AIRPORTS
Japan’s major international airports are Tokyo’s Narita and Haneda Airports, Osaka’s Kansai International Airport, and Nagoya’s Chubu Centrair International Airport. Other significant international gateways include Fukuoka Airport, Sapporo’s New Chitose Airport, and Naha Airport in Okinawa.

ARRIVAL & DEPARTURE
Citizens of many countries, including most Western nations, are eligible to enter Japan for short-term stays (typically up to 90 days) without obtaining a visa in advance for tourism or business purposes. Nationals of countries that do not have a “Reciprocal Visa Exemption Arrangement” with Japan must apply for a visa before traveling. Visa applications must be made in person at a Japanese embassy or consulate. For more information, visit the Ministry of Foreign Affairs website: http://www.mofa.go.jp/j_info/visit/visa/index.html

All foreign visitors are required to be fingerprinted and photographed upon arrival, except for children under 16, diplomats, and permanent residents of Japan. Visitors must also complete an entry/exit form and a customs declaration.
Please retain this form, as it must be presented upon departure. Airport taxes are included in the price of your flight ticket.
Note: Visa regulations are subject to change. It is the traveler’s responsibility to verify requirements before departure.

BUSINESS HOURS
Most offices are open Monday to Friday, from 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM. Post offices typically operate Monday to Friday, 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM. Museums, temples, and other tourist attractions generally open from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM. Department stores and large shops are usually open seven days a week, from 10:00 AM to 7:30 or 8:00 PM.

BANKS
Banks are open Monday to Friday from 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM, and are closed on weekends and national holidays. Currency exchange is available at:

Narita and Kansai International Airports

Banks and post offices displaying the “Authorized Foreign Exchange” sign

Hotels (for guests only)

Major department stores in large cities (at customer service or money exchange counters)

Please note: Exchanging money or traveler’s checks at banks and post offices may take time. International credit, debit, and ATM cards are convenient for withdrawing yen, but standard Japanese bank ATMs may not accept foreign-issued cards. For ease, use International ATMs found at airports, post offices, and 7-Eleven convenience stores. For 7-Eleven ATM locations, visit: http://www.sevenbank.co.jp/intlcard/index2.html

CLOTHING
Light clothing is recommended in summer, though jackets are advisable for visits to mountainous regions. Spring evenings can be chilly, so warmer layers are recommended.
Japanese people tend to dress neatly and formally; appearance matters and may influence how you are treated. While Japan is relatively relaxed about dress codes at temples, it is respectful to dress modestly and cover your shoulders. Shoes that are easy to slip on and off are practical for visiting temples or staying in traditional inns (ryokans).

CURRENCY
Japan’s currency is the yen (¥). Coins come in ¥1, ¥5, ¥10, ¥50, ¥100, and ¥500 denominations. Bills are available in ¥1,000, ¥2,000, ¥5,000, and ¥10,000.
Although credit cards are increasingly accepted at hotels, restaurants, and stores, Japan remains largely a cash-based society. Carrying cash is advisable, especially when dining at budget eateries, shopping at small stores, or staying in traditional accommodations in rural areas.

CUSTOMS ALLOWANCES
Travelers aged 20 or older may bring the following duty-free into Japan:

200 non-Japanese cigarettes

Three bottles (760 ml each) of alcohol

Two ounces of perfume
For more details, please visit the Japan Customs website.

ETIQUETTE: DOS AND DON'TS
Japanese people are generally very tolerant of visitors unfamiliar with local customs, but following basic etiquette is appreciated. Here are some key dos and don’ts:

Dos:

Bow when greeting: Bowing is customary in Japan and reflects respect. Handshakes are becoming more common in business contexts.

Learn basic phrases: English is not widely spoken. Learning a few Japanese words is helpful and appreciated.

Share dishes: Meals are often served family-style; sharing is common.

Pay if you invite: It’s customary for the inviter to pay for meals.

Bring a small gift: If visiting someone’s home, a small souvenir from your home country is appreciated.

Give and receive gifts with both hands: It’s polite not to open gifts in front of the giver.

Avoid public affection: Kissing, hugging, and even back-patting in public are uncommon and may be considered inappropriate.

Don'ts:

Don’t wear shoes indoors: Remove shoes before entering a Japanese home. Slippers are usually provided.

Don’t stick chopsticks upright in rice: This resembles a funeral ritual. Place chopsticks on the provided rest when not in use.

Don’t pass food from chopstick to chopstick: This mimics a funeral custom.

Don’t drink before the toast: Wait for everyone to be served and raise a toast, saying "Kampai!"

Don’t mishandle business cards: Present and receive them with both hands. Treat them respectfully.

Don’t enter a communal bath unwashed: Wash thoroughly before soaking in an onsen or sento.

Don’t talk loudly or use your phone on public transport.

ELECTRICITY
Japan uses 100 volts AC. The frequency is 50 Hz in eastern Japan (including Tokyo) and 60 Hz in western Japan (including Osaka and Kyoto). Most hotels offer outlets for both 110 and 220 volts for small appliances. Plugs are two-flat-pin types, so bring a universal adapter if needed.

ENTERTAINMENT & NIGHTLIFE
Japan offers an exciting mix of nightlife — from stylish cocktail bars and jazz lounges to lively karaoke joints and traditional izakaya (Japanese pubs).
Be mindful of cover charges at upscale venues, which can range from a few hundred to several thousand yen.
Roppongi (Tokyo) and Dotombori (Osaka) are top nightlife districts. Culturally inclined visitors will find theaters and cinemas in all major cities.

FOOD
Japanese cuisine is known for its seasonality, ingredient quality, and refined presentation. A typical meal pairs staple foods (rice or noodles) with soups and okazu (side dishes made of fish, meat, or vegetables).
Flavors are often enhanced with dashi (broth), miso, and soy sauce.

Famous dishes include:

Sushi – vinegared rice with various toppings

Sashimi – fresh raw fish or meat, sliced thin

Tempura – battered and deep-fried seafood or vegetables

Sukiyaki – thin beef slices cooked with vegetables and tofu

Nabemono – hot pot dishes with fish, chicken, or tofu

Shabu-shabu – thin meat slices cooked in boiling water at the table

Teppanyaki – meat or seafood grilled on an iron plate

Yakitori – skewered grilled chicken parts and vegetables

Dining in hotels and upscale restaurants can be expensive, but standard eateries offer quality meals at reasonable prices. Many display plastic food models in their windows, making ordering easy. Western fast-food chains and local Japanese versions are widely available.

HEALTH
No vaccinations are required for travel to Japan, except for yellow fever if you are arriving from a region where the disease is present.

HOTEL INFORMATION
Japan offers a wide range of accommodations in both Japanese and Western styles, including some unique options such as capsule hotels, which mainly cater to male guests seeking just a bed for the night.
Other styles of accommodation include ryokans—traditional Japanese inns—where a stay typically includes dinner and breakfast.
A minshuku is a Japanese-style bed-and-breakfast, usually family-run, offering Japanese-style rooms and often including one or two meals.
Western-style hotels, including various international and Japanese chains, are found throughout the country, especially in major cities.
Business hotels offer small, simple Western-style rooms with snacks and drinks available via vending machines.

INSURANCE
It is essential to purchase comprehensive medical insurance before traveling. Ensure your policy includes adventure activities and full medical coverage, as Japan’s excellent healthcare can be costly without insurance.

INTERNET
Most mid-range and higher-end hotels offer business centers with Internet-connected PCs. Almost all accommodations provide free LAN or Wi-Fi access in guest rooms. Cybercafés are rare outside major cities due to widespread mobile and personal device use.

LANGUAGE
Although more young people now speak English, as it is increasingly taught in schools, it is advisable to carry addresses or names of destinations written in Japanese. This is useful for showing taxi drivers or asking for directions. A phrasebook can also be helpful, especially in rural areas where English signage may be limited.

PEOPLE
The Japanese are renowned for their politeness and hospitality. Many travelers return with stories of extraordinary kindness. With a largely ethnically homogenous population, there is a strong sense of shared identity. For the best experience, reciprocate their politeness, learn a few basic Japanese phrases, and return a bow when greeting someone.

PROTECTING CHILDREN
We do not support or offer visits to orphanages and advise against visiting if approached by children requesting such. “Orphanage tourism” can be exploitative and harmful to children’s rights and education.
We encourage supporting community-based initiatives and vocational training instead.
Sexual exploitation of children is a serious concern and may occur in various settings. If you witness suspicious behavior, do not intervene directly—report it to a child protection hotline, local organization, or the police.

Emergency Contacts in Japan:

Child Protection: (+81) 120 99 7777

Police: 110

Childline Support Center NPO: www.childline.or.jp

For more information: https://thinkchildsafe.org

PUBLIC HOLIDAYS
Tourist sites may close without notice on public holidays. Transport and accommodations can be fully booked during these periods:

New Year: December 29 – January 3

Golden Week: April 29 – May 5

Obon Festival: Around August 15

PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION
Japan’s transport system is one of the most advanced globally, highlighted by its high-speed bullet trains. These trains connect most of the country efficiently. For long distances (e.g., Okinawa or Hokkaido), flying may be preferable.
Ferries are uncommon as major islands are linked by bridges and tunnels.
Travelers can take trains to provincial cities and then rent a car—note that an International Driving Permit is required. Be sure to get a bilingual map, as some road signs are only in Japanese.
The Japan Rail Pass allows unlimited travel for overseas visitors.
Tokyo has an extensive metro and rail network; prepaid transport cards are the most convenient option.
Taxis are reliable but expensive, especially during peak hours.

RELIGION
In Japan, religion is often viewed pragmatically. A popular saying goes: "You are Shinto at birth, Christian at marriage, and Buddhist at death."
The main religions are Shinto and Buddhism, and most people practice aspects of both. Shinto, meaning "Way of the Gods," is rooted in ancient animistic beliefs that predate Buddhism’s arrival in Japan.

SAFETY
Japan is one of the safest countries in the world. Even major cities like Tokyo and Osaka are remarkably secure, and crimes against tourists are rare. However, remain cautious in crowded areas and store valuables in your hotel safe.

SHOPPING
Japan is a shopper’s paradise, with a vast range of goods—from traditional crafts and local foods to electronics and high fashion. Cities feature multiple shopping districts, typically near major train stations.
100-yen shops offer a wide variety of products at just 108 yen (100 yen plus 8% tax).
Department stores are known for exceptional service, with staff often lining up to greet customers at opening time.
Tourists may be eligible for tax refunds on purchases over 10,000 yen by showing a passport.

TELEPHONE
Prepaid local SIM cards (for data use only) and mobile Wi-Fi routers can be rented at airports. Hotel phones are generally expensive due to surcharges. Use calling cards from vending machines or convenience stores for better rates. Public phones, though rare, can still be found in stations and hotel lobbies. Domestic long-distance rates are reduced after 9:00 PM.

TIME ZONE
Japan is GMT+9 and does not observe daylight saving time.

TIPPING
Tipping is not customary in Japan—not for waitstaff, taxi drivers, or porters. A 10–15% service charge is included at upscale hotels and restaurants. Traditional inns with personalized service may include a 10–20% service fee. Budget accommodations typically do not add service charges.

WATER
Tap water is safe to drink throughout Japan.

WEATHER
Japan’s climate varies widely due to its north-south span of over 3,000 km.

Spring (March–May): Pleasant, with cherry blossoms blooming from Kyushu (March) to Tokyo (early April).

Early Summer: Rainy season.

July–August: Hot and humid, except in Hokkaido.

Autumn: Cool and dry, but may bring typhoons.

Winter: Cold, with heavy snow in mountainous regions.

EMERGENCY CONTACT NUMBERS

Police: 110

Medical or Fire: 119

Tokyo Metropolitan Health & Medical Information Center (English-speaking): (03) 5285-8185

DISCLAIMER
This information was accurate at the time of publication and is subject to change. We are not responsible for the content of external websites. By using this information, you acknowledge that you do so at your own risk and that GoAsia Travel is not liable for any damages arising from its use. We reserve the right to correct any errors or omissions and to update information without prior notice.