馃椌 Japan

Official government travel advice

Advice changes quickly. Check it before you travel and again before you leave.

Recent disaster alerts (UN/EU GDACS)

Updated 4 Nov 2026. Alerts change quickly: check GDACS and your government's advice before you travel.

Costs

Prices here are about 65% of US prices (World Bank, 2025). This compares a country's overall prices, not the cost of a trip.

Practical information

Entry

For the majority of visitors, a valid passport is required, together with a visa depending on nationality. Which rule applies to your passport is shown on the visa page of Japan's Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and online applications through JAPAN eVISA are open to many applicants. Before arrival, Visit Japan Web (the official service, free of charge) takes your immigration and customs details and gives you QR codes, which speeds up the airport. JESTA, an electronic travel authorisation for visa-exempt visitors, has been passed into law and is planned for 2028. Websites selling it should be ignored, because it is NOT running yet.

Culture - take note

Politeness and order matter a great deal. A slight bow is the usual greeting. Shoes come off in many restaurants, temples, ryokan and homes, where slippers are provided; toilet slippers must never leave the toilet. Tipping is not done, since it can cause confusion. Quiet is expected on trains, with phones on silent and no calls. In most places, walking while eating is avoided. Chopsticks should never be stuck upright in rice, nor used to pass food to another pair of chopsticks, because both recall funeral customs. In a public bath (onsen), wash first and wear no swimsuit; tattoos may be refused, so ask. Rubbish bins are rare, so a small bag is worth carrying. Foreign visitors are required to have their passport on them at every moment. Certain common medicines, including some for colds and ADHD, are restricted, so check before you fly. Muslim travellers should plan ahead: big cities are seeing more halal food and prayer rooms, yet these remain limited elsewhere.

Emergency

Police 110. Fire and ambulance 119.

Good to know

Voltage and frequency

Japan's national tourism organisation gives the voltage as 100 volts AC throughout the country, with 50 hertz in eastern Japan and 60 hertz in western Japan, including Nagoya, Kyoto and Osaka. Dual-voltage hair dryers, travel irons and shavers should work anywhere; other appliances may need a step-down transformer. Conversion plugs and transformers are sold in city electronics districts and at large appliance retailers.

Tap water and bottled water

Japan's national tourism organisation says most restaurants offer tap water at no extra charge when asked, and that vending machines and all convenience stores sell bottled water in various sizes. It suggests keeping some water with you at all times.

Cash, cards and ATMs

The currency is the yen. Canadian advice describes Japan as predominantly cash-based, with credit cards accepted at most major hotels and restaurants. Cash machines are widely available, but many do not accept foreign debit cards. Card and ATM fraud occurs, and the advice suggests using machines in well-lit public areas or inside a bank or business and covering the keypad when entering a PIN.

Local laws and customs

Drugs, medicines and ID

Canadian advice says Japan has a zero-tolerance policy on drugs, with severe penalties even for small amounts, and lists codeine and pseudoephedrine among banned medicines. UK advice says a person can be charged if a banned substance is found in the bloodstream. A passport or residence card must be carried at all times, and suspects can be held up to 23 days without charge. Some pools, hot springs and gyms refuse entry to people with tattoos. Same-sex activity is not illegal, UK advice says.

Taxis and scams

Licensed taxis in Japan

Green number plates mark licensed taxis in Japan. The transport ministry warns that taking paying passengers in a car without a business licence is a crime, although white plates are allowed in some permitted cases. According to Japan's national tourism organisation, a red sign at the front means the taxi is free and green means it is taken, the doors open and close by themselves, fares follow the meter, and drivers do not expect tips. Carry your destination written in Japanese.

Taxi apps in Japan

S.RIDE, Uber, DiDi and GO are the apps that Japan's national tourism organisation names for calling taxis, saying they work in English once installed. Transport authorities warn that a private car may not take passengers for a fee without permission, even if the ride was ordered through an app, and that unlicensed cars have no passenger insurance. When your car turns up, confirm that it is a licensed taxi with green plates.

Bar touts and drink spiking

Nightlife districts across Japan, among them Kabukicho, Roppongi, Shibuya and Ikebukuro in Tokyo, see drink spiking, overcharging and card fraud, both UK and Canadian travel advice report. Street touts, called kyakuhiki, approach people in English and lead them to bars, UK advice says. Do not follow touts, never leave drinks unattended or accept them from strangers, check a menu with prices before going in, and take only what you need with you.

Who can help

local government

Japan Visitor Hotline (Japan National Tourism Organization)

Helps with: Hotline run by Japan's national tourism organization. It gives support in emergencies such as accidents, illness and natural disasters, plus general tourist information, in English, Chinese and Korean, 24 hours a day.

Who qualifies: Visitors to Japan, calling from inside Japan or from overseas.

Phone: +81-50-3816-2787

Official website

Source 路 checked 2026-11-04

local government

Police emergency number 110

Helps with: Japan's police emergency number, for reporting a crime or an accident. For less urgent matters, visitors can also go to a neighbourhood police box (koban).

Who qualifies: Anyone in Japan who needs the police urgently.

Phone: 110

Source 路 checked 2026-11-04

local government

Ambulance and fire emergency number 119 (Fire and Disaster Management Agency)

Helps with: Call 119 for an ambulance or a fire. First say whether it is a fire or a medical emergency, then give your location; a nearby building or intersection helps if you lack the address.

Who qualifies: Anyone in Japan; the ambulance service is available to everyone.

Phone: 119

Source 路 checked 2026-11-04

ngo

Japanese Red Cross Society

Helps with: Japan's national Red Cross society. In disasters it sends medical relief teams, sets up aid stations, gives psychological care in evacuation centres and hands out relief supplies such as blankets.

Who qualifies: People in Japan affected by disasters, through its relief work.

Official website

Source 路 checked 2026-11-04

un agency

International Organization for Migration (IOM) Japan

Helps with: The UN migration agency. In Japan it supports migrants through work against human trafficking and help with voluntary return home and reintegration.

Who qualifies: Migrants in Japan, including people affected by human trafficking. It is not a help service for ordinary tourists.

Phone: 03 (3595) 2487

Official website

Source 路 checked 2026-11-04

embassy

Foreign embassies and consulates in Japan (JNTO list)

Helps with: For a lost passport, an emergency or a natural disaster, contact your own country's embassy. This Japan National Tourism Organization page gives addresses and phones, but only for some countries.

Who qualifies: Citizens of each listed country, through their own embassy or consulate.

Official website

Source 路 checked 2026-11-04

local government

Tokyo Metropolitan Police Department General Advisory Center

Helps with: Police advice line for non-emergencies, in Japanese, English, Chinese and Korean: trouble nearby, malicious business practices, stalking or domestic violence. For emergencies dial 110 instead.

Who qualifies: Anyone in Tokyo with a police matter that is not an emergency.

Phone: 03-3501-0110

Official website

Source 路 checked 2026-11-04

local government

Tokyo Tourist Information Center (Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building)

Helps with: Run by the Tokyo Metropolitan Government. Gives information on sightseeing, routes, transport and places to stay in Tokyo and elsewhere in Japan, in Japanese, English, Chinese and Korean.

Who qualifies: Anyone visiting Tokyo. Email replies cover sightseeing questions only and may take several days.

Email: [email protected]

Address: Tokyo Metropolitan Government Main Building No.1, 1F, 2-8-1 Nishi-Shinjuku, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo

Official website

Source 路 checked 2026-11-04

local government

Tourist Information OSAKA (JR Osaka Station)

Helps with: Tourist information centre in JR Osaka Station, open 7:00 to 22:00 all year, with help in English, Chinese and Korean. The phone number is the Osaka Call Center (9:00 to 17:30).

Who qualifies: Anyone visiting Osaka or passing through JR Osaka Station.

Phone: 06-6131-4550

Address: JR Osaka Station 1F Central Concourse, 3-1-1 Umeda, Kita-ku, Osaka 530-0001

Official website

Source 路 checked 2026-11-04

local government

Osaka Prefectural Police

Helps with: Police for Osaka. Foreign visitors who come to a police station or police box after a crime, a traffic accident or losing belongings get language help, by phone if needed. Emergencies: dial 110.

Who qualifies: Foreign residents and visitors in Osaka Prefecture who are dealing with the police.

Phone: 06-6943-1234

Address: 3-1-11 Otemae, Chuo-ku, Osaka 540-8540

Official website

Source 路 checked 2026-11-04

Cities and places

Tokyo TokyoA huge food scene, theme parks and shopping are found in the capital of Japan, along with temples, gardens and neon districts.Photo: Morio, CC BY-SA 3.0 Osaka OsakaUniversal Studios Japan, Osaka Castle and street food at Dotonbori are what this lively food city is known for.Photo: 663highland, CC BY 2.5 Kyoto KyotoAutumn leaves, seasonal cherry blossoms, temples and shrines, and the geisha district of Gion explain the fame of Japan's old imperial capital.Photo: Nina R from Africa, CC BY 2.0 Hokkaido (Sapporo) Hokkaido (Sapporo)Flower fields in summer, seafood, snow and ski resorts, and the Sapporo Snow Festival put Japan's northern island on the map.Photo: 663highland, CC BY 2.5 Okinawa OkinawaA distinct Ryukyu culture marks these subtropical southern islands, which also have beaches, coral reefs and a large aquarium.Photo: CEphoto, Uwe Aranas, CC BY-SA 3.0 Fukuoka FukuokaOn Kyushu island, this friendly city is a place for ramen food stalls and shopping, with hot-spring towns an easy outing away.Photo: Nryate, CC BY-SA 4.0

City selection based on: Japan Tourism Agency / JNTO foreign overnight stays by prefecture; Euromonitor Top 100 City Destinations 2025

Festivals and events

nature

Autumn leaves (koyo) in Kyoto

around Nov-Dec 2026 路 Kyoto

Kyoto's busiest season, second only to cherry blossoms, is when the maples reach peak colour.

sport

Grand Sumo tournament (Tokyo)

around Jan 2027 路 Tokyo

Held at the Ryogoku Kokugikan, the tournament lasts 15 days and recurs in May and September.

festival

Sapporo Snow Festival

around Feb 2027 路 Hokkaido (Sapporo)

Prices go up and hotels fill up around one of the biggest events the country sees every year, so planning ahead matters.

sport

Formula 1 Japanese Grand Prix (Suzuka)

around Mar-Apr 2027 路 Suzuka

Osaka and Nagoya are the cities on either side of Suzuka, the home of this F1 race.

Official site

sport

Grand Sumo tournament (Osaka)

around Mar 2027 路 Osaka

Osaka hosts the sumo tournament held in spring.

sport

Tokyo Marathon

around Mar 2027 路 Tokyo

Central Tokyo's hotels fill up for this race, one of six World Marathon Majors.

festival

Cherry blossom season

around Mar-Apr 2027 路 Tokyo

Early planning is sensible, since this is among the country's largest annual events, with hotels filling up and prices rising.

culture

Golden Week holidays

29 Apr - 5 May 2027 路 Tokyo

Hotels, flights and trains fill up during Japan's busiest holiday week.

sport

Grand Sumo tournament (Tokyo)

around May 2027 路 Tokyo

Sumo is held for 15 days in the Ryogoku Kokugikan.

festival

Gion Matsuri

14-24 Jul 2027 路 Kyoto

Each year this ranks among the biggest events in the country. Hotels fill up while prices go up, so plan early.

festival

Nebuta Matsuri

2-7 Aug 2027 路 Aomori

Aomori is the scene of a parade of huge illuminated paper floats.

festival

Awa Odori dance festival

12-15 Aug 2027 路 Tokushima

During the Obon holidays, this is the largest dance festival in Japan.

sport

Grand Sumo tournament (Tokyo)

around Sep 2027 路 Tokyo

Ryogoku Kokugikan is the venue for a 15-day sumo tournament.

trade

Tokyo Game Show

around Sep 2027 路 Chiba (Makuhari Messe)

Near Tokyo, a video-game trade show is also open to the public.

nature

Autumn leaves (koyo) in Kyoto

around Nov-Dec 2027 路 Kyoto

Kyoto's busiest season, second only to cherry blossoms, is when the maples reach peak colour.

sport

Grand Sumo tournament (Tokyo)

around Jan 2028 路 Tokyo

Held at the Ryogoku Kokugikan, the tournament lasts 15 days and recurs in May and September.

festival

Sapporo Snow Festival

around Feb 2028 路 Hokkaido (Sapporo)

Prices go up and hotels fill up around one of the biggest events the country sees every year, so planning ahead matters.