Japan

Japan

Japan is one of the most visited countries in the world and many tourists wax lyrical when they share their travel experiences. The landscape offers an interesting blend of beautiful nature, well kept religious shrines and temples, historical landmarks, modern cities and world heritage sites. The influence of Japan’s fascinating cultures and unusual subcultures have such an international impact that foreigners flock here to experience sumo wrestling, traditional tea drinking ceremonies, anime comic art, samurai legends and more. Japan is also known as the birthplace of sushi, aikido and calligraphy. A trip here would not be complete without experiencing the otherworldly music scene and diverse nightlife.

Read More: Japan

Regions


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  • Hiroshima
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  • Matsumoto
  • Tokyo
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  • Takayama

Travel Information


General

Language:Japanese is the official language. Some English is spoken in Tokyo and other large cities but is less usual in rural areas. There are many regional…

Electricity

Plug Type: Type A, Type B Voltage (V): 100 Frequency Hertz (Hz): 50/60 *Travel plug adapter and voltage converter might be necessary depending…

Banking

Currency Local currency: Japanese Yen Symbol: ¥ ISO code: JPY Subunit: None Banknotes: ¥1,000, ¥2,000, ¥5,000, ¥10,000 Coins:…

Cuisine

Food and water safety: Can you drink the tap water: Yes (Generally safe) Fresh fruit and veg: Yes Ice: Yes Meat: Yes (Ensure proper…

Climate

Annual rainfall: Varies by region Average temperature: 10-25°C Summer: Average highs: 25-35°C Average lows: 20-25°C Winter: Average…

Transport

Air: Main airlines: Japan Airlines (JAL), All Nippon Airways (ANA) International Airports: Narita International Airport (NRT) in Tokyo, Kansai…

Dress

Spring and Summer Cool, light, breathable and comfortable: Yes Lightweight warm clothes: No Winter and Autumn Jerseys, cardigans, sweaters,…

Health

Please consult your health-care provider 4-6 weeks prior to travel to ensure you are receiving all required vaccinations and that the medication has enough…

Safety

Japan is safe in general. We recommend normal precautions be taken as you would for any city in the world. Be aware of your surroundings and stay in well-lit…

Visa

U.S. citizens do not require a visa for stays under 90 days. Non U.S. citizens should consult with your local embassy.


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General

Language:Japanese is the official language. Some English is spoken in Tokyo and other large cities but is less usual in rural areas. There are many regional dialects and there are distinct differences in the intonation and pronunciation between eastern and western Japan.National Emergency Numbers:Emergency 119Public Holidays:The dates of certain public holidays change from year to year – refer below. If a public holiday falls on a Sunday, then the Monday is also declared a public holiday.Jan 01 New Year’s DayJan 11 Coming of Age DayFeb 11 National Foundation DayApr 29 Showa DayMay 03 Constitution Memorial DayMay 04 Greenery DayMay 05 Children’s DayJuly 18 Marine DaySept 19 Respect for the Aged DayOct 10 Health & Sports DayNov 03 Culture DayNov 23 Labor Thanksgiving DayDec 23 Emperor’s BirthdayTime Zone:Japan is on JST or Japan Standard Time and is 9 hours ahead of USA Eastern Time Zone.TippingIn general, tipping in Japan is not customary. The main reason is that the Japanese believe good service should always be the standard. However, some staff that work for Japanese tourist companies are accustomed to receiving tips and may be grateful to receive a small gratuity.US EmbassyMailing Address: Japan 〒107-8420 Tokyo, 港区Akasaka, 1−10−5Tel: +81 3-3224-5000Website: https://japan.usembassy.gov/

Electricity

Plug Type: Type A, Type B 
Voltage (V): 100 
Frequency Hertz (Hz): 50/60 

*Travel plug adapter and voltage converter might be necessary depending on your appliances. 

Banking

Currency 

Local currency: Japanese Yen 
Symbol: ¥ 
ISO code: JPY 
Subunit: None 
Banknotes: ¥1,000, ¥2,000, ¥5,000, ¥10,000 
Coins: ¥1, ¥5, ¥10, ¥50, ¥100, ¥500 

Banking 

Card Transactions: Yes 
ATMs: Yes 
Mastercard: Yes 
Visa: Yes 
American Express: Limited acceptance 
Diner’s club: Limited acceptance 

Banking Hours: 
Weekdays: 09:00 - 15:00 
Weekends: Limited hours 
Public Holidays: Yes (If yes, add hours) 
Foreign exchange services: Yes 

Cuisine

Food and water safety: 
Can you drink the tap water: Yes (Generally safe) 
Fresh fruit and veg: Yes 
Ice: Yes 
Meat: Yes (Ensure proper cooking) 
Street food: Yes (Choose reputable vendors) 

Local cuisine: 
Japanese cuisine is renowned worldwide for its precision, freshness, and variety. Highlights include Sushi (raw fish and rice), Ramen (noodle soup), Tempura (battered and fried seafood or vegetables), and Okonomiyaki (savory pancake). Notable local drinks include Sake (rice wine), Green Tea (Matcha), and Shochu (distilled liquor). 

Tipping: Not customary, but small gestures of appreciation may be welcomed. 

Climate

Annual rainfall: Varies by region 

Average temperature: 10-25°C 

Summer: 
Average highs: 25-35°C 
Average lows: 20-25°C 

Winter: 
Average highs: 5-15°C 
Average lows: 0-10°C 

Best time to visit: The best time to visit Japan depends on your preferences. Spring (March to May) and Autumn (September to November) offer mild temperatures and beautiful cherry blossoms or fall foliage. 

Transport

Air: 
Main airlines: Japan Airlines (JAL), All Nippon Airways (ANA) 
International Airports: Narita International Airport (NRT) in Tokyo, Kansai International Airport (KIX) in Osaka 
Domestic Airports: Haneda Airport (HND) in Tokyo, Itami Airport (ITM) in Osaka 

Road: 

Driving on the: Left 
Tar roads: Yes 
Gravel roads: Limited 
Valid International Driver's License needed: Yes 
Car hire available: Yes 
Taxis: Yes 
E-hailing services: Yes 

Bus: 
Inter-city bus services: Yes 
Local city bus networks: Yes 

Rail: 
Railway system: Yes 
Subway System: Yes 

Water: 
Ferries: Yes 
Water taxis: Yes 
Leisure cruises: Yes 

Dress

Spring and Summer 
Cool, light, breathable and comfortable: Yes 
Lightweight warm clothes: No 

Winter and Autumn 
Jerseys, cardigans, sweaters, jackets: Recommended 
Heavyweight clothing and boots: No 

General 
Umbrella and raincoat: Yes 
Warm gloves, hat and scarf: Yes (In Winter) 
Swimming costume (bathing suit): Yes (For hot springs) 
Hat, sunglasses and sunblock: Yes 
Walking shoes: Yes 
Casual: Yes 
Smart-casual attire: Yes 

Health

Please consult your health-care provider 4-6 weeks prior to travel to ensure you are receiving all required vaccinations and that the medication has enough time to take effect. We highly recommend the purchase of travel insurance with medical benefits and that you bring any personal medication with you. Please also check with your health department prior to departure for any changes in health regulations.

If traveling with prescription medication, check with the government of Japan’s Ministry of Health website to ensure the medication is legal in Japan; possession, use, or importation of a prescription drug that is illegal in Japan may result in arrest and criminal prosecution. Always carry your prescription medication in original packaging with your doctor’s prescription. U.S. prescriptions are not honored in Japan, so if you need ongoing prescription medicine, you should arrive with a sufficient supply for your stay in Japan or enough until you are able to see a local care provider.

Japan has a national health insurance system which is available only to those foreigners with long-term visas for Japan. National health insurance does not pay for medical evacuation. Medical caregivers in Japan require payment in full at the time of treatment or concrete proof of ability to pay before they will treat a foreigner who is not a member of the national health insurance plan.

Safety

Japan is safe in general. We recommend normal precautions be taken as you would for any city in the world. Be aware of your surroundings and stay in well-lit areas. Don’t flash wealth. If you have items of sentimental value, leave it at home. Visitors should avoid all political gatherings and demonstrations.

Visa

U.S. citizens do not require a visa for stays under 90 days. Non U.S. citizens should consult with your local embassy.