Overview
Everything you need to know before visiting Japan. From visa requirements to local customs, we've compiled the essential information to help you travel confidently and avoid common pitfalls.
Currency
Japanese Yen (¥)
Best SIM Provider
Docomo
Main Ride App
GO Taxi
Payment
Cash preferred
Visa & Entry Requirements
Visa requirements vary based on your passport country. For the most accurate information, always check with your country's embassy or the official immigration website.
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Medication Restrictions
Strictly Banned
Stimulants containing amphetamines (like Adderall) and any cannabis/THC products (including CBD oils/gummies) are completely illegal under all circumstances.
⚠️ Penalty: Immediate arrest and detention
Advance Permits Required
Certain ADHD medications (like Vyvanse) and strong opioid painkillers require an advance permit from the Narcotics Control Department (NCD) prior to travel.
Apply for approvalOver-the-Counter Risks
Common allergy or cold medications containing over 10% pseudoephedrine or codeine (like Sudafed or Claritin-D) are highly restricted or prohibited.
Quantity Limits
If you are bringing more than a 1-month supply of any legal prescription medication, you must apply for an official certificate ("Yunyu Kakunin-sho") before departure.
Apply for approvalEssential Apps
GO TaxiMost popular taxi app
DiDi JapanGood alternative in major cities
S. RIDETokyo area
UberConnects to local taxis (limited)
Notes for Visitors
- Apple Pay Suica works great for tourists - add to Wallet and load at stations
- Many apps work fine with international accounts
- JR Pass must be bought before arriving or within 2 weeks of arrival
SIM Cards & Internet
Pocket WiFi rental is popular and practical. eSIM or physical SIM also work well. Order before arrival for airport pickup. Excellent 4G/5G coverage everywhere.
- Pocket WiFi lets multiple devices connect
- Airport pickup available for SIM/WiFi rentals
- Free WiFi in convenience stores and train stations
eSIM Options
Skip the airport SIM queue with an eSIM
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Money & Banking
Cards vs Cash
Japan is still heavily cash-based despite being highly developed. Cards increasingly accepted but cash essential for small restaurants, shrines, many shops, and rural areas. Always carry yen.
ATM Tips
7-Eleven and post office (Japan Post Bank) ATMs reliably accept foreign cards. Regular bank ATMs often don't. Convenience store ATMs available 24/7.
Tipping Culture
Tipping is NOT customary and can cause confusion or offense. Don't tip at restaurants, hotels, taxis, or anywhere else. Good service is the standard, not an extra.
- ¥1,000 and ¥10,000 notes are common - don't be afraid to use them
- IC cards (Suica/Pasmo) work like cash for transit and many purchases
Recommended Travel Cards
Avoid foreign transaction fees with these travel-friendly cards
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Track your trip prep
Get a personalized checklist you can tick off as you go — free to set up.
Getting Around
From the Airport
Direct to major stations. Buy at JR counter or use JR Pass.
Fastest to Ueno/Nippori, then transfer to metro
Direct to many hotels and stations. Comfortable with luggage.
Kansai Airport to Osaka/Kyoto stations
Local Transport
Extensive, punctual, and efficient. Get an IC card immediately.
Rechargeable cards for all transit and many purchases. Essential.
Japanese cities are very walkable and safe
Common for local trips. Rental cycles available in most cities.
Yamato Transport ('kuro neko'/black cat) and Sagawa ship your bags airport-to-hotel, hotel-to-hotel, or hotel-to-airport. Great for multi-city trips, train travel (limited luggage space), ski trips, or hands-free arrival/departure days. Drop off at airports, konbini, or hotel front desks — allow ~1 day lead time (not same-day).
Driving & Rental Cars
International Driving Permit required
Japan requires an International Driving Permit (IDP) to drive or rent a car legally. Rental agencies often won't ask — but if you're pulled over, local police may require it and fines can be significant. Also required if your license isn't in the local language or script. Costs around $20, takes about a week, and you can't get one once you've left.
Strictly enforced — checks are common.
Side of road
Left
Speed limit (km/h)
50 city / 100 hwy
Alcohol limit
0.03%
Right on red
Not allowed
Min rental age
18
Renting a car in Japan
- Book early for busy seasons, and book an automatic ahead of time if you need one (manual is the default in many countries)
- Choose a "full to full" fuel policy so you only pay for the fuel you use
- Use a credit card in the driver's name, since the desk will hold a deposit on it
- Photograph or film the car at pickup, including every existing scratch
- Ask about tolls, cross-border fees and extra drivers before you sign
- Minimum rental age here is 18, and drivers under 25 often pay a young-driver fee
EconomyBookings
Compare rental car prices in Japan across hundreds of agencies — often cheaper than booking direct.
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Safety & Accessibility
For Women Travelers
- Japan is one of the safest countries for solo female travelers
- Be aware of crowded trains during rush hour - 'women-only' cars are available
- Exercise normal precautions in nightlife areas like Roppongi and Kabukicho
- Violent crime against tourists is extremely rare
LGBTQ+ Friendliness
Japan is generally safe but conservative. Same-sex marriage is not legal. Tokyo's Shinjuku Ni-chome is the largest LGBTQ+ district in Asia. Public displays of affection are uncommon for all couples in Japan.
- Shinjuku Ni-chome in Tokyo has over 300 LGBTQ+ bars and venues
- Osaka and Kyoto also have LGBTQ+ friendly areas
- Discretion is common across all relationships in Japan - PDA is rare in general
In Partnership With
Everywhere Is Queer
Want to check out local queer businesses on your trip? Everywhere Is Queer maps queer-owned bars, cafés, restaurants, and shops so you can spend your money where it matters. Not every city is on the map yet, but coverage is growing fast — check if your destination is live.
Wheelchair Accessibility
Japan has made significant strides in accessibility. Major train stations, hotels, and tourist attractions often have good wheelchair access. However, older temples and traditional ryokan may present challenges.
- JR trains have accessible cars and priority seating
- Major stations have elevators and tactile paving
- Many temples and historic sites have some accessible routes
- Accessible taxis can be booked in advance
Pickpocket Hotspots
- Japan is exceptionally safe - pickpocketing is rare
- Use normal precautions in crowded areas like Shibuya crossing
- Be aware in nightlife districts like Roppongi (more for scams than theft)
Travel Insurance
Don't travel without coverage
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Scams to Watch Out For
Bar Overcharging (Roppongi/Kabukicho)
Touts invite you to bars where drinks are vastly overpriced. Bill can reach hundreds of dollars.
Prevention: Avoid touts and places with aggressive solicitors. Know prices before ordering.
Izakaya Cover Charges
Some izakayas have 'table charges' (otoshi) that aren't scams but surprise tourists.
Prevention: It's normal to pay ¥300-500 for small appetizers that appear automatically - this is cultural, not a scam.
Fake Monks
People dressed as monks ask for 'donations' and give you a cheap trinket.
Prevention: Real monks don't solicit. Politely decline and walk away.
Traveler Safety Essentials
Traveler Safety Essentials
These safety tips apply everywhere you travel. Small habits can prevent the most common security problems travelers face — from phone theft to home break-ins.
Don't forget anything
Turn these tips into a trackable checklist so nothing slips through the cracks.
Weather & Climate
Japan's climate varies by region. Here's a seasonal overview to help you plan.
Dec – Feb
2-11°C (36-52°F)
Low rainfall
Cold, plum blossom season
Mar – May
10-19°C (50-66°F)
Medium rainfall
Cherry blossom peak, Golden Week prep
Jun – Aug
23-30°C (73-86°F)
Medium rainfall
Hot and humid, festival season
Sep – Nov
14-22°C (57-72°F)
Medium rainfall
Autumn colors begin
Packing Tip
Check the specific month you're traveling for detailed packing suggestions. Weather can vary significantly by region and elevation.
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Tap Water
Tap water is safe to drink.
Taste can differ from home, and some people prefer filtered or bottled water anyway. A refillable bottle saves money and plastic.
Power & Electricity
Voltage
100V
Frequency
50/60Hz
Plug Types
A, B
Japan has the lowest voltage in the world. Most modern electronics handle 100-240V. Older devices may charge slowly.
What You May Need
- •From US/Canada/Japan: Likely need adapter and possibly converter for non-dual-voltage devices
- •From UK: Likely need adapter, voltage usually compatible
- •From Europe/Australia: Check plug type, voltage usually compatible
EPICKA 70W GaN travel adapter
3 USB-C + 2 USB-A ports with 70W GaN fast charging, so the whole family's devices charge off one plug. Not a voltage converter.
Shop on AmazonAnker power bank
A dead phone is as useless as a stolen one. Compact fast-charging backup power.
Shop on AmazonSome links are affiliate links — we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. We only recommend things we'd suggest to a friend.
Most modern phone chargers and laptops work with 100-240V. Check your device's power adapter for compatibility before traveling.
Language & Communication
Languages Spoken
Official Language(s)
English Proficiency
English signage in major cities. Spoken English limited but improving. Translation apps essential.
Essential Phrases
こんにちは (Konnichiwa)
Hello
kon-nee-chee-WAH
ありがとう (Arigatou)
Thank you
ah-ree-GAH-toh
すみません (Sumimasen)
Excuse me/Sorry
soo-mee-mah-SEN
いくらですか (Ikura desu ka)
How much?
ee-KOO-rah DES-ka
英語を話せますか (Eigo o hanasemasu ka)
Do you speak English?
AY-go o hah-nah-seh-MAHS-ka
お会計 (Okaikei)
Check please
oh-kai-KAY
Dietary Options
🌱 Vegan Friendly
Challenging but possible. Buddhist temple cuisine (shojin ryori) is traditionally vegan. Say 'biigan' (vegan). Many dishes contain dashi (fish stock). Tokyo and Kyoto have vegan restaurants.
🥗 Vegetarian Friendly
Harder than expected due to dashi (fish stock) in many dishes. Vegetarian options exist but require planning. 'Bejitarian' is understood. Temple food (shojin ryori) is a safe bet.
🌾 Gluten-Free Friendly
Difficult due to soy sauce (contains wheat) in almost everything. Rice-based dishes are safe. Say 'komugi arerugii' (wheat allergy). Bring translation cards and research restaurants.
Traveling with a Pet
Rabies-free country framework with highly rigorous notification and biological timeline verification tracking.
Timeline
7-8 months advanced prep
Quarantine Risk
Absolute 180-day detention if countdown fails
Regulatory Framework
MAFF import notification protocols + 180-day blood draw holding sequence.
Key Constraints
Requires an initial microchip, 2 rabies vaccines, a blood titer (FAVN) test, and a mandatory 180-day waiting countdown starting exactly from the date of the blood draw.
Pet Culture
Ultra-clean & pampered. Pets are meticulously dressed and carried in strollers. Parks have strict rules; indoor dining rare outside specialized pet cafes.
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Cultural Tips
No eating while walking - find a place to stand still if you must eat outside
Be quiet on trains - phone calls and loud conversations are frowned upon
Remove shoes when entering homes, some restaurants, and changing rooms - look for the step up
Bow slightly when saying hello/thank you - Japanese people will appreciate the effort
Stand on the left side of escalators in Tokyo (right in Osaka) - the other side is for walking
Tipping: NOT customary and can cause confusion. Good service is the standard, not an extra.
Local Quirks & Fun Facts
Slurping noodles is not just acceptable. It's expected. Embrace the sound.
Convenience store food is genuinely good. Don't be a snob.
Punctuality is sacred. If the train is 30 seconds late, there will be an apology.
Vending machines are everywhere. Hot drinks in winter, cold in summer.
Tattoos & Onsen/Sento Etiquette
- Many public onsen (hot springs) and sento (bathhouses) still restrict visible tattoos due to a lingering association with the yakuza. Policies vary widely by venue, so check before you go.
Tattoo-Friendly Onsen
An onsen experience in Tokyo (Sumida-ku, near Oshiage Station) — no tattoo restrictions. Exact meeting location emailed the day before.
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- In other cities, your options: seek out tattoo-friendly onsen (common in Hakone, Beppu, and parts of Hokkaido — search 'tattoo friendly onsen [city]'), use waterproof cover stickers from drugstores, or book a private onsen (kashikiri-buro/family bath) at a ryokan for full privacy — also ideal for groups and families, since public baths are gender-separated.
Daily-Use Essentials
- Carry a hand towel or handkerchief — most public restrooms have no paper towels or hand dryers. Bring one from home or grab a quick-drying travel towel once there; convenience stores and 100-yen shops sell them everywhere.
- Carry a small trash bag — public bins are scarce, so you'll often need to hold onto your rubbish.
- Carry a pack of tissues — some restrooms don't stock toilet paper.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Trying to tip - it's confusing and potentially insulting
Not carrying cash - many places are still cash-only
Talking loudly on trains or in public
Entering baths/onsen without washing first - always shower completely before entering
Sticking chopsticks upright in rice - this resembles funeral incense
Not having travel insurance - medical care can be expensive for foreigners
Tours & Experiences
Book ahead — the best tours sell out fast.
Tours and experiences in Japan
Browse bookable tours, tickets and day trips on Viator, our tours partner.
Browse tours on ViatorWant the tour list shown right here?
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Gear to make your trip easier
Pack smart
4BAGAIL compression packing cubes
Six compression cubes plus vacuum bags and a hand pump, so you can squeeze bulky items down hard when mesh alone isn't enough. Sold as a bundle; every piece is also available on its own.
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Notabag packable backpack/tote
Folds into its own pocket, then opens into a backpack or tote for market runs, day trips, and overflow on the way home.
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FYY electronics organizer
Keeps chargers, cables, and adapters untangled in one place, so you're not digging through your bag at security.
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TSA toiletry containers (3oz set)
Refillable, TSA-approved bottles so you carry your own products in a carry-on without the airport surprise.
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Rest on the way
7Mavogel sleep mask
Blocks light completely for sleep on planes, in bright rooms, or across time zones — contoured so nothing presses on your eyes.
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Sea to Summit Aeros neck pillow
Inflatable, so it packs down to nothing but still holds your head up on long flights and buses.
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Twelve South AirFly SE
Pairs your own headphones with any 3.5mm jack — seatback screens, gym equipment, whatever doesn't have Bluetooth. Reusable, so you're not relying on (or wasting) a disposable pair every flight.
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Children's EarPlanes
Reduces the pressure change in a child's ears during takeoff and landing — less pain, less crying. 3-pair value pack.
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Pedialyte electrolyte powder packets
Single-serve oral rehydration packets — lightweight, no fridge needed, and often not available at your destination.
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Compression socks
Keep your legs from swelling and aching on long flights and bus rides — the cheap habit frequent flyers swear by.
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Loop Quiet earplugs
Reusable, low-profile earplugs that dull engine drone, snorers, and noisy streets so you actually rest.
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Keep it safe
9
NordPass
Keep every login and a passport photo encrypted, so losing your phone doesn't lose your accounts. Use code TRAVELREDDI for 4 months free on a paid plan.
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NordVPN
Encrypts your connection on sketchy public and hotel WiFi. Use code TRAVELREDDI for 4 months free on a paid plan.
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Apple AirTag
Slip one into a checked bag, daypack or even your wallet, then find it in Find My. For iPhone users.
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Tile tracker
The same idea for Android and iPhone. Great in luggage, a daypack, or a wallet.
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Pacsafe crossbody
Locking zippers and a slash-resistant strap. The bag I wish I'd had when mine got unclipped.
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Peak Gear money belt
A hidden belt for cash and a backup card, out of reach of pickpockets.
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Guard Dog door lock
For when you're in the room. Adds a sturdy lock to almost any hotel or rental door so no one can open it while you're inside or asleep.
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TSA locks with cable
For when you're out. Use the cable to lock your bags to each other or to a fixed piece of furniture, so they're harder to grab and more obvious if someone tries. TSA-approved, 2-pack.
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TORRAS phone lanyard
Keeps your phone on your body, much harder to snatch out of your hand.
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Weather ready
3BAODINI mini umbrella
Packs into a daypack and blocks both UV and sudden downpours — a travel-day staple when the forecast can't make up its mind.
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Diveblues portable fan
Rechargeable handheld fan for hot, humid days and stuffy transit — stands hands-free when you need both hands.
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Nearby destinations
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