Travel to Japan

The island country of Japan is located in the midst of the Pacific Ocean, vulnerable to earthquakes and the ravages of tsunamis.

Japan is an archipelago of 6,852 islands but the ‘Big Four’ consist of Hokkaido, Honshu, Shikoku and Kyushu. The land has 47 prefectures from Hokkaido in the north to Okinawa in the south.

A wonderfully resilient country, Japan has a global image of prosperity, progress and development, particularly in building up infrastructure in the large cities. People visit Japan to immerse themselves in the country’s ancient culture and to learn about Japanese traditions.

However, being a land of contradictions, Japan also has so much modernity to offer the visitor. Japanese art and architecture, the delicious food, the quiet, respectful nature of the Japanese people are all things to be appreciated.

Witness a bunraku, kabuki or rakugo performance, a tea ceremony, visit a relaxing onsen, one of the country’s 22 UNESCO World Heritage sites or learn calligraphy practices from the masters themselves- Japan has all this and much more to offer.

Visa Requirements for Japan

A visa and valid passport is required to visit Japan unless you are a citizen of EU, EEA, USA, Australia, New Zealand and more.

Please check the requirements for your particular country with regards to a Japan visa application. Those nationalities requiring a temporary visitor visa, must apply for the visa prior to arrival, which is generally valid for up to a 90 day stay.

The passport and stamped visa must be carried at all times. Random checks, particularly at night-clubs are common and may result in fines.

Use this website to check whether or not you will need a visa when visiting Japan. For all visitors planning on staying longer than the six months, you will need to apply for a study, work or another visa. Note that the UK is NOT part of the Schengen area.

Important Cultural Information

The Japanese people are aware that their etiquette is complex and that all foreign travelers may not be able to grasp them easily.

However, there are some rules, that if broken, will not be widely tolerated. You should never step on to a tatami mat with shoes. Japanese abodes will have a ‘genkan’ or a transitional area, where it is usual to take off your shoes.

• Never leave chopsticks facing upwards in a bowl as this is how rice is offered to the dead.
• The body should be cleansed before stepping in to a bath.
• It is not usual to physically contact someone in public.
• Hugging and kissing in public are frowned upon in Japanese culture.
• The Japanese bow their heads in greeting. Japanese men will bow with their hands to their sides. Women will bow with their hands held together at the chest.
• When handing something over to someone it is customary to use both hands when handing it over.
• The elderly are accorded special respect in Japan.
• Do follow the cleansing rituals before visiting a Shinto shrine or Buddhist temple.

Banking & Money

The currency of Japan is the yen. There are 5 coins and 4 bills in current usage. 1 yen (silver), 5 (gold with hole), 10 (copper), 50 (silver with hole), 100 (silver) and 500 yen (gold and silver).

All coins are marked in Arabic numerals except for the 5 yen coin. Bills are 1000 (blue), 5000 (purple), 10,000 (brown), with a now out of circulation, rare 2000 yen note.

Most foreign debit and credit cards will not work in Japan except at ATMs located in the 7-Eleven convenience stores, post offices and Shinsei Bank branches. These ATMs allow you to withdraw cash using Mastercard, Visa, Maestro, Cirrus, American Express and JCB cards. Moreover, an English menu is provided at these ATMs. Convenience store ATMs are open all the time allowing a withdrawal of 100,000 yen at a time.

Japan is a cash based society. Small restaurants, markets will use cash or the popular credit card- JCB (which enjoys an alliance with Discover card). It is not unusual in Japan to carry around large amounts of currency- it is quite safe to do so and often necessary in areas with fewer ATM facilities.

The major Japanese banks are JP Bank, Citibank, Shinsei Bank, SMBC, AEON and Mitsubishi UFJ. Of these Shinsei Bank accepts foreign debit and credit cards. As a general rule of thumb, 100 yen is equivalent to 1 US dollar.

Medical Emergency Information

Many hospitals in the larger Japanese cities have excellent medical facilities, on par with many western hospitals but the language barrier still remains a problem. Not all Hospital staff or physicians will be able to communicate effectively in English- so this remains a huge problem.

Paying for the full medical bill in a Japanese Hospital can be very expensive unless medical insurance pays for at least some of it. Make sure you visit a hospital that accepts JMIP (Japanese Medical Service Accreditation) – an accreditation system for foreign visitors.

English language speaking, JMIP hospitals in Tokyo include Tokyo Nishi Tokushukai Hospital and Center Hospital of the National Center for Global Health and Medicine.

There is no need for a doctor for certain over the counter medicines available in Japanese drugstores.

In case of urgent ambulatory care call 119. Ambulances are free but the medical bill at the destination hospital is the patient’s own responsibility.

Police is called using 110.

If you’re looking for travel insurance, we are an affiliate of World Nomads.

Wi-Fi and Internet in Japan

To make international calls to Japan, the country code is 81. Public pay phones are common in Japan. The gray and green ones accept 10 and 100 yen coins. A phone card may also be purchased from a convenience store or train station kiosk.

Japanese mobile phones are 2G phones which operate on a Personal Digital Cellular standard- incompatible with the rest of the world. Alternatively 3G phones with UMTS/WCDMA2100 standard and with a 3G SIM card will most likely work. If you have a 3G compatible SIM card, it is possible to hire a 3G phone, although some carrier restrictions may apply for your Japan Wi-Fi rental. A prepaid phone might also be bought at a SoftBank.

Internet cafes can be found in and around train stations as a rule. Manga coffee shops also have PCs to be used for browsing. Certain Wi-Fi hotspots can be found in the big cities. Make sure to use a VPN when traveling and using Wi-Fi hotspots, like ExpressVPN.

4G Wireless Data is available for phones and Pocket Wi-Fi options will enable you to use additional equipment like laptops, iPads and iPods. 

Arrival in Japan

If arriving in Japan by plane, the most common point of entry will be Narita Airport (NRT), an hour away from Tokyo. Another popular airport in Kansai Airport (KIX), also an hour distant from Osaka. Other airports dealing with international traffic include Chubu International Airport (NGO) near Nagoya, Naha Airport (OKA) and New Chitose Airport (CTS).

Japan’s own airlines are Japan Airlines (JAL) and All Nippon Airways (ANA). International carriers such as Delta, United Airlines and American also service Narita Airport, primarily from the US and Asia. You can reach Japan by boat from Korea, China, Russia and Taiwan but due to the length of the ferry ride, obviously air travel is preferable.

Search for flights to Japan on Expedia or 12Go (can also be used to search for trains, buses and ferries traveling to and around Japan).

Areas of Japan

From south to north, the regions of Japan can be broadly classified in to the following:

Okinawa

The southernmost tip of Japan formed part of an independent kingdom until it was annexed by Japan in 1879. As a result, Okinawa has a rather unique, indigenous culture.

Kyushu

Kyushu forms part of the four main islands and has a warmer climate, prone to typhoons. Some of the larger cities are Fukuoka, Kitakyushu and is also home to the Japanese port of Nagasaki, bombed during the Second World War.

Shikoku

Shikoku is the tiniest island of Japan’s ‘Big Four’. It is a region that promises good trekking opportunities- the hilly terrain, turbulent waters of the Yoshino River and an abundance of citrus crop and vegetables- make this a nature lover’s haven.

Chugoku

The Chugoku region forms the westernmost part of Honshu island and is home to three UNESCO World Heritage sites in Japan. These include the memorial site of Hiroshima, the Iwami Ginzan Silver Mine and Itsukushima Shrine- the most photographed shrine in Japan.

Kansai

Kansai, also known as ‘Kinki’, meaning ‘near the capital’, refers to Kansai’s proximity to the ancient capital of Nara and Kyoto. Today it is home to the three big Japanese cities of Osaka, Kyoto and Kobe. Kansai lies in the western part of Honshu.

Chubu

Chubu is the central part of Honshu, a border between East and West Japan, with lofty mountains like Mount Fuji and the Japanese Alps. It’s cities are the historic city of Kanazawa, the port city of Niigata, Hida-Takayama, Nagoya (here’s a great day trip from Nagoya) and others.

Kanto

Honshu’s eastern, coastal region and home to the cities of Tokyo and Yokohama- Japan’s largest and second largest cities respectively.

Tohoku

The north-east part of Honshu, home to Miyako, Hirosaki, Sendai and Yamagata.

Hokkaido

Hokkaido is the northernmost island and coldest part of Japan, known for its icy cold winters.

Transportation in Japan

Japan is renowned for its efficient and modern transportation networks- both by rail and the subway. Public transportation, although crowded, runs efficiently and is clean.

Travel is expensive so do enquire about affordable travel passes for foreign visitors.

Japanese rail has a number of overlapping networks that may seem confusing. Trains arrive and leave on time. The Japan Rail group also run the Shinkansen lines. You may find it useful to get hold of a Shinkansen timetable.  

A Japan Rail Pass allows unlimited travel on all JR trains and the Shinkansen bullet train for varying periods (7,14 or 21 days). Different lines have their own rail passes.

Using the domestic flight network to reach the outlying islands of Hokkaido, Okinawa and Kyushu is a good option.

Considering that Japan is an island nation, the boat and ferry transportation is not that popular. Ferries like Aomori-Hakodate ply between cities, located a short distance from one another.

Long distance highway buses like Star Express, Kansai Buses and Willer Express, service especially the Tokyo and Kyoto-Osaka-Kobe triangle.

Rental cars may be hired for road trips to rural areas, but you will need to have a translated Japanese version of your driving license.

Within the city buses and taxis are good options although taxis are available in the country as well.

Accommodation in Japan

Accommodation in Japan varies from minimalist capsule hotels, mid-range hotels, ryokan inns, luxurious accommodations and even outrageous love hotels.

When checking in to your hotel, remember to have a photocopy of your passport ready.

A number of Japanese brand hotels are available like Rihga Royal, New Otani, ANA IHG and Prince.

Hotels can run to the 20,000 yen per person, per night mark for the five star ones. There are also more affordable options on the market and given that Japanese bathrooms are very clean and the rate of petty theft is low, staying at a mid or low range hotel is always a valid option.

Capsule hotels are separated according to sex and the capsules often feature a control panel for switching on and off lights and a built in TV. Keep in mind that the capsule often has just a curtain as its door- so this will obviously not shut out the noise from fellow capsule dormitory residents.

If you are interested in a more authentic Japanese experience, why not try out a traditional Japanese ryokan? These have wooden buildings with long verandahs and well tended gardens. A night at a ryokan for two people with a meal can start at 8000 yen and go up from there. The etiquette to be maintained is quite strict. Make sure you understand the protocol to be followed there. A minshuku is a budget ryokan starting from 3000 yen a night and are often found in the countryside.

Government run guest houses, hostels and even camping in campsites in rural areas, are other options.

Food & Dining Guide for Japan

Japanese food has taken the world by storm and many Japanese dishes have become part of the global gastronomic vocabulary.

Food varies from region to region, dependent on what is abundant and readily available. The main staple of the Japanese diet is white rice and a preference for fresh local ingredients has influenced the palate. Seafood is a ubiquitous, key ingredient. Soybeans serve as a source of protein and pickles complete a meal at any given time.

In Hokkaido try the crab and fresh sashimi. Osaka is famed for the octopus balls and pork chops. Some popular Japanese dishes include curry rice, donburi (rice bowl), katsudon (pork cutlet with egg), gyudon and more. Some noodle based dishes use Chinese egg noodles or ramen, buckwheat soba or wheat udon.

Of course, no trip to Japan is complete without sampling the sushi and sashimi. For fried delights don’t skip on the tempura (deep fried, battered fish or veg), teppanyaki (grilled meat) or yakitori (grilled chicken skewers). Some comfort, cold weather dishes include shabu-shabu- a hotpot of thin slices of meat, fish, veg and broth, softly simmering at your table.

Delicious Japanese desserts include mocha, daifuku, dango, anmitsu and namagashi among others.

Eat like a local in Hiroshima and Okinawa.

Japan’s Attractions

There are a number of things to do in Japan that should be part of your Japan holidays. You might want to avail the help of a Japan trip planner or plan your own trip according to interest.

Of course there are a number of places to visit in Tokyo and you should also plan a Kyoto tour or as a good alternative visit the Kanagawa region. There are also enough free things to do in Tokyo if you know where to look.

The iconic image of mighty, snow capped Mount Fuji, Japan’s highest mountain is visible from Tokyo on a clear day and located west of Tokyo on the island of Honshu. Mount Fuji can be viewed from the mountains, the lakes or even a cable car!

If you would like to view more mountains, head for the Japanese Alps- a ridge of mountains running down the spine of the island of Honshu. Takayama is a gorgeous small town nestled in the Japanese Alps.

Many tourists visit the island of Miyajima, near Hiroshima, to visit the iconic floating torii, the gateway to the Itsukushima Shrine.

Kanazawa is a less touristy but old city of Japan, steeped in quietude and history and is one of the best cities to visit in Japan.

Do make a visit to the geisha district with its beautifully preserved wooden houses part of your Japan sightseeing plan.

Nikko is a must-visit temple town and UNESCO World heritage site situated in the mountains, north of Tokyo. The Toshogu Shrine is the main attractant.

Nara was Japan’s first and most ancient capital. The Hall of the Great Buddha is an outstanding Japan tourist attraction.

Visit the Peace Memorial at Hiroshima and be amazed at how this city has been resurrected after mass destruction.

As Japan is an island nation it is not surprising that there are nice beaches in Japan, although the best ones are to be found in Okinawa, to the south. Check out the other things to do in Okinawa.

Shopping in Destination

There are many things to buy in Japan with regards to casual fashion purchases, electronics, video and PC games, merchandise related to anime and manga characters, stationery items and more.

While New York, Paris, Milan and London are thought to be the centres of high-end fashion, Tokyo doesn’t lag very far behind. The shopping districts of Tokyo and Osaka are sure to dazzle tourists with the wide range of latest fashionable clothing items, particularly for youth. Shibuya (Tokyo) and Shinsaibashi (Osaka) are must visit places in this regard.

Small electronic items and cameras are highly desirable items when shopping in Japan, although do try to obtain an English Users Manual with your purchase and electronics with universal or ‘overseas; settings. Tokyo’s Akihabara is the place to go for these products. Discount stores like Yodobashi Camera, Sofmap, Yamada Denki and Big Camera not only have English speaking staff but also accept foreign credit cards.

Cultured pearls are another desirable item, originally invented by Mikimoto Kokichi. Mikimoto’s flagship store in Tokyo’s Ginza district is the place to head for authentic pearls.

Beauty products including face masks and creams along with kimonos are also make great gifts.

Budget shopping deals are also available at a wide variety of 100 yen stores including names like Daisy, Can Do, Seria and Silk.

Convenience stores and supermarkets are good places to pick up budget friendly meals.

Nightlife

If you are looking for good nightlife, you have come to the right place.

At least Tokyo does have a name for being the city that never sleeps. Enjoy a bout of clubbing in Tokyo’s Shibuya and Roppongi districts. Club hopping with a nightclubbing pass is a good idea and the pass often extends for one week, with even a free drink at some venues.

If you want to learn about the more historical, laidback nightlife of Tokyo head to Asakusa. Shinjuku, Asakusa and Shibuya are good places to go Izakaya Hopping (Pub Crawling).

For alternative experiences, catch a traditional Japanese live show, a baseball game or a night cruise on Tokyo Bay. Visiting a Karaoke Bar is something you just have to do in Tokyo, whether you can sing or not! Tokyo and Osaka have a number of different bars to choose from- British style, DJ spinning houses and other types of music.

The Noge district in Yokohama is another good place for going out. Here you’ll find plenty of restaurants and bars.

Safety Tips for Japan

Japan is luckily one of the safest places with regards to theft and other forms of crime. The crime rates are the lowest in the world but on the flip side of this, law enforcement is extremely strict.

Racial discrimination to foreigners is illegal and therefore violent attacks on tourists and visitors are little heard of.

However, in isolated cases there may be discrimination towards foreigners in certain onsens (make sure to follow onsen etiquette), public baths, restaurants and hotels due to fear of foreigners not understanding bathing etiquette etc.

Petty crime, although not frequent, may occur in crowded areas like trains and airports.

Conclusion

The Asian nation of Japan, the stratovolcanic archipelago of many, many islands has established itself as a beautiful, must-visit destination on the world tourism scene.

Steeped in ancient tradition and culture, completely unique and wonderfully civilized, there is something to be learnt from Japan’s past.

However, the world traveler will be equally spellbound with the face of Japan’s present and future urban landscape. Towering cities, unparalleled, efficient public transport and infrastructure- modern Japan is a force to be reckoned with.

Whether you visit Japan to marvel at the urban cityscapes, the majesty of Mount Fuji, the innovation of pod hostels, the pretty cherry blossom during springtime, the orange colours of autumn, the icy cold winters, the architecture of Japanese temples, the lip-smacking, fresh food, witnessing the ritual of tea-drinking served by a geisha or enjoying the calm and relaxation of an onsen or forest-bathing – Japan has something for every kind of traveler.