Visas and Entry Requirements

Most travelers from North America, Europe, and Oceania enjoy visa-free entry for up to 90 days. Check the Ministry of Foreign Affairs website for the latest specifics.

Pro Tip: Register on Visit Japan Web before you fly. It streamlines Immigration and Customs procedures, allowing you to breeze through the airport using a QR code.

Best Time to Visit

Japan is a year-round destination, but each season offers a distinct experience:

• Spring (March–May): The world-famous cherry blossoms (Sakura). Weather is mild, but crowds are at their peak.
• Summer (June–August): Vibrant festivals (Matsuri) and fireworks. Note that it gets very hot and humid.
• Autumn (September–November): Spectacular red and gold foliage (Koyo) and comfortable temperatures. arguably the best balance of weather and scenery.
• Winter (December–February): Crisp air, snow monkeys, and world-class skiing in Hokkaido. Fewer tourists and lower prices (except New Year's).

Budgeting

Japan fits various budgets. While historically perceived as expensive, the current exchange rate makes it surprisingly affordable.

• Budget: ¥8,000–¥15,000/day. Hostels, convenience store meals, local trains.
• Mid-Range: ¥15,000–¥30,000/day. Business hotels, casual restaurants, limited express trains.
• Luxury: ¥40,000+/day. Ryokans with kaiseki meals, taxis, high-end dining.

The Shinkansen & Rails

The rail network is punctual to the second. The Japan Rail Pass is an option for long-distance travel, but due to recent price increases, calculate your fare on Japan Transit Planner to see if it pays off. Regional passes often offer better value.

IC Cards (Suica / Pasmo)

Essential for local travel. These rechargeable cards work on trains, buses, and even vending machines.
Important: Physical cards are currently scarce due to chip shortages. We highly recommend adding a digital Suica or Pasmo to your iPhone or Android wallet before you arrive. It's the most convenient way to pay.

Navigation Apps

Google Maps is indispensable for train routes and platform numbers. Japan Travel by NAVITIME is also excellent, specifically for tourists (including rail pass filters).

From futuristic pods to historic inns, where you stay is part of the adventure.

• Ryokan: Traditional inns with tatami floors and onsen baths. A must-do for at least one night (often includes dinner/breakfast).
• Business Hotels: Clean, compact, and efficient (e.g., APA Hotel, Dormy Inn). Great for solo travelers or couples.
• Capsule Hotels: unique and budget-friendly, though usually gender-segregated.
• Temple Lodging (Shukubo): Stay in a Buddhist temple, try meditation, and eat vegetarian (shojin ryori) meals. Koyasan is the best place for this.

Tip: Rooms in Japan are often smaller than Western standards. Book early for cherry blossom season!

Japanese society values harmony and respect. A few small gestures go a long way:

• Bowing: A small nod of the head is sufficient for greetings and thanks.
• Shoes Off: If there's a raised floor or tatami mats, take your shoes off. Wear clean socks!
• Quiet, Please: Keep your voice down on trains. Phone calls are generally prohibited on public transport.
• No Tipping: Service is included. Tipping can actually be confusing or rude.
• Escalators: Stand on the left (Tokyo) or right (Osaka), let people walk on the other side. Follow the person in front of you.

Tokyo has more Michelin stars than any other city, but the cheap eats are just as incredible.

• Konbini (Convenience Stores): 7-Eleven, Lawson, and FamilyMart are legendary. Their egg sandwiches, onigiri, and fried chicken are high-quality meals.
• Depachika: Department store basement food halls. A paradise of bento boxes and sweets.
• Dietary Restrictions: Vegetarian/Vegan options are growing but can still be tricky due to dashi (fish stock). Use apps like HappyCow.
• Table Manners: Never stick chopsticks vertically into rice (resembles funeral rites). Slurping noodles is okay—it shows you're enjoying them!

Japan is one of the safest countries in the world. Solo walking at night is generally very safe.

• Emergency Numbers: 110 (Police), 119 (Fire/Ambulance).
• Natural Disasters: Earthquakes happen. Most are imperceptible, but phones will emit a loud alarm for larger ones. Follow local instructions.
• Masks: Still commonly worn for illness or allergies (hay fever). It's polite to wear one if you have a cough.

The "Golden Route" (Tokyo → Kyoto → Osaka/Hiroshima) is perfect for first-timers.

• Tokyo: The ultimate metropolis. Don't miss Shibuya Crossing, teamLab Planets, and the historic Asakusa district.
• Kyoto: The cultural heart. Fushimi Inari Shrine (thousands of vermillion gates) and Arashiyama Bamboo Grove are iconic.
• Osaka: The "Kitchen of Japan." Famous for street food (Takoyaki, Okonomiyaki) and a vibrant nightlife in Dotonbori.
• Off the Beaten Path: Kanazawa (Little Kyoto), Takayama (Japanese Alps), and Naoshima (Art Island).

From high-tech gadgets to handcrafted ceramics.

• Tax-Free: Bring your passport! You can get 10% consumption tax refunded instantly at many stores if you spend over ¥5,500.
• What to Buy: Knives, ceramics, stationery (Loft or Itoya), and KitKats in bizarre flavors.
• Don Quijote (Donki): A chaotic, 24-hour discount store that sells everything. A cultural experience in itself.

Free Wi-Fi exists but can be spotty. We strongly recommend having your own connection.

• eSIMs: The easiest modern option. Apps like Airalo or Ubigi let you download a data plan instantly.
• Pocket Wi-Fi: Rent one at the airport if you have multiple devices or a group.
• Translation: Download Google Translate (and the Japanese offline file) for menus and voice translation.

Japan is still a cash-heavy society, though this is changing.

• Cash is King: Many ticket machines, small restaurants (ramen shops), and shrines accept only cash.
• ATMs: 7-Eleven ATMs are the best friend of the international traveler. They accept foreign cards and are open 24/7.
• Coin Purse: You will accumulate a lot of coins. Bring a dedicated coin purse or buy one there.