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

Most visitors need a valid passport and, depending on nationality, a visa. Check the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan's visa page for the rule that applies to your passport; many applicants can apply online through JAPAN eVISA. Visit Japan Web is the official free service to register your immigration and customs details before arrival and get QR codes - it speeds up the airport. Japan has passed a law for an electronic travel authorisation (JESTA) for visa-exempt visitors, planned for 2028 - it is NOT running yet, so ignore websites selling it.

Culture - take note

Politeness and order matter. Bow slightly when greeting; take off shoes at homes, ryokan, temples and many restaurants (use the slippers provided, and never wear toilet slippers outside the toilet). Do not tip - it can cause confusion. Keep quiet on trains: no phone calls, switch to silent. Do not eat while walking in most places. Never stick chopsticks upright in rice or pass food from chopsticks to chopsticks (funeral customs). Public baths (onsen): wash first, no swimsuits, and tattoos may be refused - ask. Rubbish bins are rare - carry a small bag. Foreign visitors must carry their passport at all times. Some common medicines (certain cold and ADHD medicines) are restricted - check before you fly. For Muslim travellers: halal food and prayer rooms are growing in big cities but are still limited elsewhere - plan ahead.

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: info@tokyo-tourism.jp

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 TokyoJapan's capital, mixing temples and gardens with neon districts, shopping, theme parks and a huge food scene.Photo: Morio, CC BY-SA 3.0 Osaka OsakaA lively food city known for Dotonbori street food, Osaka Castle and Universal Studios Japan.Photo: 663highland, CC BY 2.5 Kyoto KyotoThe old imperial capital, famous for temples, shrines, the Gion geisha district and seasonal cherry blossoms and autumn leaves.Photo: Nina R from Africa, CC BY 2.0 Hokkaido (Sapporo) Hokkaido (Sapporo)Japan's northern island, known for snow and ski resorts, the Sapporo Snow Festival, seafood and summer flower fields.Photo: 663highland, CC BY 2.5 Okinawa OkinawaSubtropical southern islands with beaches, coral reefs, a large aquarium and a distinct Ryukyu culture.Photo: CEphoto, Uwe Aranas, CC BY-SA 3.0 Fukuoka FukuokaA friendly city on Kyushu island, known for ramen food stalls, shopping and easy trips to hot-spring towns.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

Peak maple colours - Kyoto's busiest season after cherry blossoms.

sport

Grand Sumo tournament (Tokyo)

around Jan 2027 路 Tokyo

15 days of sumo at the Ryogoku Kokugikan - also in May and September.

festival

Sapporo Snow Festival

around Feb 2027 路 Hokkaido (Sapporo)

One of the country's biggest yearly events. Hotels fill up and prices rise, so plan early.

sport

Formula 1 Japanese Grand Prix (Suzuka)

around Mar-Apr 2027 路 Suzuka

F1 at Suzuka, between Nagoya and Osaka.

Official site

sport

Grand Sumo tournament (Osaka)

around Mar 2027 路 Osaka

The spring sumo tournament in Osaka.

sport

Tokyo Marathon

around Mar 2027 路 Tokyo

One of the six World Marathon Majors - hotels in central Tokyo fill up.

festival

Cherry blossom season

around Mar-Apr 2027 路 Tokyo

One of the country's biggest yearly events. Hotels fill up and prices rise, so plan early.

culture

Golden Week holidays

29 Apr - 5 May 2027 路 Tokyo

Japan's busiest holiday week: trains, flights and hotels are full.

sport

Grand Sumo tournament (Tokyo)

around May 2027 路 Tokyo

15 days of sumo at the Ryogoku Kokugikan.

festival

Gion Matsuri

14-24 Jul 2027 路 Kyoto

One of the country's biggest yearly events. Hotels fill up and prices rise, so plan early.

festival

Nebuta Matsuri

2-7 Aug 2027 路 Aomori

Giant illuminated paper floats parade through Aomori.

festival

Awa Odori dance festival

12-15 Aug 2027 路 Tokushima

Japan's biggest dance festival during the Obon holidays.

sport

Grand Sumo tournament (Tokyo)

around Sep 2027 路 Tokyo

15 days of sumo at the Ryogoku Kokugikan.

trade

Tokyo Game Show

around Sep 2027 路 Chiba (Makuhari Messe)

Video-game trade and public show near Tokyo.

nature

Autumn leaves (koyo) in Kyoto

around Nov-Dec 2027 路 Kyoto

Peak maple colours - Kyoto's busiest season after cherry blossoms.

sport

Grand Sumo tournament (Tokyo)

around Jan 2028 路 Tokyo

15 days of sumo at the Ryogoku Kokugikan - also in May and September.

festival

Sapporo Snow Festival

around Feb 2028 路 Hokkaido (Sapporo)

One of the country's biggest yearly events. Hotels fill up and prices rise, so plan early.