Skip to content

Eastern Asia

JapanTravel guide

Explore Japan visa rulesCommon scams in Japan

Japan is an island nation in East Asia. It combines traditional temples, gardens and inns with modern cities and fast trains. Tokyo is the capital.

Why go

  1. Cherry blossoms in spring and colourful leaves in autumn.

  2. Traditional temples, gardens and tea ceremonies.

  3. Regional food, including seafood in Hokkaido and local dishes in Osaka.

  4. Anime, manga comics and video game shopping.

  5. Skiing and hot springs in winter.

Best time to go: Spring and autumn are the best seasons for most visitors. March–April brings cherry blossoms; early autumn can bring typhoons to southern Japan.

Getting there

By air

  • Most international flights arrive at Narita or Haneda near Tokyo, or Kansai near Osaka.
  • Flights from major Asian cities also serve Chubu Centrair near Nagoya, Fukuoka on Kyushu, and Chitose near Sapporo.
  • A connection through a neighbouring country can sometimes be cheaper or faster than travelling through a major Japanese airport.

By sea

  • International ferries connect Japan with South Korea, China and Taiwan. Journeys can be long and may cost more than flights.

Customs

  • Travellers usually complete immigration and customs forms, plus a quarantine form if required. You can submit these in advance through Visit Japan Web and show the square barcode called a QR code on arrival.
  • Medicine rules are strict, and some medicines sold freely abroad are banned. Check Japan Customs or a Japanese embassy or consulate before bringing medicine.
  • Some medicines containing pseudoephedrine or codeine cannot be brought in. Some strong prescription painkillers need an import confirmation document, which typically takes 1–2 weeks to obtain.

Getting around

  • Train

    Trains are the most popular way to travel and are generally very punctual. Bad weather and natural disasters can cause delays. The Shinkansen is Japan's high-speed bullet train. The Japan Rail Pass covers most Japan Railway services, with some exceptions. You need to travel a lot for it to pay off. Regional railways, private railways and subway companies also offer passes and discount tickets. Trains almost always have English signs. Bullet trains and other commonly used services also announce stops in English.

  • Domestic flight

    Flying is useful for reaching Hokkaido, Okinawa and other distant islands. It can also help with travel within Hokkaido. Most domestic flights from Tokyo use Haneda, while many from Osaka use Itami. Allow 3–4 hours to transfer between Narita and Haneda, or between Kansai and Itami. Advance tickets and special fares for international visitors can reduce costs. Some basic low-cost tickets do not include checked bags.

  • Ferry

    Boats may be the only practical option for some smaller islands. Fares can match or exceed discounted flights. Bookings are usually made by phone, though some operators sell tickets online. You can also buy tickets at the pier; allow time for language difficulties. Overnight accommodation ranges from shared floor space to bunk beds and private rooms. Passengers may bring their own food and drinks. Some ferries also have shops, vending machines or restaurants.

  • Local bus

    Local buses are useful in rural areas and in cities such as Kyoto, where local rail coverage is limited. Some buses charge a fixed fare when you enter or leave. On distance-based services, board at the rear, take a numbered ticket and match its number to the fare display when leaving. Many buses accept rechargeable transport cards, often called IC cards. Stop announcements are often only in Japanese. Most drivers will tell you when you reach your destination if you ask.

What to see and do

  • Cherry blossoms

    March–April brings Japan's famous cherry blossoms, along with festivals and celebrations.

  • Autumn colours

    Autumn leaves can be as impressive as the spring blossoms, with more comfortable temperatures than summer.

  • Temples and gardens

    Japan's temples and gardens show its long cultural traditions, often beside modern buildings.

  • Akihabara, Tokyo

    This is one of the best places to shop for anime, manga comics and video games.

  • Mikimoto's Pearl Island, Toba

    Toba is home to Mikimoto's Pearl Island, linked to Japan's cultured pearl tradition.

  • Enjoy seasonal festivals

    Spring brings cherry blossom celebrations, while summer has many festivals and fireworks shows.

Food and drink

  • Rice, miso soup and tofu

    Steamed white rice is central to many meals. Soybeans appear in miso soup, tofu and soy sauce.

  • Hokkaido seafood

    Try fresh sashimi, or sliced raw seafood, and crab.

  • Osaka specialities

    Try okonomiyaki with green onions and takoyaki, or octopus balls.

  • Vegetarian meals

    Fish-based soup stock called dashi appears in many foods, including soups, sauces and some rice crackers. Even plain cold noodles may come with a fish-based dipping sauce.

  • Indian and Italian restaurants

    These are among the better options for finding vegetarian food and are common even in smaller towns.

  • Buddhist temple cuisine

    Some temples serve vegetarian Buddhist food. Mount Koya is particularly well known for it.

Money

Japanese yen (¥)

  • Many banks no longer exchange foreign cash. Specialist exchange shops generally offer better rates and faster service.
  • Currency exchange machines in shopping centres offer poorer rates than specialist shops. Outside large cities, they may be the only option.
  • For exchanges above ¥200,000, bring identification showing your name, address and date of birth. A passport may need to be supported by another document showing your address.
  • Large hotels and major chains accept credit cards, but many smaller inns and hotels take cash only.

Tipping: Tipping is generally not expected and can cause confusion or offence. Exceptions include high-end traditional inns, interpreters and tour guides; if leaving an optional hotel tip, put it in an envelope.

Typical costs

  • Bottled water costs ¥100–200 in tourist destinations.
  • At ¥100 shops, food and soft drinks cost ¥108 after tax, while other items cost ¥110.
  • Fast boats to smaller islands can cost ¥2,000–5,000 for an hour-long journey.
  • Slow cargo boats cost roughly ¥1,000 per hour in second class.
  • Some Western-style hotels and restaurants add a 10% service charge.

Language

  • Japanese is the main language.
  • Spoken English is limited outside major attractions and large international hotels. Written English is often understood better.
  • Some major attractions and international hotels in Tokyo have Mandarin- or Korean-speaking staff.
  • Japanese Sign Language is the main sign language.

Staying safe

  • Japan has low crime rates, but keep your belongings secure in crowded places, especially trains and Narita Airport.
  • Police boxes, called kōban, are found in nearly every neighbourhood. Officers can help with directions, lost items, theft reports and minor accidents.
  • Keep your hotel's business card with you to show a taxi driver or someone helping you. A written question in simple English may work better than speaking.
  • Women on crowded rush-hour trains may face unwanted sexual touching or secret photographs under clothing. Some trains have women-only carriages during rush hour.
2 common scams in Japan, and how to avoid them

Local customs

Do

  • Address people by their family name followed by '-san' unless they ask you to use another name.
  • Be polite, considerate and careful about cleanliness. Avoid disturbing other people.
  • Wrap a kimono with the left side over the right.
  • Take found wallets, money and other lost items to a police box.

Don't

  • Do not use someone's given name unless you are close friends or they invite you to.
  • Do not add '-san' to your own name when introducing yourself.
  • Do not leave a cash tip on a table or hotel bed. Use an envelope if leaving an optional tip.
  • Do not wrap a kimono right over left; this is reserved for dressing the dead.

Staying healthy

  • Tap water is safe and of good quality throughout Japan.
  • Food hygiene standards are very high.
  • If you develop a cold or another illness, wear a mask over your mouth to reduce the spread of coughs and sneezes.
  • Summer can be extremely humid, with temperatures reaching 40°C. Hokkaido and the mountains of Chubu and Tohoku offer relief from the heat.

Where to stay

  • Choices include youth hostels, business hotels, traditional ryokan inns, capsule hotels and love hotels.
  • Some smaller properties hesitate to accept foreign guests because of language concerns. Contacting a hotel directly is an option if rooms do not appear online.
  • Check whether the price is per person or per room, and whether meals are included.
  • Accommodation providers must copy the passports of guests who are not residents of Japan. Bringing a photocopy can speed up check-in.

Trips to Japan

Day-by-day itineraries by snuck, shaped around you.

5 nights
Tokyo at Your Own PaceTokyoKamakuraFrom, per person~US$1,970
 7 nights
Japan, Time for TwoTokyoHakoneKyotoFrom, per person~US$3,300
 8 nights
Japan, City to CityTokyoKyotoOsakaFrom, per person~US$3,030

Outdoor adventures in Japan

Japan has mountain hikes, snowy ski slopes, river rafting and warm-water diving. Spring and autumn are good for general outdoor travel, while winter suits skiing and hot springs.

  • Mount Fuji ascent

    Hike

    1–2 days

    Walk up the mountain. On the most popular route, you need your hands for support in places, but no technical climbing is needed.

    • Bring suitable clothing, sunscreen, a headlamp and basic outdoor gear.

  • Hokkaido skiing and snowboarding

    SkiingHokkaido

    Winter

    Reach many slopes by train and bus. Rent equipment or send your own gear ahead by courier.

  • Japanese Alps skiing and snowboarding

    SkiingChubu

    Winter

    Use trains and buses to reach many ski slopes. Rental equipment is available, and you can send your own gear ahead by courier.

  • Okinawa and Yaeyama Islands diving

    Scuba divingOkinawa

    Go diving around Okinawa or the Yaeyama Islands. Specific operators and departure points are not listed.

  • Okinawa snorkelling

    SnorkellingOkinawa

    Explore Okinawa's snorkelling spots. Specific entry points and operators are not listed.

  • Mount Haguro stone-step walk

    Hike

    Climb the 2,446 stone steps through an ancient forest.

  • Mount Aso summit visit

    Hike

    Follow the paved road, which provides access for cars and pedestrians. A ropeway is also described.

    • This is an active volcano.

  • Iya Valley river rafting

    RaftingShikoku

    Go river rafting in the Iya Valley. Specific rivers, operators and booking details are not listed.

  • Iya Valley hiking

    HikeShikoku

    Walk the valley's hiking trails. Specific routes and starting points are not listed.

  • Susami underwater mailbox dive

    Scuba divingnear Kushimoto

    Visit Susami, outside Kushimoto, to dive to the underwater mailbox. Operator details are not listed.

  • Pacific coast surfing

    SurfingPacific coast

    August–October, during typhoon season

    Surf along the Pacific coast. Specific breaks, schools and access points are not listed.

    • The highlighted surf season overlaps with typhoon season.
    • Lifeguards stop patrolling beaches from September.

  • Sea of Japan coast surfing

    SurfingSea of Japan coast

    Winter

    Surf along the Sea of Japan coast. Specific breaks, schools and access points are not listed.

    • Beach lifeguard patrols stop from September.

  • Yaeyama Islands beaches

    BeacheOkinawa

    Visit the beaches of the Yaeyama Islands. Specific beach access details are not listed.

    • Early-autumn typhoons can disrupt travel in southern Japan.
    • Beach lifeguard patrols stop from September.

  • Aharen Beach

    BeacheTokashiki

    Visit Aharen Beach on Tokashiki. Transport details are not listed.

  • Iojima beach trip

    Beachenear Nagasaki

    10–15 minutes by boat from Nagasaki harbor

    Take a boat from Nagasaki harbor to Iojima, then visit the beach.

    • Cost: About ¥1,500 for the boat trip, plus ¥500 for beach entry.

  • Iojima hotel hot springs

    Hot springnear Nagasaki

    10–15 minutes by boat from Nagasaki harbor Winter is a good season for hot springs in Japan.

    Take the boat from Nagasaki harbor. The boat ticket allows a visit to the hotel's hot springs.

    • Cost: About ¥1,500 for the boat trip, with a hotel hot-spring visit included.

  • Kawazu hot springs

    Hot springnear Kawazu

    Winter is a good season for hot springs in Japan.

    Visit the hot springs in Kawazu. Specific facilities and transport details are not listed.

  • Yaeyama Islands jungle cruising

    More to doOkinawa

    Take a jungle cruise in the Yaeyama Islands. Specific waterways, operators and departure points are not listed.

    • Early-autumn typhoons can disrupt travel in southern Japan.

Airports, metros and trains in Japan

Airports with scheduled flights

  • AOJAomori AirportAomoriMain international airport
  • NGOChubu Centrair International AirportTokonameMain international airport
  • FUKFukuoka AirportFukuokaMain international airport
  • HKDHakodate AirportHakodateMain international airport
  • HIJHiroshima AirportHiroshimaMain international airport
  • IBRIbaraki AirportOmitamaMain international airport

Metro and subway

  • Chiba PrefectureTōyō Rapid Railway Line9 stations16.2 kmsince 1996
  • FukuokaFukuoka City Subway36 stations31.4 kmsince 1981
  • HiroshimaAstram Line22 stations18.4 kmsince 1994
  • KobeKobe Municipal Subway28 stations38.1 kmsince 1977
  • KobeKobe New Transit18 stations15.1 kmsince 1977
  • KyotoKyoto Municipal Subway31 stations31.2 kmsince 1981
  • NagoyaNagoya Municipal Subway87 stations93.3 kmsince 1957
  • OsakaOsaka Metro109 stations141 kmsince 1933
  • OsakaKita-Osaka Kyuko Railway6 stations8.4 kmsince 1970
  • Saitama PrefectureNew Shuttle13 stations12.7 kmsince 1983
  • Saitama PrefectureSaitama Rapid Railway Line8 stations14.6 kmsince 2001
  • SapporoSapporo Municipal Subway46 stations48 kmsince 1971
  • SendaiSendai Subway29 stations28.7 kmsince 1987
  • TokyoToei Subway99 stations109 kmsince 1960
  • TokyoNippori-Toneri Liner13 stations9.7 kmsince 2008
  • TokyoYurikamome16 stations14.7 kmsince 1995
  • TokyoTokyo Metro142 stations195.1 kmsince 1927
  • TokyoRinkai Line8 stations12.2 kmsince 1996
  • YokohamaYokohama Municipal Subway40 stations53.4 kmsince 1972
  • YokohamaMinatomirai Line6 stations4.1 kmsince 2004
  • YokohamaKanazawa Seaside Line14 stations10.6 kmsince 1989

Trains

Rail network
27,311 km
Electrified
20,534 km
High-speed lines
3,067 km
Top speed
320 km/h

People and safety in Japan

Religion

Most people are No religion. Mixed.

  • No religion57%
  • Buddhist36%
  • Other5%
  • Christian2%

LGBT+ travellers

Legal in law, risky in places

  • Same-sex marriage is not recognised.
  • Legal gender change is recognised.

Check your own government's travel advice before you go, and be careful with public displays of affection and dating apps.

Women travellers

Ranked #22 of 181 countries for women's safety, inclusion and justice.

71% of women say they feel safe walking alone at night where they live.

Who can visit without a visa

Travellers from 74 of 198 countries can visit Japan easily: no visa, a visa at the airport, or a short online form.

  • Visa not required74
  • eVisa7
  • Visa required116
  • Admission refused1

Who can visit easily, by part of the world

For each part of the world: how many countries' travellers can come easily. Easy means no visa, a visa at the airport, or a short online form.

  • Europe38 of 46 countries
  • Americas18 of 35 countries
  • Asia13 of 49 countries
  • Oceania2 of 14 countries
  • Africa3 of 54 countries

Questions

When is the best time to visit Japan?

Spring and autumn offer comfortable weather. Cherry blossoms usually appear in March–April, while early autumn can bring typhoons to southern Japan.

Can I travel without speaking Japanese?

Trains usually have English signs, but spoken English can be limited. Carry your hotel's business card and write questions in simple English if needed.

Can I buy transport tickets without booking online?

Highway bus tickets are sold at departure points, usually for an extra charge, and at convenience stores if you can manage the process in Japanese. Ferry bookings are usually made by phone, and tickets can also be bought at the pier.

Is the Japan Rail Pass worth buying?

It covers most Japan Railway services, including bullet trains, with some exceptions. You need to travel a lot for it to pay off; regional and local passes are also available.

Will I need cash?

Many smaller hotels and traditional inns accept cash only. Large hotels and major chains usually accept credit cards.

Should I leave a tip?

Tipping is generally not expected and can cause confusion or offence. Exceptions include high-end traditional inns, interpreters and tour guides.

Is it easy to find vegetarian food?

Strict vegetarians may find it difficult because fish-based stock appears in many dishes and sauces. Indian and Italian restaurants, Buddhist temple meals and dedicated vegetarian restaurants offer alternatives.

Can I bring my usual medicine?

Some medicines allowed abroad are banned or need permission in Japan, even with a prescription. Check Japan Customs or a Japanese embassy or consulate before bringing them.

Is tap water safe to drink?

Yes, tap water is safe throughout Japan. Most restaurants provide filtered tap water free of charge.

What should I check before choosing a hotel?

Check whether the price is per person or per room, whether meals are included, and whether payment must be in cash. Beds can be narrow, so a twin room may give two people more space.

Reviewed by