JapanThings to Know

How long can you vacation in Japan?

Tourists can typically stay in Japan for up to 90 days without a visa. You can also apply for a double-entry visa that allows for two short trips within a six-month period. You must hold a valid passport for the duration of your trip to Japan, with a blank page for your entry stamp.

Do I need to tip in Japan?

Tipping is almost never expected in Japan and can even be seen as insulting. There are exceptions though. Travel guides and interpreters will usually accept a tip if offered. If you’re fortunate enough to see a geisha performance, you can tip them as well, usually around 3,000 YEN per person, while high-end ryokans will appreciate a small tip of about 1,000 YEN for your stay. Bring a couple of small envelopes for these and hand over any tip with both hands and a slight bow. Even then, you may have to offer more than once, and don’t insist if you’re refused multiple times.

What currency does Japan use?

Japan uses the yen, which trades at around 150 YEN to 1 USD. Japan has become more credit-card friendly in recent years, but cash is often still preferred, particularly for small transactions and in rural areas.

Is Japan LGBTQ+ friendly?

Homosexuality has been legal in Japan since 1882, while the right to change legal gender was passed with some restrictions in 2004. Japanese society is quite conservative and legal reforms tend to be slow, but LGBTQ+ themes, characters, and celebrities are widely visible in Japanese culture, and large cities like Tokyo and Osaka have thriving gay scenes. Public displays of affection are frowned upon regardless of orientation and should be avoided. Some spaces such as public onsens, pod hotels, and some train carriages are often segregated by gender, which may create challenges for trans and non-binary travellers.

How much is a trip to Japan?

The notion of Japan being one of the world’s most expensive countries is somewhat outdated. Introductory Japan tours typically cost around US $300 per day, including 4-star accommodation, a JR (Japan Rail) Pass, transfers, guided touring, and some meals, not counting international flights. That said, the range of experiences, accommodations, food, and vacation packages in Japan is endless, so it’s easy to lower or raise that budget.

What to pack for a trip to Japan?

Each of Japan’s four seasons offers its own activities, so pack accordingly. Light layers will help you stay comfortable in spring and fall, while southern parts of the country are generally warmer and wetter than the north. Try to pack light. Space for luggage is nearly always limited on your Japan trip. If you do have a large suitcase, bring a small overnight pack for side excursions, and use services that send your larger luggage ahead to your next destination.

Do many Japanese people speak English?

You can certainly get by in Japan without speaking Japanese, but you might find conversation with the locals a bit limited. Learning a few polite phrases in Japanese will make a huge difference on your trip to Japan.

Can I drink the tap water in Japan?

Japan has some of the cleanest tap water in the world thanks to a nationwide purification process. Bring a refillable water bottle with you to cut down on waste.

Where should I go on my first Japan trip?

Historic Kyoto and hyper-modern Tokyo make a perfect pairing for your first one-week trip to Japan. Each will easily fill three or four days, though you might also add a day in Hakone, at the foot of Mount Fuji. With more time, Hiroshima and Nara offer some of Japan’s most impressive and moving sights, while Kagoshima and Osaka are considered the country’s foodie capitals.

What’s the best way to get around in Japan and Tokyo?

The Japanese train system has earned an impressive reputation worldwide, and public transit in major cities is also top-notch. Be aware that your JR Pass is not all inclusive. It covers JR railway lines only. This can get confusing in Tokyo, which integrates several public transit systems, including the JR lines. A pre-loaded Pasmo or Suica card is the best way to pay for transit in Tokyo, and you can pre-order the latter online for pickup at the airport.