Travel Tips
Japan
Neon Tokyo, Kyoto's temples, snow-capped Fuji and incredible food come together in a country that simply works.
What I love about Japan
People often ask me what I love most about a country. Every country has its good and bad sides, but here I share the positives I found on my travels.
The trains: the best in the world. They are fast, quiet and right on time, with average delays measured in seconds, and the bullet trains have run since 1964 without a single passenger killed in a train accident.
- Capital
- Tokyo
- Currency
- Japanese yen (JPY)
- Language
- Japanese
- Best overall
- March to May and October to November
- Emergency
- Police 110, fire and ambulance 119
- Electricity
- 100V, plug types A and B
Top Destinations
Many nationalities can visit visa-free for a short stay. Check the rule for your passport, and complete arrival forms through Visit Japan Web. Passport validity rules vary, so check the requirements before you book.
Read about visa on arrival, e-visas and online registration →
Still have specific visa questions?
Cherry blossom season peaks around late March to April. Autumn colors peak around November. Summer is hot and humid, and winter is great for skiing.
Not sure which month suits your trip?
Tokyo
Neon districts, shrines and endless great food.
Kyoto
Temples, gardens and traditional districts.
Mount Fuji
Best seen from Hakone or Kawaguchiko on a clear day.
Osaka
A food-loving city with big nightlife.
Hiroshima
A moving peace memorial, and Miyajima island nearby.
Need help choosing where to go?
- Days 1 to 4 Tokyo
- Days 5 to 6 Hakone and Mount Fuji
- Days 7 to 10 Kyoto
- Day 11 Osaka
- Days 12 to 13 Hiroshima and Miyajima
Want a route planned around your dates?
- Shinkansen bullet trains are fast. Compare the Japan Rail Pass with single tickets.
- Get an IC card for local trains and convenience stores.
Not sure how to get between places?
- Cards are increasingly accepted, but carry cash for small shops. Tipping is not expected.
- Convenience store ATMs generally accept foreign cards.
- Buy an eSIM before you fly or a local SIM on arrival, so maps work from day one.
Questions about costs, cash or SIM cards?
- Sushi and ramen.
- Okonomiyaki: a savory pancake.
- Kaiseki: a traditional multi-course meal.
Want tips on what and where to eat?
- Japan is very safe. Be quiet on trains, and follow local rules on eating while walking.
- Know the earthquake safety basics, and check the alerts.
Planning a trip to Japan?
Book a one-on-one call and bring your questions about your route, costs and visa.
Information on this page may change, so please confirm the latest visa and entry requirements and your government travel advice on official websites before you travel.