Japan Destination Guide
Welcome to your adventure! This essential guide will help you prepare for an unforgettable journey through the Land of the Rising Sun.
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Essential Travel Information for Japan
Everything you need to know before your Japan adventure
Visa & Entry Requirements
- Visa-Free Travel: Most travelers from the USA, UK, Canada, Australia, and the EU can enter visa-free for up to 90 days.
- Passport Validity: Must be valid for the duration of your stay.
- Return Ticket: Proof of onward/return travel may be required.
- Health Requirements: Check current vaccination and entry requirements before departure.
Currency & Payments
- Japanese Yen (JPY) is the official currency.
- Cash Society: Japan still relies heavily on cash, especially in smaller shops. Always carry some yen and a mix of note sizes.
- ATMs: Look for ATMs at 7-Eleven and post offices for foreign card withdrawals.
- Credit Cards: Major hotels and department stores accept credit cards, but smaller establishments often don't.
- Tipping: Not customary in Japan and can even be considered rude. Instead, show gratitude with a bow or a polite phrase (e.g., “gochisosama deshita” after a meal).
Mobile & Internet
- WiFi: Free WiFi available in major cities, hotels, and many cafés.
- Pocket WiFi: Consider renting a pocket WiFi device for constant connectivity.
- SIM Cards: Tourist SIMs are available at airports and electronic stores.
- Power: Japan uses Type A and B plugs (100V), two-pin outlets (same shape as US plugs, but not polarized). A voltage converter may be needed for some electronics.
- Telephone: Hotels have international call services, but this is expensive. It is best to use Wi-Fi apps such as WhatsApp, etc.
Time Zone
- Japan Standard Time (JST) – UTC +9
- Japan is 14 hours ahead of U.S. Eastern Time (when EST is in effect).
- Japan does not observe daylight saving time.
Climate & Weather
- Four Distinct Seasons: Spring (cherry blossoms), Summer (hot & humid), Autumn (colorful foliage), Winter (cold with snow in northern regions).
- Rainy Season: Early June to mid-July.
- Typhoon Season: August to October.
- Pack According to Season: Check weather forecasts before your trip.
Emergency Contacts
- Emergency Services: 📞 110 (Police), 📞 119 (Fire, Ambulance), 📞 118 (Coast Guard)
- Japan Visitor Hotline: 📞 050-3816-2787 (Available 24/7 in English)
- U.S. Embassy Tokyo: 📞 +81-3-3224-5000
- UK Embassy Tokyo: 📞 +81-3-5211-1100
- Australian Embassy Tokyo: 📞 +81-3-5232-4111
Packing Checklist for Japan
Use this checklist to ensure you pack everything you need for your Japan adventure
Travel Documents & Essentials
- Passport (valid for the duration of stay)
- Flight itinerary & proof of onward travel
- Travel insurance details
- Credit/debit cards
- Cash in Japanese Yen
- Copy of important documents (separate from originals)
- International driver's license (if planning to drive)
- Address of accommodations (written in Japanese if possible)
Clothing & Accessories
- Weather-appropriate clothing (check forecast)
- Comfortable walking shoes (you'll walk a lot!)
- Socks (to wear when removing shoes at temples/homes)
- Conservative clothing for temples & shrines
- Light jacket or sweater (for air conditioning)
- Umbrella or rain jacket
- Swimwear (for onsen towns, bring suitable swimwear)
- Slip-on shoes (for easy removal at temples/restaurants)
- Waterproof boots or shoes (for snowy cities)
Health & Toiletries
- Prescription medications (in original packaging)
- Basic first-aid supplies
- Hand sanitizer
- Face masks (commonly worn when sick in Japan)
- Deodorant (can be hard to find in Japan)
- Toothbrush & toothpaste
- Sunscreen
- Insect repellent (for summer months)
Electronics & Gadgets
- Power adapter (Japan uses Type A/B plugs)
- Camera & memory cards
- Smartphone & charger
- Portable charger/power bank
- Headphones
- Pocket WiFi device or SIM card (pre-ordered)
- Voltage converter (Japan uses 100V)
- Translation app or pocket dictionary
Packing Tips
- Pack Light: Many accommodations in Japan are compact. Consider luggage size.
- Luggage Forwarding: Japan has excellent luggage forwarding services (takuhaibin) for traveling between cities.
- Bring Comfortable Shoes: You'll walk much more than expected.
- Tattoo Cover-ups: If you have visible tattoos, bring cover-ups for onsen (tattoos are often restricted).
Top Destinations & Experiences for Japan
Discover the incredible places to visit during your Japan adventure
Tokyo
Japan's bustling capital blends ultramodern skyscrapers with historic temples and a vibrant pop culture scene.
Must-See Attractions:
- Shibuya Crossing – Experience the world's busiest pedestrian crossing.
- Senso-ji Temple – Tokyo's oldest and most significant Buddhist temple.
- Meiji Shrine – Serene forest shrine dedicated to Emperor Meiji.
- Tokyo Skytree – One of the world's tallest towers with panoramic views.
- Tsukiji Outer Market – Sample fresh seafood and Japanese delicacies.
Kyoto
Japan's cultural heart is with over 1,600 Buddhist temples, 400 Shinto shrines, and beautifully preserved districts.
Kyoto Highlights:
- Fushimi Inari Shrine – Famous for its thousands of vermilion torii gates.
- Kinkaku-ji (Golden Pavilion) – Stunning Zen temple covered in gold leaf.
- Arashiyama Bamboo Grove – Otherworldly bamboo forest path.
- Gion District – Historic geisha district with preserved wooden machiya houses.
- Kiyomizu-dera Temple – Offers panoramic views of the city.
Mount Fuji & Hakone
Japan's iconic volcano and the surrounding hot spring region offer natural beauty and relaxation.
Area Highlights:
- Mount Fuji Climbing – The Official climbing season is July to early September.
- Lake Kawaguchiko – Offers spectacular views of Mt. Fuji.
- Hakone Open Air Museum – Outdoor art museum with stunning sculptures.
- Owakudani – Volcanic valley with hot springs and black eggs.
- Onsen Experience – Relax in natural hot springs with views of Mt. Fuji.
Must-Try Japanese Foods
Japan is a food lover's paradise with regional specialties and an incredible variety. Here are some dishes you shouldn't miss:
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Sushi
Fresh raw fish over vinegared rice, best enjoyed at a counter with skilled chefs.
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Ramen
Hearty noodle soup with regional variations of broth, toppings, and noodle types.
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Wagyu Beef
Famous marbled beef, often served as yakiniku (grilled meat) or in shabu-shabu.
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Bento
Beautifully arranged boxed meals are available at stores, stations, and restaurants.
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Yakitori
Skewered grilled chicken, perfect with a cold beer at an izakaya (pub).
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Matcha
Powdered green tea is found in traditional ceremonies and modern desserts alike.
Local Culture & Responsible Travel
Tips for respectful travel and cultural awareness during your Japan adventure
Cultural Etiquette
- Bowing: The common greeting in Japan. A slight bow is sufficient for tourists.
- Shoes Off: Remove shoes before entering homes, ryokans, traditional restaurants, and some temples.
- Onsen Etiquette: Wash thoroughly before entering hot springs, no swimwear allowed, and no photos.
- Quiet Voice: Keep your voice down in public, especially on trains.
- Chopsticks: Never stick them vertically into rice (funeral association) or pass food from chopstick to chopstick.
- Religion: Most Japanese practice both Shinto and Buddhism, often for different life events.
- Trains: Expect punctuality to the minute — it’s considered impolite to hold doors or delay departures.
Responsible Tourism
- Respect Geisha: Don't chase or photograph maiko/geiko without permission in Kyoto.
- Waste Management: Public trash cans are rare; carry your garbage until you find one.
- Recycling: Japan has strict recycling rules. Follow signs and separate accordingly.
- Photo Etiquette: Always ask permission before photographing people.
- Alcohol: Legal drinking age is 20.
- Smoking: Only smoke in designated areas; smoking while walking is often prohibited. Also, age 20+. Fines apply for littering butts.
- Sacred Sites: At temples and shrines, bow once before entering, avoid loud conversation, and don’t photograph altars without permission. Follow the posted rules at temples and shrines.
⚠️ Important Safety Note
- Japan has strict drug laws with severe penalties. Medicines containing stimulants or codeine may be illegal in Japan. Always check if your prescription medications are allowed before traveling.
- Japan is very safe, with low crime. Still, keep valuables close in crowded places.
Sumo Stable Visits
- Remain quiet and respectful during the entire visit.
- Remove shoes, sit cross-legged, and never point feet at the ring.
- No eating, drinking, or loud photography during the session.
- Stay for the full session as a sign of respect.
Social Customs
- Chopstick Etiquette: Do not stick chopsticks upright in rice or pass food chopstick-to-chopstick.
- Footwear: Remove shoes in homes, temples, some restaurants/hospitals.
- Greetings: Bowing is common; as a foreigner, a nod or handshake is fine.
- Cash Usage: Japan is still cash-based—carry yen even if some places take cards.
- Language: English isn’t widely spoken outside major cities, but locals are patient and helpful. Learn basic phrases like “Arigato” (thank you) and “Sumimasen” (excuse me).
- Business Closures: Many cultural sites, museums, and smaller restaurants are closed on Mondays.
🧳 Additional Travel Tips
- Japan Rail Pass: Purchase before arriving in Japan if you plan to travel extensively.
- IC Cards: Suica or Pasmo cards make using public transit convenient.
- Tax-Free Shopping: Look for "Tax-Free" signs in shops (passport required).
- Convenience Stores: 7-Eleven, Lawson, and Family Mart are incredibly useful for ATMs, meals, and essentials.
- Google Maps: Excellent for navigating Japan's transit systems.
- Learn Basic Phrases: A few Japanese words go a long way in showing respect.
🚅 Transportation
- Public Transportation: Japan's public transport is clean, punctual, and extremely efficient. You will frequently use public transport, especially in Tokyo. A pre-loaded PASMO/SUICA card will be provided for your fare.
- Trains: Bullet trains may require separate luggage shipping.
- Ride-sharing: Uber is available but not widely used due to excellent public transit. Didi (Chinese app) is also available in some areas.
- Driving: Japan drives on the left; roads are narrow and parking is limited.
- Taxis: Drivers rarely speak English; show them your hotel’s business card with the address in Japanese.
- Flights: Need help searching for a flight? We recommend Skyscanner.com to compare different routes and rates. Click here to search!
💧 Essentials
- Water: Tap water is safe and drinkable. Public restrooms, parks, and train stations often have free fountains. Bottled water is widely available in convenience stores.
- Laundry: Most hotels offer laundry; ryokan usually do not. Coin laundromats are common in city neighborhoods.
- Earthquakes: Minor tremors occur frequently; follow local instructions calmly and note hotel emergency exits on check-in.
- Shopping: Department stores in Tokyo/Osaka for tech & fashion; smaller towns for authentic handicrafts.
- Street Stalls (Shoutengai): For souvenirs, food, and handmade goods, visit these pedestrian-only shopping streets or wet markets.
🗣️ Useful Japanese Phrases
- Good morning: Kon'nichiwa
- Good night: Oyasumi
- Thank you: Arigato
- I'm sorry: Gomen'nasai
- Delicious: Oishi
Luggage Restrictions
