●Currency

■Japanese currency
The unit of currency in Japan is the yen (¥). There are four denominations of bills – ¥10,000, ¥5000, ¥2000 and ¥1000. However, the ¥2000 bill is rarely used. There are six types of coins -¥500, ¥100, ¥50, ¥10, ¥5 and ¥1.

■Currency exchange
Foreign currency exchange is available at Travelex and at currency exchange machines in some hotels and commercial facilities. Some large commercial facilities may have automated foreign currency exchange machines.

◎Travelex

◎Hotels
Foreign currency exchange services are available at hotels such as Hotel Metropolitan Sendai, Hotel Metropolitan Sendai East, The Westin Sendai, Sendai Kokusai Hotel, Sendai Royal Park Hotel and more.

■Traveler’s checks
Some locations, such as Travelex, can also cash Traveler’s Checks (or Traveller’s Cheques).

■”Cashing” (cash advance)
You can use your credit card to withdraw cash from ATMs located at convenience stores (conbini) and the Post Office Bank (Japan Post Bank). Please check the official website of each service for further details.

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●Communications

■Telephone
You can make international calls from your hotel room or use a public phone designated for international calls.

■Mail
Sendai has over 100 post offices. Mailboxes are colored red and are marked with the symbol 〒. Also, EMS can be used. You can buy stamps at the post office and convenience stores marked with the symbol 〒. For postal service information in English, call 022-711-7544 (Hours: Mon-Fri 9:30-16:30 except on public holidays)

■Percel delivery service
In addition to the post office, you can use private delivery companies to send your parcels home. Many hotels have this service so ask at your hotel.

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●Emergencies

■119 Fire/Ambulance
In case of sudden illness or injury where you need immediate treatment, call 119 and an ambulance will come to transport you to a hospital. In case of fire, also call this number.

■110 Police
In case of traffic accidents or crimes, call 110 for the police.

■Hospitals

If you become sick or get injured during your trip, you can use the following website to find a hospital from a list by selecting the languages they support.

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●Useful Information

■Japanese holidays
Jan 1 – New Year’s Day
Jan-2nd Monday – Coming-of-Age Ceremony
Feb 11 – National Foundation Day
Feb 23 – Emperor’s Birthday
Mar 20 or 21 – Spring Equinox Day
Apr 29 – Showa Day
May 3 – Constitution Day
May 4 – Greenery Day
May 5 – Children’s Day
Jul 3rd Mon – Marine Day
Aug 11 – Mountain Day
Sep 3rd Mon – Respect-for-the-Aged Day
Sep 23 – Autumn Equinox Day
Oct-2nd Mon-Health-Sports Day
Nov 3 – Culture Day
Nov 23 – Labor Thanksgiving Day

In Japan, many people take vacations at the year-end and New Year’s, Golden Week (late April-early May), and Bon festival (3rd week of August) periods. Public transport and sightseeing spots in Japan are crowded during these periods.

A calendar highlighting Japanese public holidays and events in Sendai is available for download.
You may also use it as wallpaper or for other personal purposes.

■Voltage/electric current
Japan’s voltage is 100V50Hz (north of Tokyo). Plugs have 2 prongs (Type A).

■Water
Tap water in Japan is safe to drink. Some water is not safe for drinking. In such cases, it is usually clearly marked (for example, in public toilets or wells).

■Toilets
There are Japanese-style（squat toilet）and Western-style toilets. Most public restrooms provide toilet paper.
Some public restrooms provide hand dryers or paper towels, while others may have neither.

■Tipping
Japan does not have a custom of tipping so it is not necessary to do so. At some restaurants or hotels, a service charge is automatically added to your bill.
　
■Onsen (hot springs), public baths

When you go to an onsen or a public bathhouse, you should first take off your clothes in the changing room and then enter the bathing area. Since everyone will enter the same large bath, you should first wash yourself before entering the bath. You should not take a towel into the bath nor drain the water.

■Manners, customs
On trains and buses, eating and making phone calls are considered bad manners.
However, small items such as candy, chewing gum, and drinks are usually fine; please be considerate of others when the train or bus is crowded.
On the Shinkansen (bullet train), eating and drinking are part of the travel experience.

When entering private homes and some traditional accommodations, it is customary to remove your shoes.

■Restrictions on smoking and drinking
Smoking and drinking alcoholic beverages are prohibited for those under 20 years of age. Smoking is banned on public transportation and restricted in many public places and restaurants. Please follow posted signs.

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●Eating Japanese-style food

Making effective use of seasonal fresh ingredients is important in preparing Japanese food. Many dishes use stock made from bonito or tangle kelp combined with soy sauce. Japanese cuisine is esthetically pleasing and healthy.

■Eating Japanese-style
At an izakaya, you will often receive a small appetizer at the start of your meal.
This is called “otoshi” and is a standard table charge, usually 300 to 1,000 yen per person.

■All-you-can drink service
Many izakaya (Japanese-style pubs) and some drinking establishments offer an “all-you-can-drink service.” With a time limit of an hour and a half or two hours, you can drink as much as you like for a fixed price. In some cases, an appetizer called otoshi will be automatically brought to you even if you do not order. The charge for this appetizer will be added to your bill.

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●Shopping

■Sales seasons
Sendai has two large seasonal sales, one in summer (late June to mid-July) and the other in winter (January). Items are 30 to 70% off and these seasons are filled with enthusiastic shoppers. Sendai is famous for its “Sendai Hatsuuri Sale” held on January 2nd where luxurious free gifts are given out to the shoppers.

■Size of clothing/shoes
The sizes listed on clothing and shoes are different from those sold abroad so you should try on items before buying them. Find the item that fits you.

■Tax-free items
Japan has a 10% consumption tax. Overseas visitors may be eligible for tax-free shopping at designated stores.

Conditions

1. Consumables (food, drinks, medicines, cosmetics):
   Total purchase of 5,000–500,000 yen at the same store on the same day.
2. General goods (electronics, clothing, accessories):
   Total purchase of 5,000 yen or more at the same store on the same day.

Some restrictions apply. Purchases for business purposes are not tax-free.