ATMs
ATMs are almost as common as vending machines in Tokyo. Unfortunately, most of these do not accept foreign-issued cards. Even if they display Visa and MasterCard logos, most accept only Japan-issued versions of these cards. Also, 24-hour ATMs are exceedingly rare.

Fortunately, Citibank operates 24-hour international ATMs in major areas including Roppongi, Harajuku, Omote-sandō and Shinjuku. Better still, the Japanese postal system has recently linked all of its ATMs to the international Cirrus and Plus cash networks (and some credit-card networks), making life a breeze for travelers to Tokyo. Larger post offices (9am-5pm Mon-Fri, 9am-noon Sat) have postal ATMs. Press the handy button marked ‘English Guidance’ for English instructions.

Changing money
In theory, banks and post offices will change all major currencies. In practice, some banks refuse to exchange anything but US-dollar cash and travelers checks. Note also that the currencies of neighboring Taiwan (New Taiwan dollar) and Korea (won) are not easy to change, so you should change these into yen or US dollars before arriving in Japan.

With a passport, you can change cash or travelers checks at any Authorized Foreign Exchange Bank (signs are displayed in English), major post offices, some large hotels and most big department stores. Note that you receive a better exchange rate when withdrawing cash from ATMs than when exchanging cash or travelers checks in Tokyo. Be aware that many banks place a limit on the amount of cash you can withdraw in one day (often around US$400).

Credit cards
As Japan is very much a cash-based economy, never assume you can pay using a credit card. For businesses which do take credit card, Visa is most widely accepted, followed by MasterCard, American Express and Diners Club. Getting a cash advance using your foreign-issued credit card is nearly impossible, but Sumitomo Mitsui banks (SMBC) give cash advances if you bring your passport with you. The main credit-card companies all have offices in Tokyo.

Before you go

Recommended vaccinations
No vaccinations are required for Japan. Your routine vaccinations should be up to date, though travelers at special risk should additionally consider the following:
Japanese B encephalitis There is no risk in Tokyo, but there is risk in rural areas of all islands. The risk is highest in the western part of the country from July to October.
Tick-borne encephalitis This is present only in the wooded areas of Hokkaidō and is transmitted between April and October. The vaccine is readily available in Europe but can be difficult to find elsewhere.

History
Tokyo was initially constructed in 1457; the city was known as Edo (江戸). The Tokugawa shogunate was established in 1603 with Edo as its seat of government (de facto capital). (The emperor’s residence, and formal capital, remained in Kyoto until that city had been the actual capital of Japan until that time.) In September of 1868, when the shogunate came to an end, Emperor Meiji ordered Edo to be renamed “Tokyo,” meaning “Eastern Capital.” The new name was meant to emphasize Tokyo’s status as the new capital of Japan, both temporally and spiritually.

Tokyo has been generally accepted as the sole capital of Japan since 1869, when the Emperor took up permanent residence there. However, the capital was never legally “transferred” to Tokyo, leading some to question whether Kyoto may still be the capital, or a co-capital.
See: Capital of Japan debate