Quick answer

Japan is safe, efficient, and richly traditional yet modern. Know visa rules for your nationality, travel in spring or autumn for best weather, carry cash, respect local customs, and use trains for most travel.

Visa & entry requirements

• Check your nationality: many countries (US, EU, Canada, Australia, etc.) have visa-free short stays (usually 90 days). Confirm with your government or Japan embassy site before travel.
• Passport validity: must be valid for the duration of stay; some airlines prefer at least 6 months.
• Temporary visitor rules: typically no work allowed on a tourist visa.
• Landing card & customs: fill out disembarkation card or online e-Gate forms where available.
• COVID/health: rules have relaxed, but check for any temporary testing/vaccination requirements before travel.

Best time to visit

• Spring (late March–April): cherry blossoms in many regions — very popular and crowded.
• Autumn (late Oct–Nov): pleasant temperatures and colorful foliage.
• Summer (June–Aug): hot, humid; June is rainy season (tsuyu). July–Aug has festivals (matsuri) and fireworks.
• Winter (Dec–Feb): cold in north; excellent skiing in Hokkaido and Tohoku; fewer tourists in cities.

Safety tips

• Japan is one of the safest countries: violent crime is low.
• Keep belongings secure in busy stations; pickpocketing is rare but possible.
• Follow rules and queues (trains, elevators).
• Earthquake preparedness: know hotel emergency exits, follow local instructions, and keep emergency contacts and a small kit.
• Health care: high-quality medical care; travel insurance recommended (cover medical evacuation).

Local customs & etiquette

• Bowing: used for greetings and thanks.
• Shoes: remove when entering homes, ryokan, some temples/shrines, and certain restaurants. Look for a shoe rack.
• Quiet public behavior: speak softly on trains; phone calls are discouraged on public transit.
• Tipping: generally not practiced and can cause confusion; exceptional tipping is unnecessary.
• Queuing: form lines for trains, buses, and ticket counters.
• Eating etiquette: no eating while walking in many places; avoid blowing your nose at the table; it’s polite to say “itadakimasu” before meals and “gochisousama” after.

Currency & money

• Currency: Japanese yen (JPY).
• Cash is widely used: many small shops, temples, and rural areas are cash-only. Carry sufficient cash.
• Credit cards: accepted at larger hotels, restaurants, and stores, but always check.
• ATMs: found at 7-Eleven, Japan Post, and major bank branches; airport ATMs also available.
• Notify your bank of travel to avoid card blocks.

Transportation

• Trains are the backbone: punctual, clean, and extensive (JR lines and private railways).
• Japan Rail Pass: cost-effective for long-distance travel between cities if you plan multiple Shinkansen (bullet train) trips—must often be purchased before arrival (check current rules for digital passes).
• IC cards (Suica/Pasmo/Icoca): rechargeable contactless cards for city transport and many purchases.
• Taxis: convenient but expensive; drivers are professional and cars are clean.
• Domestic flights: useful for Hokkaido/Okinawa or time-saving hops.
• Bicycles: common in smaller cities; follow local rules and park in designated areas.

Must-know tips & local insights

• Connectivity: rent a pocket Wi‑Fi or buy a local SIM for maps and translations.
• Language: English signage common in cities and transport hubs; learn basic phrases (hello, thank you, excuse me). Download translator apps for rural areas.
• Luggage forwarding: takkyubin (courier) services allow easy baggage shipping between hotels/airports.
• Accommodations: try a ryokan for the traditional experience (onsen etiquette applies: wash before entering baths; tattoos can be restricted in some onsen).
• Cashless options & apps: cashless payments are growing but not universal—keep cash ready.
• Dining: many restaurants show sample dishes or have picture menus; consider trying convenience store meals—high quality and cheap.
• Crowds: major sites (Shibuya, Kyoto temples, Mount Fuji) get very crowded—visit early or late in the day.
• Cultural sites: be respectful—follow photography rules, stay on paths, and speak softly.

Practical checklist before departure

• Confirm visa/entry rules and passport validity.
• Book major transport (Shinkansen/long-distance) in advance during peak seasons.
• Get travel insurance.
• Arrange pocket Wi‑Fi or SIM.
• Carry a mix of cash and card; know ATM locations.
• Learn basic Japanese phrases and etiquette.

Enjoy your trip: plan for efficient transport, be respectful of customs, and savor both the modern and traditional sides of Japan.