Japan

Top destinations for first-time visitors include Tokyo (Shibuya crossing, Senso-ji temple in Asakusa, Shinjuku, teamLab digital art museums, and the Tokyo Skytree), Kyoto (Fushimi Inari Shrine, Arashiyama bamboo grove, Kinkaku-ji golden pavilion, geisha districts of Gion), Osaka (Dotonbori street food, Osaka Castle, Universal Studios Japan), Hiroshima and Miyajima Island (Peace Memorial, floating torii gate), Nara (friendly free-roaming deer and Todai-ji temple), and Hokkaido (Sapporo, lavender fields, skiing, and seafood).

Japanese cuisine (washoku) is a UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage renowned for its precision, seasonal ingredients, and presentation. Must-try dishes include sushi and sashimi (raw fish over vinegared rice or served alone), ramen (regional noodle soups from Sapporo's miso ramen to Hakata's tonkotsu), tempura (lightly battered and fried seafood and vegetables), takoyaki (Osaka-style octopus balls), yakitori (grilled chicken skewers), tonkatsu (breaded pork cutlet), and matcha-based desserts. Convenience stores (konbini) such as 7-Eleven and Lawson also sell remarkably high-quality prepared meals and snacks.

Japan has excellent mobile connectivity with widespread 4G and growing 5G coverage across cities and major tourist routes. Pocket Wi-Fi rental devices, available for collection at airports, are popular for travelers needing to connect multiple devices. eSIMs from providers such as Airalo, Ubigi, and Holafly are convenient alternatives that can be activated before departure. Major hotels provide Wi-Fi. Note that VoIP restrictions do not apply in Japan; all internet calling apps work freely.

Onsen are natural geothermal hot spring baths that are an integral part of Japanese culture. Most ryokan (traditional inns) include private or communal onsen facilities. Rules to observe: you must shower and wash thoroughly before entering the bath; swimwear is not permitted in traditional onsen (you enter the water without clothing); guests with tattoos are frequently refused entry at traditional bathhouses. Private onsen rooms (kashikiri-buro) are an option for tattooed visitors at some ryokan.

A ryokan is a traditional Japanese inn providing an immersive cultural experience. Guests sleep on futon mattresses on tatami mat floors, wear yukata (cotton robes) provided by the inn, and dine on elaborate multi-course kaiseki meals served in private rooms. Most ryokan include access to communal or private onsen hot springs. Shoes are removed at the entrance and indoor slippers are worn. Ryokan range from affordable family guesthouses to ultra-luxury five-star experiences. Booking in advance is essential, particularly during cherry blossom and autumn foliage seasons.

Japan can suit multiple budget levels, though it has become relatively more expensive for international visitors following the weakening of the Yen against major currencies. Budget travelers using hostels, convenience store meals, and public transport can manage on approximately 6,000 to 9,000 JPY (around USD 40 to 60) per day. Mid-range travelers spending in restaurants and business hotels typically spend 15,000 to 25,000 JPY per day. Luxury ryokan and fine dining kaiseki meals represent the high end. The JR Pass and IC transport cards make getting around efficient and cost-controlled.

Japan does not require travel insurance for entry, but it is very strongly recommended. Medical treatment in Japan is world-class but expensive for uninsured visitors. Japan is also located in one of the world's most seismically active zones, and a comprehensive policy covering natural disasters, trip cancellation, and medical evacuation is advisable.

Cherry blossom (sakura) season is Japan's most celebrated natural event, typically occurring late March to mid-April depending on location and annual weather conditions. The Japan Meteorological Corporation and Japan Meteorological Agency publish annual sakura forecasts. Top viewing spots include Ueno Park and Shinjuku Gyoen in Tokyo, Maruyama Park in Kyoto, Hirosaki Castle in Aomori, and Philosopher's Path in Kyoto. Book flights, accommodation, and the JR Pass at least three to four months in advance as this is the country's peak tourist season.

Yes, tap water in Japan is completely safe to drink everywhere, including Tokyo, Kyoto, Osaka, and rural mountain areas. Japan has some of the strictest municipal water quality standards in the world. Tap water is crisp, clean, and served complimentary with ice at virtually all restaurants and cafes.

In Japan, dial 110 for Police (crime, traffic accidents) and 119 for Fire and Ambulance (medical emergencies). For emergencies at sea, dial 118. The Japan National Tourism Organization (JNTO) operates the Japan Visitor Hotline 24/7 in English, Chinese, and Korean at 0570-000-911 for tourist advice, medical assistance, and disaster support.

Foreign tourists in Japan on temporary visitor status can shop consumption-tax-free (saving 10 percent) at participating department stores, electronics shops (like Bic Camera and Yodobashi), and drugstores on purchases of 5,000 JPY or more on the same day. Present your original passport at checkout. Starting late 2026, Japan is transitioning to an airport digital refund model through Visit Japan Web.

On Tokaido, Sanyo, and Kyushu Shinkansen lines, luggage with total dimensions (length + width + height) between 160 cm and 250 cm requires an advance reservation for a Seat with an Oversized Baggage Area. This reservation is free when booking your train ticket. Bags exceeding 250 cm are prohibited on bullet trains and must be shipped via luggage forwarding services like Yamato Transport (Takkyubin).

Japan uses Type A two-pin unpolarized flat plugs operating at 100 volts (50 Hz in Tokyo and eastern Japan; 60 Hz in Osaka and western Japan). Outlets rarely feature grounding holes for Type B three-pin plugs. Most dual-voltage phone and laptop chargers (100 to 240V) work seamlessly with a basic two-pin adapter, but high-wattage heating appliances like curling irons need a voltage converter.

Yes, tourists can drive in Japan provided they carry an International Driving Permit issued under the 1949 Geneva Convention, alongside their domestic driver license. Driving is on the left side of the road. Japan enforces strict road rules, zero tolerance for drink driving, and mandatory seatbelts for all passengers. Public transport is so comprehensive that renting a car is only recommended for exploring rural areas like Hokkaido, Okinawa, or the Japanese Alps.