A Geek’s Guide to Kyoto (2)
Getting Cash
ATMs are not quite as readily available in Japan as in other parts of the world, at least not for visitors. Few, if any, are open 24 hours a day. You'll get the best rates at Japanese Post Offices and you'll generally find that any ATM operated by Citibank and 7-Bank will accept your card.
Note that there are several ATM machines near the conference venue. And note that Japan is still very much a cash society. A map of the local area, including locations of ATMs, can be found here
Phones
Japan used to operate a numerous cellphone networks that were largely incompatible with each other and incompatible with anything from another country, but coverage was very good and you could rent a Japanese cellphone at the airport on arrival (even reserve one in advance, Google is your friend here: “Japanese cell phone rental”).
Nowadays, 4G LTE and even 5G networks are available in Japan and any modern phone will roam on these networks depending on your home carrier.
If you simply want to use a payphone for occasional domestic calls (or calls to calling card access numbers), just buy a 1,000 yen telephone card typically available near payphone locations such as airports and train stations.
Electricity and Plugs
Japan uses 100V (not 110V or 115V) AC. (@ 50Hz Eastern Japan and 60Hz Western Japan). The plug is typically 2-blade, non polarized and non-grounded,“Type A” as seen here:
Note that there are VERY FEW “public” outlets that support 3-prong plugs, (“Type B” in the above link), so carry either a 2-prong NON-polarized cable or a 3-to-2 adapter. Make sure the plug blades are the same width, i.e., non-polarized.
Typical Japanese
power cord and
outlet splitter.
