards.
Currency ExchangeAll money must be exchanged at an authorized bank or money changer.
Credit/Debit Cards and ATMsAmerican Express, Diners Club, MasterCard, Visa and other major credit cards are widely accepted in towns. ATMs are widely available although many do not accept foreign credit or debit cards, and are harder to find outside of towns. They are generally open Mon-Fri 0700-2300, Sat-Sun 0900-1900, though some only operate during normal banking hours and on Saturday mornings.
Citibank machines accept foreign credit cards and are often open 24 hours.
Traveller's ChequesThese can be exchanged at most major banks, larger hotels and some duty free shops. To avoid additional exchange rate charges, travelers are advised to take traveller’s cheques in Japanese Yen or US dollars.
Banking HoursMon-Fri 0900-1500.
Exchange Rate Indicators| Date | Apr 07 |
| £1.00= | ¥234.47 |
| $1.00= | ¥118.72 |
| €1.00= | ¥158.71 |
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