11 Things to Know Before Traveling to Japan

Travelers coming as tourists do not need a visa if they are staying for less than 90 days and have a return ticket and valid passport from a visa-exempt country such as Canada, the U.S., and most of Western Europe. To save time at customs, fill in your arrival documents in advance on Visit Japan Web. The flight staff also gives out paper arrival cards to fill out by hand, but it’s simpler to submit the documents electronically, scan the QR code generated, and walk out of the airport.

Visitors may not realize that Japanese law requires tourists to keep their passports on them at all times; a photo or photocopy of your document is not sufficient. When you go out exploring, carry your passport in a safe location such as a zippered pocket. You’ll need to show it for tax-free shopping and may be asked to give ID if you purchase alcohol or cigarettes (the legal age is 20 for both).

Japan is known as a futuristic society, so you may be surprised to learn that it remains quite cash-based. Many places, particularly small boutiques and hole-in-the-wall restaurants, still do not accept credit cards. To avoid running out of cash, get plenty of yen in advance from home (check your local currency exchange and bank for the best rates). If you need yen while in the country, look for Seven Bank ATMs at 7-Eleven stores. These generally accept international bank or credit cards, have low transaction fees, and let you take out a maximum of 100,000 yen per day.

The yen has fallen in value over the past few years, hitting a 34-year record low in 2024, so you’ll get a good bang for your buck here. Keep in mind that there is no tipping culture and that tourists can get tax refunds for many consumer items over ¥5000 (see details in this shopping article).

Public transportation is inexpensive in Japan, and you can get quick fresh eats such as ramen, conveyor belt sushi, and takoyaki for far lower prices than in North America. 100 yen “dollar stores” such as Daiso and “general stores” like Don Quijote sell quirky, quality goods for excellent value. However, taxis and rideshares are pricey, as are many electronics and tech accessories like SD cards, and fresh fruits and vegetables from the supermarket (especially the perfect-looking “designer” ones). Here are more tips for saving money in Tokyo.

The most effective and cost-efficient way to get around Japan is by train and bus, although public transit closes down between around midnight and 5 am. Visitors may get sticker shock from the price of taxis and ride shares, so be sure to catch the last train if you’re staying out late. Driving is not recommended, especially in major cities, as the costs for rental cars and parking can add up, and travelers may be unfamiliar with driving on the left side of the road.

The easiest way to figure out train routes and times is by using Google Maps. Plug in your start and end locations, and Maps will pull up the best options along with prices and details such as platform numbers. A Japan Rail Pass lets you take unlimited rides on the JR network for a week or more, but may not be worth the cost if you are not transiting much. When taking public transport, try to avoid the peak rush hours (7:30-9 a.m. and 5-7 p.m.), and remember that it is considered rude to speak loudly and converse on your phone when riding the subway. For more tips, see this guide to getting around Tokyo.

Food lovers consider Japan to be one of the best places in the world to eat—and for good reason. From fresh tuna at the fish market to Michelin-starred teppanyaki and street dessert carts, you’ll find exceptional Japanese food wherever you go. Many places stay open late, and convenience stores are open 24 hours in case you’re hankering for an onigiri rice ball stuffed with salmon.

Keep in mind that the best-known and most “Instagrammable” restaurants tend to be overbooked and crowded with diners. Instead, ask local friends for recommendations to lesser-known locals-only joints, and line up on the early side or make advance reservations if possible. These small places may not have English menus or English-speaking staff, but you can use a translation app on your phone (or simply gesture at something, and trust that it will be delicious)!

Some etiquette tips: Don’t dawdle at quick-serve counters such as ramen and udon restaurants. Avoid sticking your chopsticks vertically in a bowl as that resembles the incense sticks used at funerals. However, slurping your noodles is acceptable as it enhances the flavor and shows your appreciation. There is no tipping in Japan, but each guest may be required to order a drink or pay a few hundred yen for a compulsory “otoshi” snack at izakayas. For suggestions on where to dine, check out the 25 best restaurants in Tokyo.

In general, visitors to Japan do not require any specific vaccinations. It’s always wise to have travel insurance whenever you go to a different country; if you need to see a doctor, your insurance company can help guide you to the nearest clinic. The staff will probably be unable to speak English so you may want to have a Japanese-speaking friend accompany you, or make use of Google Translate on your phone. Fortunately, healthcare is excellent here and inexpensive compared to countries like the United States.

Travelers likely know that Japan is tough on illicit drugs, but may be surprised to learn that “every day” medicines like Advil and Benadryl are not easy to access, or only available in very low doses. (Even sore throat drops are sold behind the counter at pharmacies!) To avoid complications, pack enough legal painkillers and antihistamines. Tourists are allowed to carry two months of non-prescription medication, but double check to make sure it doesn’t contain ingredients prohibited in Japan. In addition, foreign prescriptions are not accepted in Japanese pharmacies, so pack extra pills in your carry-on just in case.

Japan’s weather ranges from below-freezing temperatures up north in Hokkaido to the tropical beach climate of Okinawa down south. Most of the country, including Tokyo, has a weather pattern similar to the American East Coast: summers are hot and humid, while winters are chilly with some snow.

In the past decade, climate change has triggered record-breaking heat waves throughout Japan. Nowadays, you can generally expect warm temperatures from spring through the fall. Be vigilant when exploring outdoors in July and August, as heatstroke can strike quickly. Japan also has a rainy season from around early June to mid-July. The most pleasant times to visit are spring and autumn, but you’ll run into higher prices and crowds, especially during the cherry blossom season, which is approximately late March through April.

The Japanese are vigilant about sun protection year-round. Follow their example and pack sunscreen, hats, sunglasses, and an umbrella that can double as a portable parasol. In the hotter months, you’ll be relieved to have a folding hand fan in your bag to help you cool off. Many travelers are taken by surprise by the aggressive mosquitoes throughout Japan, which can strike any time between spring and fall. Carry bug spray that contains a high percentage of DEET at all times, and cover up your limbs, especially at dusk and dawn.

Excellent walking shoes are a must, as you can easily rack up 20,000 steps a day from sightseeing and riding the subway. Pack clothes with natural materials and layers, and don’t forget to take out plenty of cash in advance and have a coin purse for loose change. Finally, as noted earlier, medications like acetaminophen and ibuprofen may be hard to buy or only sold in low doses, so pack enough permitted painkillers and allergy meds (you’re allowed a two-month personal supply). Tampons may also not be found in every convenience store as most Japanese women use pads, but they’ll be available in drugstores.

Japan is an extremely safe country for all visitors, with some of the lowest crime rates in the world. If you accidentally leave behind a wallet or phone, the most likely outcome is that it will swiftly be returned to you intact!

Many trains have women-only cars, but women do not need to worry about harassment in Japan. However, everyone should always maintain awareness of their surroundings, especially in bars and clubs frequented by foreigners, and make arrangements if staying out late (as public transport stops running between midnight and 5 am).

Finally, Japan has its fair share of earthquakes and tsunamis but these are almost always minor. Tourists can download a Safety Tips app to receive early warning alerts about weather events.

Thank you: Arigatou gozaimasu

I don’t understand: Wakarimasen

Sorry/excuse me: Sumimasen (Use this word to call for a server, or if you are nudging past others.)

Delicious: Oishii

Good morning: Ohayou gozaimasu

Hello (used in the daytime): Konnichi wa

Good evening: Konban wa

Goodbye: Sayonara

Tech-connected Japan offers plenty of free wi-fi, including in trains and convenience stores. For inexpensive internet data on your phone, purchase an e-sim or physical sim card in advance, as the ones sold at the airport are pricier. You can also rent a pocket Wi-Fi device or Japanese cell phone, and request that it be mailed to your hotel.

Japanese power outlets are identical to the ones in North America with either two vertical prongs (type A) or two prongs with a grounding pin underneath (type B). Japan’s voltage is slightly lower (100V, as opposed to the 120V standard in Canada and USA). This should not present issues for most electronics, which can simply be plugged in directly; however, always exercise caution. North Americans may want to bring a three-pronged to two-pronged adapter in case the hotel only has type A outlets.

Japan is extremely popular with tourists these days, so plan ahead if you’re traveling in the busiest seasons. Book hotels, restaurants, and tickets to attractions well in advance, and remember that luxury hotel concierges can help you nab a table at Michelin-starred eateries. Some events such as J-rock concerts have a more complicated booking system that requires a Japanese phone number and credit card, so ask a local friend to help you out.

Visitors generally won’t run into scams during their travels in Japan. However, if touts approach you to visit their club or bar (especially in Tokyo’s Kabukicho or Roppongi), politely say no and keep on walking. These places tend to be seedy and tack on exorbitant hidden charges.