🇯🇵

Asia · Destination guide

Japan

Capital: Tokyo

Currency¥ JPY

LanguageJapanese

Drive on⬅ Left

Plug typeType A · 100V

🛂Visa requirements

🇬🇧 UKVisa-free · 90d

🇺🇸 USVisa-free · 90d

🇦🇺 AUVisa-free · 90d

🇦🇪 UAEVisa-free · 30d

Check your specific passport on the visa checker

💳Money & payments

Cards: Cards accepted in major hotels and department stores, but many restaurants, taxis, and smaller shops are cash only. Never assume card payment is available.

ATMs: 7-Eleven, Japan Post, and FamilyMart ATMs reliably accept foreign Visa/Mastercard. Bank ATMs often do not.

Tipping

No tipping. Anywhere. Attempting to tip can cause confusion or offence.

💬Language

Japanese

Limited outside Tokyo, Kyoto, and major tourist areas. Download Google Translate with Japanese offline pack before arrival.

Useful phrases

·Arigatou gozaimasu — Thank you
·Sumimasen — Excuse me / Sorry
·Eigo ga hanasemasu ka? — Do you speak English?

🔌Electricity & plugs

Voltage100V

Plug typeType A (two flat parallel pins)

100V is lower than most countries. Most modern devices (phones, laptops) handle 100–240V — check your charger label. Hair dryers and shavers may need a transformer.

🤝Local customs & etiquette

1.Remove shoes before entering homes, many traditional restaurants, and some temples — look for shoe lockers near the entrance.
2.No eating or drinking while walking. Eat standing at food stalls or sitting down.
3.On public transport: no phone calls, quiet voices, and phones on silent. Priority seating is for elderly and disabled — do not use it.
4.Rubbish bins are rare in public — carry a small bag for your litter.
5.Queuing is strict and orderly. Never cut a queue.
6.Onsen (hot spring) etiquette: shower thoroughly before entering, no swimwear, tattoos prohibited in most public baths.

📶SIM cards & connectivity

eSIM supportedGet an eSIM for Japan

Local SIM: Pocket WiFi routers or SIM cards available at Narita/Haneda airport on arrival. SIM cards are data-only (no local calls) for tourists. IIJmio and NTT Docomo Tourist SIMs are reliable.

WiFi: Good free WiFi in convenience stores, Starbucks, and major stations. Many traditional ryokans have no WiFi.

🛡️Safety

Extremely safe. Japan has one of the lowest crime rates in the world. Natural hazard awareness is important: earthquakes occur regularly — know the emergency procedure at your hotel.

💉Health

No vaccinations required. Tap water is safe to drink throughout Japan. Medical care is excellent.

🚨Emergency numbers

police

110

ambulance

119

fire

119

coastguard

118

🚗Driving

Traffic side⬅ Drive on the left

LicenceInternational Driving Permit required. Japan also requires a certified Japanese translation of your licence.

Explore Japan

Itineraries in Japan Events in Japan Visa checker

💳Money & payments

Cards: Cards accepted in major hotels and department stores, but many restaurants, taxis, and smaller shops are cash only. Never assume card payment is available.

ATMs: 7-Eleven, Japan Post, and FamilyMart ATMs reliably accept foreign Visa/Mastercard. Bank ATMs often do not.

Tipping

No tipping. Anywhere. Attempting to tip can cause confusion or offence.

🤝Local customs & etiquette

1.Remove shoes before entering homes, many traditional restaurants, and some temples — look for shoe lockers near the entrance.

2.No eating or drinking while walking. Eat standing at food stalls or sitting down.

3.On public transport: no phone calls, quiet voices, and phones on silent. Priority seating is for elderly and disabled — do not use it.

4.Rubbish bins are rare in public — carry a small bag for your litter.

5.Queuing is strict and orderly. Never cut a queue.

6.Onsen (hot spring) etiquette: shower thoroughly before entering, no swimwear, tattoos prohibited in most public baths.

📶SIM cards & connectivity

eSIM supportedGet an eSIM for Japan

Local SIM: Pocket WiFi routers or SIM cards available at Narita/Haneda airport on arrival. SIM cards are data-only (no local calls) for tourists. IIJmio and NTT Docomo Tourist SIMs are reliable.

WiFi: Good free WiFi in convenience stores, Starbucks, and major stations. Many traditional ryokans have no WiFi.