In general
Currency
Yen (JPY). Japan is still fairly cash-based: always carry yen, especially for temples, small restaurants and rural areas. Cards are increasingly accepted in cities, and 7-Eleven convenience-store ATMs work with foreign cards.
Language
Japanese. Spoken English is limited, but train and metro signage is bilingual and photo-translation apps are very useful.
Visa
Citizens of the EU, UK, US and many other countries need no visa for tourism up to 90 days; passport valid for the whole stay. Check the rules for your own nationality before leaving.
Health / Vaccines
No mandatory vaccines. Healthcare is excellent but expensive without cover: travel insurance is recommended.
e-SIM / Connectivity
Excellent coverage everywhere. Tourists use data SIMs/e-SIMs (voice lines are rare) or rental pocket wifi; Airalo, Ubigi or the data SIMs sold at the airport are handy.
Electricity
100V, type A sockets (two flat blades, US-style). Frequency is 50Hz in the east (Tokyo) and 60Hz in the west (Osaka). Almost all chargers are multi-voltage: usually just a shape adapter is enough.
Time zone
UTC+9 all year, with no daylight saving.
Climate
Four distinct seasons. Spring (cherry blossom) and autumn (foliage) are the best times; summer is hot and humid, with the rainy season and typhoons between June and October; winter is cold and dry.
Payments
Cash + cards, with an IC card (Suica/Pasmo) for small amounts. Even in a hi-tech country many small venues take cash only: always keep yen on you.
Good to know
Earthquakes and typhoons
Japan is at high seismic risk: download an alert app (NHK World, Safety Tips) and note the exits at your hotel. Typhoons can hit between June and October: keep an eye on forecasts and the rainy season.
Transport
Get an IC card (Suica, Pasmo or ICOCA) right away for metro, trains and buses. Shinkansen should be reserved (seats sell out on weekends and in high season); large suitcases need the seat with dedicated luggage space. Compare individual tickets with the Japan Rail Pass: after the price rises, singles are often cheaper.
Etiquette
No tipping (it can cause discomfort). Remove your shoes where indicated; keep quiet and don't make calls on trains; don't eat while walking. Bins are rare: you often carry your rubbish with you.
Onsen
At hot springs (onsen) and in ryokan baths you wash thoroughly before entering the tub, which you enter naked and without putting the towel in the water. In many onsen tattoos aren't allowed or must be covered: check beforehand.
Useful numbers
- 110 — Police
- 119 — Fire and ambulance
💡 Get an IC card (Suica/Pasmo) right away and always keep some yen in cash: between convenience stores, temples and small restaurants you'll move around effortlessly. For shinkansen, compare the single ticket with the Japan Rail Pass — the single is often cheaper.