✅ Must Do: Stay a night in a traditional ryokan
✅ Must Eat: Kaiseki (multi-course seasonal meal)
✅ Bring Home: Kokeshi doll (hand-painted wooden figure)
🧠 Trivia: Japan has roughly one vending machine for every 23 people — selling everything from hot coffee to fresh eggs.
Our Expert Insights for Exploring Japan
Japan is one of the most searched travel destinations in the world right now — and one of the most genuinely difficult to plan well. Here’s how we do it right.
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With Expertise In Japan Travel
Not Everything You Need to Know, But a Good Place to Start
The best time to visit Japan is during the spring (March to May) for the iconic cherry blossoms and in the autumn (September to November) for the vibrant fall foliage. Both seasons offer mild, pleasant weather for exploring. It’s best to avoid major holidays like Golden Week in late April/early May and the New Year holiday, as travel and accommodations are extremely crowded and expensive.
Read our in-depth guide on choosing the best time to visit Japan.
Many nationalities, including citizens of the United States, do not require a visa for a short-term tourist stay of up to 90 days. You must have a passport that is valid for the entire duration of your stay. Upon arrival, all visitors must have their fingerprints and a photo taken by immigration officials.
The official currency is the Japanese Yen (JPY). While credit cards are accepted in many hotels, department stores, and major restaurants, cash is still widely used, especially at smaller shops, local eateries, and in rural areas. It’s wise to carry a mix of cash and a credit card.
Japan has a world-class public transportation system. For long-distance travel, the Shinkansen (bullet train) is a fast and efficient option. To travel more affordably, you can purchase a Japan Rail Pass before you leave your home country, which offers unlimited rides on most JR trains for a set period. Within cities, the subway and local bus networks are excellent.
Traditional all-inclusive resorts that bundle all meals, drinks, and activities are not common in Japan. However, there are some resort-style hotels and ryokans (traditional Japanese inns) that offer comprehensive packages, particularly in resort areas or for specific activities like skiing.
Yes, most modern smartphones will work in Japan, but you should check your carrier’s international roaming rates, which can be expensive. A more cost-effective option is to rent a pocket Wi-Fi device or purchase a local prepaid SIM card or eSIM upon arrival. Free Wi-Fi is available in many public areas, hotels, and cafes.
Japan is an excellent destination for cruising, with a variety of itineraries that sail along its coastlines and visit numerous ports. Cruises offer a convenient way to experience a range of destinations, from the bustling cityscapes of Tokyo to the tranquil gardens of Kyoto, all in one trip.
Japan has numerous cruise ports. The main ones for international cruise lines are the Yokohama Port, which is the primary port for the Tokyo area, and Kobe Port, which serves the Osaka and Kyoto regions. Other major ports include Fukuoka, Nagasaki, and Hakodate.
Popular activities include visiting ancient temples and shrines in Kyoto, exploring the modern districts of Tokyo, experiencing a traditional tea ceremony, and relaxing in a natural hot spring (onsen). Many travelers also enjoy hiking, visiting unique theme parks, and, of course, sampling the world-renowned Japanese cuisine.
The official language is Japanese. While English is spoken in major tourist areas, learning a few phrases is a sign of respect. “Konnichiwa” (kohn-nee-chee-wah) means hello, “Arigato gozaimasu” (ah-ree-gah-toh goh-zah-ee-mas) means thank you, and “Sumimasen” (soo-mee-mah-sehn) means excuse me or sorry.
Yes, the tap water in Japan is considered safe to drink throughout the country. It is of high quality and undergoes strict health standards.
While Japan is very safe, be aware of scams in high-traffic tourist areas. These include individuals posing as monks who ask for “donations” in exchange for trinkets and bar scams where a friendly local invites you for a drink at a place that charges exorbitant prices. It’s best to politely decline and move on.
Tipping is not customary in Japan. In fact, it can sometimes be considered rude or confusing. Service charges are usually included in the bill at restaurants and hotels. If you are given a tip, it may be politely refused.
The standard voltage in Japan is 100V with a frequency of both 50Hz and 60Hz. The most common plug type is Type A, which has two flat pins (the same as in North America). If your devices are rated for 110V-120V, they will likely work, but you should check the label to be sure.
Punctuality is highly valued in Japan. When visiting a local home or many traditional establishments, you should remove your shoes. When greeting someone, a slight bow is appropriate. Never stick your chopsticks upright in a bowl of rice, as this is associated with funeral rites.
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